MLB teams are currently unable to sign players because the lockout, but when activity restarts, there are plenty of players still up for grabs.
Sure, many stars already signed before the lockout, but there is plenty of talent left in the pool.
These three players are looking to score the biggest deals in MLB when teams can make transactions again.
3. Freddie Freeman
Atlanta Braves hero Freddie Freeman remains on the market, as the reigning World Series champions could agree on a deal to keep him around for the long-term before the lockout.
He still remains a strong bet to return to Atlanta once the restriction to sign players is lifted, but it’s not a lock like it used to be.
Freeman is said to be seeking a six-year deal worth around $180 million, which is a significant commitment to a 32-year-old first baseman.
Of course, Freeman is not just any 32-year-old first baseman.
He is a former MVP winner, All-Star, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, and World Series winner still at his physical peak.
That last line should tell you everything you need to know about Freeman and whether or not he deserves to earn that kind of money.
He is one of the league’s premier left-handed hitters, and he slugged .300/.393/.503 with 31 homers, a .896 OPS, and 120 runs scored in 2021.
Those numbers are right in line with what he has done over his career: .295/.384/.509, and a .893 OPS.
He will get paid, by the Braves or another team.
So 6-years, $180 million for Freddie Freeman? $30 million/year.
You mean to tell me the Braves can’t get that done? Come on.
— Gary Sheffield Jr. (@GarysheffieldJr) November 30, 2021
2. Kris Bryant
Another star looking for a hefty payday is Kris Bryant.
The former National League MVP and Rookie of the Year hit .265/.353/.481 with 25 home runs, 86 runs, 73 RBI, and 10 stolen bases between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants in 2021.
He struggled with health issues in 2020, but proved last year that he can still be an elite bat in MLB, and he is at a perfect age (almost 30) to secure the biggest contract of his career.
Freeman is a superior hitter, but Bryant can play third base, first base, and both outfield corners.
He can even play some center field in an emergency, and his versatility is an exciting trait for interested clubs.
Bryant also knows what it’s like to win a World Series, as he did it in 2016 with the Cubs.
The New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Diego Padres are all interested in Bryant if the price is right.
That price could ascend toward the $160 million range.
1. Carlos Correa
The prize of free agency, Carlos Correa, remains unsigned after the pre-lockout spree that saw Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Javier Baez commit their future to new teams.
Correa, meanwhile, knows he has the potential to score the largest deal of the offseason.
There is a chance that waiting until after the lockout affects his market, but there are still several clubs pursuing his services, which is why the price may not go down.
That price will surely be over $300 million, as Seager signed for $325 million.
Correa won the Gold Glove in 2021 and slashed .279/.366/.485 with 26 homers and 5.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
He is just 27 and is reportedly seeking at least Francisco Lindor money (ten years, $341 million).
This says Correa wants nothing less than Lindor money. I love Carlos Correa, but you cannot even think about paying him that. Nobody should, but somebody probably will. https://t.co/W87RY0uFsV
— Michael Connor (@MC790) November 17, 2021
Will he get it?
NEXT: Why Did Francisco Lindor Struggle In 2021?
Simon Dreyfuss says
Hope Kris Bryant returns to Chicago.