As March begins to get closer, the MLB’s Spring Training start date is supposed to be right around the corner. However, with MLB and MLBPA still negotiating a new CBA deal, the season remains in limbo.
With the season on hold, Free Agency is on hold as well. While there were a few free agents who signed before the old CBA deal expired (Cory Seager, Marcus Semien, etc.), there are still many free agents who remain unsigned.
Some big names are still on the market; 2020 NL MVP Freddie Freeman and former Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa will both be looking for deals after negotiations finally resume, just to name a few.
As MLB fans and players alike wait for the season to begin, let’s take a look at some of the top free agents left on the market currently.
Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa has been one of the Houston Astros’ most productive and consistent players both his time there whether in the regular or postseason. Despite debuting as an Astro in 2015, he is tied for seventh all-time for postseason home runs with 18. That puts him among all-time names like Reggie Jackson, Nelson Cruz and Mickey Mantle while above postseason heroes like David Ortiz and Jim Thome. And now, the former top prospect is the top free-agent prize.
Correa, as expected, rejected the Astros qualifying offer at the beginning of the offseason. While there are some questions about his durability, Correa silenced those critics in 2021, taking the most plate appearances since the 2016 season.
The New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers have been the most linked to Correa, however, more teams could garner interest once the lockout ends. Correa recently hired Scott Boras, notorious for garnering his clients’ large contracts, as his new agent, opening the door for those willing to spend.
The Tigers could be looking to pair Correa with recently signed middle infielder Javier Baez, setting up a dynamic second base-shortstop tandem. Meanwhile, the Yankees have a tough decision to make – sign Carlos Correa and have him block top shortstop prospect Anthony Volpe or let Correa go elsewhere and prepare for Volpe as the future at shortstop.
Freddie Freeman
One of the best and most consistent first basemen in all of baseball is finally a free agent. Freeman has been with the Atlanta Braves organization since 2010 and helped them capture a World Series Championship during the 2021 season. However, without an extension in place, he very well could leave in free agency.
As per MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the 32-year old Freeman is asking for a deal in the six-year, $180-million range. And after finishing with a .300 batting average last year with 31 home runs, he is definitely in a position to get what he is asking for.
His vicious left-handed swing has teams like the New York Yankees keeping close tabs on a player like Freeman. The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly interested as well, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
The Dodgers saw Corey Seager, Clayton Kershaw, and Kenley Jansen all become free agents this offseason. However, as a franchise not afraid to spend money, it would not shock anyone for the Dodgers to open up their wallets and make a huge splash for the former NL MVP.
Of course, the Braves are interested as well, and while they are still the favorite to resign him, they have been linked to Athletics first baseman Matt Olson as a potential backup plan if Freeman walks away.
Nick Castellanos
The top free-agent outfielder left on the market, Nick Castellanos, could prove to be a huge addition to any team that signs him.
After beginning his career with the Detroit Tigers, Castellanos was traded to the Chicago Cubs during the 2019 trade deadline. It was the second half of that 2019 season that propelled him into elite hitter territory. With the Cubs, Castellanos slashed .321 BA/.356 OBP/.621 SLG % as the Cubs made a postseason push.
His newfound success led to a four-year $64-million contract with the Cincinnati Reds in the offseason. Castellanos chose to use his opt-out after the 2021 season concluded, sending him into free agency this offseason.
Castellanos returned to form in 2021, slashing .309/.362/.576 last year. The soon-to-be 30-year old felt he could get more on the market than when he signed with the Reds, leading to his opt-out.
Back in November, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the outfield needy teams of the San Francisco Giants and Miami Marlins had shown interest in Castellanos.
Kris Bryant
After setting the league on fire upon his callup in 2015, former top prospect Kris Bryant was thought to be headed for life as a career Cub.
However, with the Cubs finally deciding to break up their World Series core, Kris Bryant found himself traded at the deadline last year after five and a half seasons with Chicago.
Bryant was dealt to the San Francisco Giants, where he helped a surprisingly elite team in their playoff push. He proved to be a consistent producer for the club, and his athleticism allowed San Francisco to play him all over the diamond.
Now a free agent entering his age 30 season, Bryant has a flurry of suitors due to his positional eligibility, his professionalism on and off the field, and of course, his MVP upside at the plate.
The former 2016 MVP finds himself in the sights of the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres. The Mets were interested in Bryant at last year’s trade deadline, however, decided against pulling the trigger
