MLB Free Agency Preview
We’re ten days removed from the Astros’ Game 6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, a win that brought them their second World Series championship in six years. While players and fans deserve to soak in the fruits of a World Series title, the elephant in the room has to be addressed: Free Agency.
The 2023 class is an interesting one. There is a clear-cut group of stars: Aaron Judge, Dansby Swanson, Carlos Rodon, Jacob deGrom, Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, just to name a few. But after that? There is definitely a drop-off in talent. The group gets significantly less appealing.
One of the biggest headlines heading into the offseason is AL MVP frontrunner Aaron Judge.
After hitting 61 homers and 131 runs batted in with a slash line of .311/.425/.686, the slugger is going to get paid this offseason. Prior to the 2022 campaign, the outfielder bet on himself, rejecting a 213.5 million dollar extension over seven years. Safe to say that he won the bet. Wherever he ends up in 2023, whether it is the Yankees, Giants, Mets, or anyone else willing to pay up, his first time on the open market won’t be forgotten.
Carlos Correa is another interesting headline.
Correa signed a three-year, 105.3 million dollar contract after the 2022 MLBPA lockout ended in March. However, the way the contract was structured was unique. Unsure how the market would operate after the lockout, Correa wanted to have opt-outs involved, one after the first year, and another after the second year. So, three one-year deals essentially.
The two-time all-star had another nice year, hitting 22 homers with a 140 wRC+. He’s set to receive another hefty contract this winter. With who? Time will tell.
2022 AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander is sure to have an interesting market, too.
In his first full season post-Tommy John, he posted a league-leading 1.75 earned run average (ERA), .83 walks and hits per inning (WHIP), and a 2.49 FIP (Fielder Independent Pitching, ERA scale).
Now, what’s so unique about his market? Entering his age 40 season, JV is aging like fine wine; he just keeps getting better and better. What will the best contract look like? One to two years, high average annual value (AAV)? Or three to four years, lower AAV. What team is going to even bet on JV not named the Astros? They are the best fit in my opinion, as he’s done nothing but dominate for them since 2017 and he’s fresh off another World Series title. JV is another storyline to follow this winter.
Trea Turner’s market has raised some eyes since the 2022 campaign came to a close.
There were rumblings during the season that Turner would opt out, which he did. However, included in those rumblings was the possibility that he may return to the East Coast. Coming up with Washington, it would be a fitting, full-circle moment for Turner, as he is most likely going to sign a long-term contract that will bring him into his late thirties. Look for the Mets, Yankees, Phillies, and Orioles to be heavily involved, with the Red Sox as a dark-horse candidate.
Transitioning to another well-established shortstop, the Captain, Xander Bogaerts.
The thought of my Red Sox without number 2 is horrific. The front office simply will not pay him. They mistreat their homegrown guys and it’s disrespectful. Bogaerts was promoted in August 2013 for a series at the Dodgers, and he never looked back, being added to the 2013 Postseason rosters and becoming a dynamic infielder for Boston.
He’s been the staple of that infield for too long and he’s a gamer. He takes care of his body, hits the ball to all fields with contact and power, puts the ball in play, leads by example, and he drastically improved his defense in 2022, posting five outs above average (OAA), the best mark of his career. The Red Sox front office needs to be throwing money at Bogey because he’s earned it. Hopefully, he ends up back in Boston. If not, a Dave Dombrowski reunion in Philly could be in order, with the Dodgers in the mix as well.
There are a vast majority of teams who could spend to bolster their pitching staff. Toronto, Boston, Texas, Philly, and the Mets are just a few. Carlos Rodon, Jameson Taillon, Noah Syndergaard, Chris Bassitt, Michael Wacha, Kenley Jansen, and Will Smith are some guys that could improve a staff significantly, especially for those teams listed.
Just like teams need pitching, some need offensive firepower. The Giants, Cardinals, Brewers, White Sox, and Twins are all in need of some bats. Luckily, J.D. Martinez, Brandon Belt, Jose Abreu, Jean Segura, Andrew Benintendi, Mitch Haniger, and Trey Mancini are all on the open market. Guys like Segura and Benny could provide speed and contact and the top or bottom of a lineup, while Abreu and Haniger can give you some pop in the middle.
Overall, this offseason is going to be wild. It’s already begun, with guys like Anthony Rizzo, Edwin Diaz, and Tyler Anderson already off the board. Be sure to stay connected with the CBA DN for off-season updates!
