Zack Greinke, Torii Hunter highlight 5 Angels free agents

Zack Greinke was acquired by the Los Angeles Angels in hopes of making a postseason push. The Halos didn't make the postseason, but Greinke pitched well, and figures to be the big prize among pitchers on the free agent market. Greinke is one of five Angels who became free agents on Monday.

The World Series ended on Sunday night, and per Major League Baseball's collective bargaining agreement all players eligible for free agency became free agents at 6 a.m. PT on Monday. The is a quiet period in MLB until Friday at 8:59 p.m. PT, before which no free agent can sign with a new team. However, free agents are free to talk with any team, and teams can re-sign their own free agents at any time.

Greinke went 6-2 with a 3.53 ERA in 13 starts with the Angels, with 78 strikeouts and 26 walks in 89⅓ innings. He went 15-5 on the season with a 3.48 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 34 starts with the Angels and Milwaukee Brewers. The 29-year old will likely be the most sought after pitching free agent this offseason.

Joining Greinke among Angels free agents is outfielder Torii Hunter, whose five-year, $90 million contract is now over. Hunter, 37, hit .313/.365/.451 with 16 home runs and 92 RBI in 140 games in 2012.

Other Halos free agents are relief pitchers LaTroy Hawkins and Jason Isringhausen, and infielder Macier Izturis. In addition, the Angels have to decide this week whether or not to exercise a pair of club options on starting pitchers. Dan Haren's option calls for a 2013 salary of $15.5 million, or a $3.5 million buyout, while Ervin Santana could earn $13 million next year or a $1 million buyout.