Yes, the season is still a few months from being over.
But for the fans of the 22 teams that aren’t going to make the playoffs, it’s time to look ahead to next season.
Every team has a gap somewhere on the infield, and there are a number of quality players to fill those voids.
Here are the top 10 infielders that will be available in the upcoming offseason.
Jose Reyes
With the Mets’ finances in shambles, Reyes looks to be one of the top infielders on the market.
He will likely command a massive contract, upwards of Carl Crawford’s seven-year $143 million dollar contract from last season.
It is difficult to completely judge potential landing spots for Reyes, but I would expect teams such as the Giants and even the Phillies to be interested.
Carlos Pena
The Cubs will make a big run after Albert Pujols likely leaving Carlos Pena available for the taking.
Despite Pena’s substandard batting average, he still has a great deal of power. He might be better suited for an American league team where he could DH if necessary.
Pena will probably command around 10 million a year and could see interest from any number of teams.
Kelly Johnson
Already traded this year, Kelly Johnson becomes a free agent at year’s end. Although the Blue Jays would likely try to extend Johnson, he is one of the top second baseman available for 2012.
Johnson has the power to hit 20 or more home runs every season; it is his average that has struggled in 2011. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Johnson on the open market making around seven million per season.
Many teams have offensive ineptitude up the middle and would be wise to pursue Johnson.
Aramis Ramirez
Ramirez is another Cubs’ player who could head for greener pastures.
The Cubs best bet is to go younger, which is an opposite direction of Ramirez. Aramis is still a productive player who has a few more solid years ahead of him.
I’d expect him to be most appealing to a few rebuilding teams who need a quick offensive injection for a relatively affordable price.
Third base is a sparse position in the offseason and Ramirez is likely the top available player at the hot corner.
Prince Fielder
The Brewers really need to do their best to re-sign Fielder, but if they don’t, a huge number of teams will be in the race for his services.
He’s probably going to command more than $20 million a year, but as long as his production holds up, he’ll be worth it.
Teams with woeful offenses, see SF Giants, would be smart to throw as many dollars as it takes to get Fielder in their uniform.
Carlos Guillen
Guillen is a seasoned veteran with a long injury history, but for the right price could be an attractive option.
While he is no longer the most mobile player, he is versatile and can legitimately play all four infield positions. He is a good contact hitter and could slot into an offensively minded team very well.
Jimmy Rollins
Despite not being the most talented player available, I expect Jimmy Rollins to be the most pursued free agent in the offseason.
Rollins has done very well in his time in Philadelphia, although those days appear to be nearing an end.
He is a shortstop but could shift over to third depending on his new teams. Rollins will probably make $7-8 million next year and every team with a need on the left side of the infield should consider taking Rollins on.
Rafael Furcal
Another oft-injured, well-traveled player, Rafael Furcal, is coming off a bad contract with the Dodgers and an injury laden few months with the Cardinals.
He’s likely to only command a small salary given his recent history, but when healthy, can contribute in the field and at the plate.
James Loney
James Loney is an intriguing free agent to be.
The Dodgers are likely to non tender Loney after the season allowing him to try to advance his career elsewhere.
Loney is never going to be a 25 home run player, but he is a good contact hitter and consistently drives in over 80 runs each year.
His production is not ideal for the first base position but he is affordable and a bargain shopping team should try to sign him.
Albert Pujols
Saved the best for last.
The Cardinals would be fools not to pay Pujols whatever he wants. If for some reason they don’t, Pujols easily becomes the most sought after free agent.
There’s no need to go through his career numbers; he’d be in the Hall of Fame if he retired today.
Pujols could see a record $30 million a year contract from whomever he ends up with in 2012.