Top pitcher MLB free agents available in 2016-17

No one would have thought that Hill would be the starting pitcher prize in free agency, but that's the case after the lefty posted a 2.12 ERA in 20 starts between Oakland and L.A. He won't get many years going on his age 37 season but should get plenty of money.

Coming off arguably his best season yet, Chapman is set for a huge contract in free agency. He has 182 saves and a 2.08 ERA for his career and continues to pump the strike zone with triple-digit fastballs.

Jansen was already set for a huge payday and strengthened his case with a great postseason. He had an incredible 2016 season, with 47 saves and a 1.83 ERA. He's also posted a K/BB ratio above 9.00 in consecutive years.

Melancon has finished with a sub-2.00 ERA in three of the last four seasons, working on his sinker and great control. He's been among the NL leaders in saves in each of the last two seasons.

The Pirates really helped Nova after he was traded, posting a 3.06 ERA and only three walks in 64.2 innings. He could be a great sleeper after his late-season push.

Lewis is older and has trouble keeping the ball in the park, but he pitched well in 2016 when he was healthy. He finished with a 3.71 ERA in 19 starts.

Colon seems to get bigger and better with age. He was a bargain on a $7.25 million contract in 2016, finishing with 15 wins and a 3.43 ERA for the Mets.

Hellickson rebounded as the Phillies' ace, posting a 3.71 ERA and tying his career-high 189 innings. He's likely earned himself a long-term deal.

Kansas City's former shutdown closer is still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery but could be ready at the beginning of 2017. He's a great alternative to the elite closers and earned that title himself in 2013-14 with a sub-2.00 ERA and 93 saves combined over those two seasons.

Casilla lost the closer job late in 2016 but has enough experience that someone might give him a try. He has 127 career saves.

Garcia's option isn't likely to be picked up by the pitching-rich Cardinals. He stayed healthy for all of 2016, which has been a problem, but posted a career-worst 4.67 ERA. There will still be a good market after Garcia posted a 2.43 ERA in 2015.

Cashner should have a strong market because of his great stuff and early-career success, but he's regressed over the last two seasons. He finished with an ERA above 5.00 in 2016 despite pitching in two home pitcher-friendly parks.

Norris did a nice job with Atlanta early this past season but struggled after getting traded to the Dodgers. His track record could still make him deserving of a short-term deal.

Blanton has rehabbed his career and become a fine setup man after many years as a starter. He had a 2.48 ERA in 75 appearances with the Dodgers in 2016.

Ziegler has pitched in every role as a reliever and continues to do a great job in his mid-30s. This past season he finished with a 2.25 ERA between closing and setup work.

After staying healthy for 31 starts in 2015, Anderson got hurt again this season. He's had trouble staying healthy throughout his career but has usually been effective while on the mound.

Dickey really started to show his age in 2016, posting a 4.46 ERA and managing to throw only 169.2 innings for Toronto. The knuckleballer could still be adequate in a large park at age 42.

Smith has regressed slightly over the last two seasons but remains effective, especially against right-handed hitters. He has a 2.93 ERA for his career.

Romo made only 40 appearances in 2016 but finished the season as San Francisco's closer. He remains an extremely effective reliever and has 84 saves for his career.

Fister looked good in spurts during 2016, but his command continued to hurt him. He had a career-worst 4.64 ERA in 180.1 innings for the Astros.

Papelbon decided not to sign anywhere after he was released by Washington with a 4.37 ERA in 37 appearances. His closer experience remains enticing if a team could overlook his fiery demeanor.

Tazawa isn't approaching free agency at his peak value after posting an ERA above 4.00 in consecutive seasons but has still shown decent peripherals. He could be an attractive right-handed setup man.

De La Rosa has been a relatively effective starter for the Rockies since 2008 but posted a 5.51 ERA in 2016. The lefty could still have a market considering how effective he was previously.

Uehara is past his shelf life as a closer but remains a very effective setup man going on age 42. He posted a 3.45 ERA and 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings in 2016.

Buchholz is a major wild card in free agency after another mediocre season for Boston. The Red Sox have never known what they'd get from Buchholz, whether it was dominance, injuries or ineffectiveness. His value in the free agent market will be interesting.