There are a number of top-level pitchers scheduled to hit the free agent market this winter.

Max Scherzer, Jon Lester, James Shields, Justin Masterson, David Price and Jeff Samardzija are all set to hit the open market.

"Lester is the most appealing," one National League general manager said. "He's left-handed, a bulldog, big-game experience, and just 30. Will he get six or seven years? I'd say he will."

The Boston Red Sox offered Lester a four-year, $70 million deal, but he declined.