Looking ahead: The top 5 free agents in 2016

Though plenty of free-agent bats remain available this winter, it's never too early to look ahead.

With the calendar set to flip to 2016, the Toronto Blue Jays are 10 months away from one of the most important offseasons in franchise history, as two of the key cogs in their explosive offense are poised to headline the next free-agent class.

While next year's class isn't littered with the volume of talent as this winter - or what's expected in 2018 - there's still some top-end players available.

Jose Bautista, Blue Jays

AGE: 35
MLB Service: 12 seasons
2015 Salary: $14 million

Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro inherits the highest-scoring offense in baseball, but how long he keeps the band together remains to be seen. Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion are both pending free agents and are expected to command hefty raises from their current team-friendly deals. From Rule 5 draftee to franchise pillar, Bautista will be the top offensive option available in free agency, should the Blue Jays fail to lock him up beforehand. Though he'll be 36, expect the six-time All-Star to command a nine-figure deal after averaging 38 home runs and 97 RBIs over the last six seasons. While his defensive skills continue to diminish, there should be no shortage of suitors lining up to land the slugger, with American League teams eventually using him as a designated hitter.

Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays

AGE: 32
MLB Service: 11 seasons
2015 Salary: $10 million

It's likely one or the other for Shapiro, and all logic points to Bautista being the priority for the Blue Jays - which means letting Encarnacion walk. The 32-year-old is among the league's elite hitters, clubbing 151 homers and a .919 OPS over the last four seasons. With Russell Martin, Josh Donaldson, and Troy Tulowitzki eating a big chunk of the payroll, it's unlikely the Blue Jays will have the funds to pay both of their key free agents. Set to earn $10 million in 2016, Encarnacion is arguably the most underpaid slugger in the majors, and expect him to squeeze out every penny he can in his last opportunity for a big payday. With a player-imposed Opening Day deadline for an extension, the front office doesn't have long to make a decision.

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals

AGE: 27
MLB Service: 6 seasons
2015 Salary: $10.5 million (projected)

In a time when 30-year-old pitchers are getting $200-million plus deals, 27-year-old Strasburg and agent Scott Boras must be champing at the bit to get negotiations started. Though Strasburg is coming off an injury-riddled season and has thrown more than 200 innings just once in his career, the right-hander is far and away the best arm among next year's free agents. Following a shaky start in 2015, he settled down to go 8-2 with a 1.84 ERA and 110 strikeouts over his last 14 starts, limiting the opposition to a .180 average. The Nationals have failed to lock up homegrown talent this offseason, seeing Jordan Zimmermann and likely Ian Desmond walk, and Strasburg could continue the trend.

Carlos Gomez, Astros

AGE: 30
MLB Service: 9 seasons
2015 Salary: $9 million

Though he's coming off a down year in which he hit .255/.314/.409 with 12 homers and 17 stolen bases, Gomez has the best blend of speed and power hitting free agency. Given the young talent in the Astros' system, it's unlikely the team will try to extend the 30-year-old, all but assuring he hits the market next fall. Gomez is a Gold Glove-caliber defender capable of playing all three outfield positions, offering 20-plus homers and stolen base potential. Injuries have cost Gomez more than 100 games over the past four seasons, and a healthy 2016 could go a long way in determining his upcoming payday.

Aroldis Chapman, Reds

AGE: 27
MLB Service: 6 seasons
2015 Salary: $12.9 million (projected)

Depending on the ramifications of an ongoing domestic violence investigation, Chapman may or may not be a free agent in 2016. A lengthy suspension could delay the left-hander's shot at free agency another year. Although, if he's able to accrue the 138 days necessary next season, he'll become the top reliever on the market. Chapman is arguably the best closer in baseball, posting a 1.90 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 456 strikeouts in 255 2/3 innings the last four seasons while converting 145 of 160 (91 percent) save opportunities. With teams paying a premium for relievers, Chapman will likely land the richest contract ever handed to a closer.