Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez, Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek and Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez are among the free agents expected to reject arbitration and remain on the open market, major-league sources say.

A fluid market could lead some free agents to shift plans or even re-sign with their original clubs before they are required to make a decision on arbitration at midnight Sunday ET. But virtually all of the top free agents seem unwilling to accept arbitration, which would tie them to their clubs on one-year, non-guaranteed contracts.

Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez and Rockies closer Brian Fuentes are likely to reject their respective arbitration offers, sources said.

Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets and Angels right-hander Jon Garland are among the starting pitchers also expected to reject.

A high number of rejections would indicate that agents are confident their clients will receive strong multi-year offers even in a reeling economy — and even though teams must forfeit a high draft pick if they sign a free agent who is offered arbitration.

Varitek, 36, seems an ideal candidate to accept the Red Sox's offer — despite batting only .220 last season, he would receive an increase from his $9 million salary through the arbitration process.

But Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, might prefer to keep pushing for a multi-year deal, perhaps even from the Red Sox — a bold approach, considering that the demand for high-priced catchers appears limited.

Some rival agents, however, believe that Boras might be offering Varitek in a "package deal" with the catcher's friend and fellow Georgia Tech alum, free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. The Red Sox are pursuing Teixeira, and the Nationals are among the other teams that might have interest in both players

Boras also represents Ramirez, who would stand to earn between $25 million and $30 million in arbitration. Ramirez, however, has said he wants at least a four-year deal, and the Dodgers, Yankees and Angels are among the teams that remain interested.

Ibanez, drawing interest from the Cubs, Mets, Phillies and other clubs, is expected to land a three-year contract for at least $30 million even though he turns 37 in June.

Rodriguez and Fuentes, like the other free agents offered arbitration, could accept one-year deals and return to the open market next off-season, when the economy presumably would be stronger. But as pitchers, they would be gambling that they would stay healthy for another year.

In Rodriguez's case, he probably could not produce a better season than he did in 2008, when he earned a record 62 saves. The Angels do not want him back at a high salary, and there would be little upside to him staying with the club for another year, even at an inflated salary.

As for starting pitchers, even those with questions — physical issues in the case of Sheets, performance issues in the case of Garland — eventually might command decent multi-year offers. At least that would be the belief of their agents if they rejected arbitration.

Seattle Mariners News News » Sources: Several top FAs likely to reject arbitration
Sources: Several top FAs likely to reject arbitration
So much for the idea of certain top free agents panicking and accepting their clubs' offers of salary arbitration. MLB Hot Stove