MLB is currently in a lockout, which means teams can’t sign free agents.
However, they will eventually be able to resume their offseason once there is a new collective bargaining agreement.
Lots of players flew off the market, but some good pieces remain.
Here are the best three position players still on the market.
3. Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa’s camp has said the shortstop is comfortable with signing after the MLB lockout.
In fact, it could be a wise choice because there is a chance the luxury tax is elevated, potentially inviting teams to spend a bit more in contracts.
The good thing for Correa is that there are still a handful of teams willing to spend a sizable amount of money on a top shortstop.
The New York Yankees badly need one, and both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros could use one.
The Dodgers may go into the year with Trea Turner at shortstop and Gavin Lux or Max Muncy at second, but they can’t be ruled out.
The Houston Astros, on the other hand, have made it clear they don’t want to spend $200 million on Correa.
However, the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox could also enter the bidding.
He may or may not top Corey Seager’s $325 million, but one thing is certain: Correa will get paid.
He deserves it by winning the Gold Glove and finishing the 2021 season with 26 homers, 104 runs, 92 RBI, and a .850 OPS.
2. Kris Bryant
Just like Correa, Kris Bryant will definitely get paid, too.
Bryant is a top performer who is still relatively young (29 years old), has an extensive track record of MLB success, has won Rookie of the Year and MVP awards, and has lifted the World Series trophy.
Perhaps most importantly, he proved in 2021 that he can still be a difference-maker when healthy.
Bryant hit .265/.353/.481 with 25 home runs between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants this year.
He can play third base, first base, and both outfield corners.
Bryant is a respected clubhouse figure with lots of on-field accomplishments, but still some years of his prime left.
He could be a nice investment for a contender, and lots of teams are reportedly after his signature.
The Giants are always a possibility, the Cubs didn’t rule out his return, the Mariners are perhaps the favorites, and the New York Mets like him a lot.
Even the Colorado Rockies were reportedly interested in him, which is odd, but tells us there is a good market for him.
Kris Bryant market is really starting to move. But he is not too likely to have a deal tonight. Like Correa, he is fine waiting through the work stoppage.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 2, 2021
1. Freddie Freeman
As far as position players go, no one in free agency has the kind of offensive upside Freddie Freeman carries.
The star first baseman, a 2020 NL MVP and a 2021 World Series champion, is highly unlikely to leave the Atlanta Braves, the only team he has played for in his career.
However, there could some differences between the player and the organization regarding the length of his next contract.
That’s where a few deep-pocketed, big-market teams can swoop in.
If the Braves don’t pay Freeman, the Yankees or Dodgers will.
#Dodgers should offer Freddie Freeman six years and $186 mil. If that doesn’t do it, and quickly, nothing will.
— Howard Cole (@Howard_Cole) November 30, 2021
Both are closely monitoring the situation, and while they recognize that it’s a highly unlikely scenario, they are prepared to take the risk and sign the 32-year-old to the six-year deal he reportedly wants.
Freeman hit 31 homers and scored 120 runs in 2021.
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