With the World Series over, there are a lot of players about to become free agents.  This means the hot stove is about to crank up.  The worker bees at MLB front offices across the league are about to start throwing logs onto the fire and really get things heated up.  To get you ready for the offseason and the seemingly endless number of transactions that are likely to begin in the coming weeks, we've put together a list of injured player who are entering free agency:


Brandon McCarthy (fractured skull, brain surgery)

McCarthy went 8-6 with a 3.24 ERA in 2012.  He posted a 123 ERA+.

Todd Coffey* (UCL injury, Tommy John surgery)

Coffey has a team option for 2013 that the Dodgers will likely not pick up.  He went 1-0 with a 4.66 ERA in 23 relief appearances for the Dodgers.

George Sherrill (UCL injury, Tommy John surgery)

Sherrill will not be available until about the middle of the 2013 season thanks to Tommy John surgery.  He made just two appearances in relief this season and posted a 27.00 ERA.

Juan Oviedo (UCL injury, Tommy John surgery)

Oviedo is looking at a recovery time that will take him through the entire 2013 season.  He appeared in 68 games for the Marlins and posted a 4.06 ERA.

Tim Byrdak (torn left shoulder)

Byrdak is in jeopardy of his career being over.  The 39-year old hopes to return about mid-way through next season, but that's not a guarantee.  He made 56 relief appearances for the Mets this year and had a 4.40 ERA.

Randy Wolf* (UCL injury, Tommy John surgery)

Wolf has a team option for 2013, but with Tommy John surgery scheduled for October 30th, it would not make sense for the Orioles to pick up the option.  Wolf split time between the Brewers and Orioles this past season, was 5-10, and posted a 5.65 ERA.

Jose Contreras (UCL injury, Tommy John surgery)

The 40-year old Jose Contreras may not come back from this injury.  He will miss the entire 2013 season.  In 2012, he made 17 relief appearances and had a 5.27 ERA.

Mike Adams (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, surgery)

Adams is expected to make a full recovery from his surgery, but teams will not know if he regained strength in his extremities until he begins throwing again.  Adams played an important role in the Rangers' bullpen and posted a 3.27 ERA this season.

Ryan Madson (UCL injury, Tommy John surgery)

Madson was signed to a huge deal in Cincinnati, but never got to pitch for the Reds.  He missed the entire 2012 season after tearing his UCL in spring.

Joakim Soria (UCL injury, Tommy John surgery)

Soria is another closer who missed the entire 2012 season with his new team.  The Royals, though, are working on a new deal for the 28-year old.

Scott Baker (Flexor Tendon surgery)

While it wasn't Tommy John surgery, Baker had to miss the entire 2012 season because of a torn flexor tendon.  He is expected to pitch in 2013.
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