The 2021 MLB offseason is starting, bringing with it many different projections and trades for where players will end up.
With a massive crop of talented position players, a lot of money should be moved around this offseason.
Here is a look at the three players that should net the biggest contracts.
3. Freddie Freeman
Freddie Freeman has established himself as a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate.
In the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Freeman entered his own league, hitting .341 and slugging 13 home runs on his way to the first MVP of his career.
He didn’t slow down this year, hitting .300 with 31 home runs.
Freeman also helped the Atlanta Braves to their first World Series title since 1995.
Freddie Freeman World Champion.
What a moment. pic.twitter.com/m0DQTyN3GP
— MLB (@MLB) November 3, 2021
Because of this, he is now a hot commodity on the free agent market.
A left-handed power bat that is a balance of slugging and discipline at the plate is hard to come by, especially one that is as talented defensively.
With teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the market for a first baseman, his price tag might rise quickly.
While many expect him to stay in Atlanta, it will come at a cost.
Expect him to end up with an annual salary around $30 million, making him the highest-paid player at his position.
2. Corey Seager
Since entering MLB in 2015, Corey Seager has been one of the best offensive shortstops in the league.
He has also been a foundational part of the Los Angeles Dodgers and their playoff core.
Corey Seager was quietly one of the best players in MLB after returning from the IL on 7/30:
🔥 .335 BA (6th)
🔥 .417 OBP (3rd)
💪 .592 SLG (11th)
🔥 169 wRC+ (7th)Seags should be considered the #1 free agent in MLB imo. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/gyqaWarV28
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) November 5, 2021
However, he has two major question marks looming over him: injury history and defense.
In 2018, Seager underwent Tommy John surgery after playing in just 26 games.
This past season, he played in only 95 games after getting hit by a pitch on his hand.
Throughout his career, he has also been hampered by hamstring, quad, back, and hip problems that raise question marks in the eyes of teams.
Seager is also an average fielder at shortstop, something that has turned off some teams.
Despite this, teams like the Yankees are in hot pursuit of a shortstop.
After a lackluster season, they will likely look to pay for a star to fill their void.
Look for Seager to earn a big contract, and $32 million per year seems like it will be the right number.
1. Carlos Correa
It is hard to argue that Carlos Correa is not the best free agent available this offseason.
The Houston Astros shortstop is one of the best in the league at his position.
He is a blend of standout offense and defense, hitting .279 with 26 home runs and a Gold Glove Award.
Correa has also been a major reason the Astros have had such success in the playoffs, boasting a career .272 average in the postseason.
"It's my time." – @TeamCJCorrea pic.twitter.com/cH1zg1zog9
— MLB (@MLB) October 16, 2021
At just 27 years old, Correa still has a lot of time left in his career to continue developing.
Because of this, he will get a major contract this offseason.
The Astros already offered five years, $160 million but it may not be enough.
With the potential length being around 10 years, many teams will be interested, even if they aren’t currently contenders.
The Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies are among teams that have expressed interest in Correa.
This is expected to turn into a major bidding war between the sides, likely driving his price up even more.
He will come close to Francisco Lindor’s 10-year $341 million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid players in MLB.
Expect Correa to get around $33 million annually in his new deal, making him the highest-paid free agent of this class.
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