In case you forgot (we really doubt it, but we’ll remind you anyway), MLB implemented a lockout in early December that prevents teams from signing or acquiring major league players.
Among other things, players on the 40-man roster can’t even have contact with team officials.
They also can’t train their club’s facilities or even rehab injuries.
MLB said it used the lockout card to speed up negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), yet here we are, in early March and with the two sides locked in talks and threatening to cancel regular season games.
In any case, when the lockout is finally lifted (which can happen at any time but will happen once the new CBA is finalized), players will be able to go to the market again.
That means dozens of players will be able to find a job very soon, because teams will hit the free agent market like a young kid hunts a newly-released video game.
Crazy Hours Are Ahead
An MLB outfielder, who happens to be a free agent himself, reminded us that there will be crazy hours ahead if MLB and the Players Association can agree to a new CBA soon.
“When this deal is done…it’s gunna be the craziest free agent frenzy we’ve witnessed.. popcorn up sports fans,” Joc Pederson said via Twitter.
When this deal is done…it’s gunna be the craziest free agent frenzy we’ve witnessed.. popcorn up sports fans🍿
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) March 1, 2022
Indeed, there are still lots of useful players available in spite of the pre-lockout spending spree.
Clayton Kershaw, Carlos Rodon, Kris Bryant, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Nick Castellanos, Kenley Jansen, and many more stars are available for the right money.
Pederson is a nice left-handed bat with pop who can help a contender.
The second version of free agency is actually an exciting thing to think about once the lockout ends.
NEXT: There Is No More Pushing Back MLB Negotiations