Some MLB teams really used the imaginary pre-lockout “deadline” to fill their squads with star-caliber players.
The Texas Rangers and New York Mets come to mind.
But the inactivity of others was really baffling and disconcerting.
These MLB teams are being hurt by the lockout because they will likely find a different market once the restriction to sign players is lifted.
But to be clear, they are being affected by their own passive approach.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies were affected by the lockout because they will now have fewer options to choose from and still a lot of teams with holes and money to sign players.
For example, they need a center fielder and a shortstop, and most of the viable options for the former position have signed, while many of the star infielders flew off the board, too.
Right now, Adam Haseley and Mickey Moniak could be the starters in the outfield alongside Bryce Harper.
That’s far from an ideal outfield by a contender.
The Phillies could also be competing with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and other top squads for Trevor Story or Carlos Correa.
Additionally, they also need bullpen help, although Corey Knebel should help.
The Mets made huge strides prior to the lockout, and the Miami Marlins brought in some interesting pieces, too.
The Atlanta Braves are the reigning World Series champions and could re-sign Freddie Freeman.
The Phillies?
Well, let’s just say they haven’t been as active.
They have the longest playoff appearance drought in the NL and the 2nd longest in the sport. The Phillies can’t afford to be passive.
— Balls Don't Work (@GotNoSperm) November 29, 2021
2. San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres entered the 2021 season as candidates to make a deep postseason run in the National League.
Instead, they collapsed and finished third in the NL West, with a lousy 79-83 record.
They were 28 games behind the division winners, the San Francisco Giants.
They were supposed to address the 2021-22 offseason with a sense of urgency.
However, the opposite has happened.
They only made a few minor additions prior to the lockout.
They weren’t hurt by the lockout per se, but instead, they probably will pay their lack of activity before the halt.
So far, they traded infielder Adam Frazier, signed pitchers Luis Garcia and Robert Suarez, and acquired catcher Jorge Alfaro.
But they need to overhaul a disappointing offense that couldn’t consistently produce outside of Fernando Tatis Jr.
They could bring Kris Bryant and Nick Castellanos, for example, but now, teams desperate for offensive help will have money and a sense of urgency.
It’s not an ideal scenario.
1. New York Yankees
The Yankees entered the offseason with three main needs: a shortstop, a center fielder, and some starting pitching depth.
After the pre-lockout signing spree in MLB, their primary needs are: a shortstop, a center fielder, and some starting pitching depth.
Yes, that’s right: they did nothing before the lockout.
They lost Corey Kluber, to a division rival, no less: he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays.
So far, the Yanks saw three major shortstops (Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Javier Baez) fly off the board.
Now, they will need to sign one between Correa and Story or risk ending up with an Andrelton Simmons-type.
Oh, and the Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Astros, and Phillies will want to sign an infielder, too.
They let Starling Marte and Chris Taylor sign elsewhere, too, and Carlos Rodon is perhaps their only realistic option to plug in the rotation at this point.
"The Yankees will face competition for any players still available. And their relative inactivity before the lockout renewed questions about the intentions of managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner."
Good stuff from Ken & Lindsey on how they can answer those questions. https://t.co/lzIeogsKjT
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 9, 2021
A trade for a starter and/or first baseman Matt Olson and one of the two star shortstops could salvage the Yankees’ offseason, but such a scenario is looking less likely by the day.
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