The Braves have been crowned World Series champions for the 2021 season. Now, the focus quickly turns to who will be the next champion.
And it starts with the free-agency market. This is a strong free-agent class, particularly with its middle infielders who include stars such as Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Javier Baez and Trevor Story.
Of course, the elephant in the room is the collective bargaining agreement, which expires Dec. 1, and could potentially result in a freeze on transactions if an agreement isn’t reached by then.
As the market continues to develop, Sporting News will keep track of the latest deals and rumors going on in the MLB world.
As the offseason goes along, SN will track where the top 25 free agents, according to our list, will be signing. Deals signed by other free agents will be included in the section below.
Nov. 12: The free-agent market could hit a stand-still on Dec. 1 if the CBA is not agreed upon by that point, but two big names could potentially have deals in place before then. According to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien are “increasingly likely to sign before Dec. 1,” Passan wrote. In addition, he wrote that there could be several starting pitchers who sign before a potential lockout freezes the market.
Nov. 11: The Phillies have been linked to both Starling Marte and Aaron Loup, Jon Heyman reports. Both are coming off career years.
Phillies are interested in Starling Marte, the top CF on the market. Many in on him but this is one of the better fits.
Mets and Phillies are among many teams talking to Aaron Loup. Unique lefty had monster year in Queens, posting 0.95 ERA. Could be one of the better players to go quick.
Nov. 11: The Angels have been interested in adding some starting pitching talent to the mix, with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reporting that the team has seen Robbie Ray, Marcus Stroman, Noah Syndergaard and Alex Wood as options.
Nov. 11: The Tigers haven’t just been connected to Correa. They’re also reportedly looking at a few different starting pitchers.
Source: #Tigers showing early interest in free agent RHP Jon Gray, who was not tendered a qualifying offer by #Rockies — and therefore isn’t attached to draft pick compensation. @MLBNetwork @MLB
Tigers are interested in Anthony DeSclafani (and presumably many other starting pitchers)
Nov. 10: Andrew Heaney is returning to the Dodgers. After he spent about five years with the organization during the 2014 offseason between a trade from the Marlins to the Dodgers, and then from the Dodgers to the Angels, Heaney reportedly signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal.
The Dodgers and Andrew Heaney are in agreement on a one-year, $8.5M deal pending physical, per source. @Ken_Rosenthal was on it.
Nov. 10: New York could look to add a center fielder, with Starling Marte appearing to be in the mix as an option.
Source: Starling Marte is, at the very least, on the #Yankees‘ radar as they look to figure out CF. NYY was among teams In the mix for Marte at trade deadline. Yesterday, Cashman cited CF as a possible upgrade position. (He also cited SS and pitching.)
Nov. 10: The Yankees appear to be in discussions with the top two shortstops in the class, having spoken with the agents for both Correa and Seager. It is no secret that New York have been interested in adding a shortstop, especially as Gleyber Torres has continued to produce league-average results at the plate since launching 38 home runs in 2019.
According to sources #Yankees are in conversation with agents for both Corey Seager and Carlos Correa #Confirmed
Nov. 10: The Red Sox have reportedly offered left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez a multi-year deal to try to keep him in Boston. He was previously offered a qualifying offer as well.
Red Sox have made a multiyear offer to Eduardo Rodriguez in addition to the $18.4M qualifying offer
Nov. 8: Free agency is officially underway.
Nov. 6: The Astros have reportedly made an offer to Correa for five years and $160 million, which would have an average annual value of $32 million. Though it is a substantial contract offer, similar players to Correa have received much larger. Francisco Lindor signed a 10-year, $341 million extension with the Mets and Manny Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million deal when he hit free agency and ultimately landed in San Diego.
MLB sources: The @astros have offered free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa a five-year contract worth $160 million, averaging $32 million a year.
Nov. 5: Seiya Suzuki, one of the biggest bats in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, is expected to be posted this winter, adding another big name to the pool of available bats, according to a report from MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. Last season, Suzuki launched 38 home runs in 133 games with a slash line of .319/.436/.640.
Nov. 5: After being placed on waivers by the Reds, Wade Miley was claimed by the Cubs. They picked up his option two days later. Miley was outstanding in 2021 as he pitched to a 3.37 ERA with a 3.97 FIP and 2.9 Fangraphs’ WAR. He also spun a no-hitter against the Indians during the campaign.
Nov. 4: The Astros have plenty of players hitting free agency, including 38-year-old Zack Greinke. It appears unlikely, however, that he will be among the names set to return to Houston.
Houston #Astros news:
1) Esteemed pitching coach Brent Strom will retire.
2) Zack Greinke will leave the Astros but wants to continue pitching for an NL team.
3) Dusty Baker will be back, and sign a contract for 2022 in the next 48 hours.
