Author: Zachary Patlin
On December 1, the MLB owners unanimously agreed to lock out the MLB Players Association in order to discuss a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) before the next MLB season. What this means in more general terms is that the owners had the right to disallow any MLB baseball activity from occurring until the owners and the players association agree on a new deal to govern the sport for the next bunch of years.
With the lockdown going into full effect, the MLB is officially unable to benefit from the player’s likeness, a major reason why the players' pictures and any merchandise has been taken down from the MLB website. Also, GMs are not allowed to talk to agents or players until a new agreement is put into place, and that timetable remains to be unclear.
The week leading up to this very easily predictable lockout saw many top-tier free agents leave the board, as players looked to get their deals done early in the offseason in order to avoid waiting for a new CBA. Among some of those players are Max Scherzer (Mets), Corey Seager and Marcus Semien (Rangers), Robbie Ray (Mariners), and Javier Baez (Tigers). Many other teams made early splashes, while some large marquee teams like the Yankees, Dodgers and Red Sox held out as they awaited the new luxury tax threshold in the new CBA.
With the lockout beginning December 1, that left a variety of star players on the open market for when teams are able to talk to agents again. Amongst some of the stars, none shine brighter than Carlos Correa, Freddie Freeman, Trevor Story, Kris Bryant, Nick Castellanos, Clayton Kershaw, and Japanese Phenom Seiya Suzuki.
Let us dig deeper into some of these names and some potential landing spots once the lockout ends. First, Carlos Correa is arguably the best player to hit free agency this year, coming off an incredible 2021 season where he won a platinum glove in the AL. He is 27, making him the youngest star shortstop to hit the open market in a long time. Correa’s market seems to be narrowing as the Rangers and Tigers both spent big on shortstops, but teams that are still in the market have deep checkbooks if they are willing to use them. The Yankees and the Red Sox are both in the market, but it remains to be seen if they will attempt to outspend the other and get Correa. Next comes World Series champion Freddie Freeman, who in my eyes will be Brave for life. Although he has yet to sign with the Braves, I simply cannot see him playing in any other uniform. Trevor Story is coming off a down 2021 campaign, however, he remains a 5 tool shortstop who, for the right price and length, could be the best signing of the entire offseason. His market will be large after the lockout because of his potential and the team's ability to possibly pay a discount.
Moving on to what I believe to be the next tier of stars remaining, Kris Bryant is as versatile as anyone on the market. Teams can plug and play him anywhere they choose, so his market will remain large and the Mets have been seen to have interest in KB. Also, a reunion with the Giants remains very much possible. Nick Castellanos might just be the best pure hitter still available. A line-to-line power guy who is not known for his defense could best fit on an AL team with the DH. However, it is very possible that the NL will adopt the universal DH in this CBA, opening up Castellanos market, a major reason why he is still available. Clayton Kershaw is coming off of an injury-plagued 2021 season, but this future first ballot hall of fame will have a market outside of LA. This, however, seems unlikely to me that he would play in a non-dodger uniform.
Lastly, Japanese star Seiya Suzuki is coming off a season in Japan where he hit .317 with 38 Home runs and 88 RBIs. He is also viewed by scouts to play all three outfield positions above average and can run a little bit too on the base paths. If all the hype is real surrounding this phenom, Seiya could very well be the steal of the offseason, and it is reported that some east and west coast teams are very much in the running to sign this free agent. Overall, there are a number of high-level talented players still available that can make an impact. If your team has yet to make a splash, that does not mean that they won’t. Just be patient as we await the end of the lockout after the new year, and look forward to MLB being back and better than ever in 2022.
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