Joey Votto for one, the better, non-fat version of Fielder hits FA. No chance he signs an extension, he's testing the FA market. Same age and quality as Fielder, just 2 years later when we'll actually know what we have in Smoak/Carp.
There's also Ryan Zimmerman who may be extended this off-season, but if he's not look for him hitting FA 2014.
David Wright also hits FA that year if he's not traded or extended. Ellsbury, Alex Gordon, and Hunter Pence for the OF, and Ellsbury will opt for FA being a Boras client and all. Gordon could see an extension if KC is willing, and Pence probably hits FA. If you don't mind older, Granderson might be available.
Finally Brian McCann for Catcher if his option gets picked up next year and we strike out on Montero/Molina/Napoli.
That's not even accounting for trade targets.
All these guys are around the same age as Fielder and just as good, but hit FA 2 years later, which is perfect for us because we need time to evaluate what we have anyway. 2013 seems too early to think contention. Ackley's 2nd full year, estimated ETA on Nick Franklin, 1st full year for Paxton/Hultzen, etc. Waiting gives Smoak/Carp, the 3B pile, and the OF pile to prove what they have in the next 2 years, and develop our pitching, identifying our biggest hole (1B/3B/OF/C) then pursing a Fielder-quality FA/trade to fill it.
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