MLB Free Agent Superlatives: Players Most Likely To …

We’re back with the fourth edition of free agent superlatives, and this year’s free agent class is without a doubt the most excellent we’ve seen in several years. What’s not so great is an offseason that can hit a wall thanks to the impending work stoppage at midnight on December 1, when the owners will lock down players, freezing transactions and transfers, unless a last minute agreement on a new collective agreement. Let’s dive into some of the subplots and hopefully the owners and players can eventually come to terms on a new working deal.

Most likely to get the biggest deal: Carlos Correa

This was not a foregone conclusion in spring training in 2021. While one of the big-name shortstops would likely land the biggest contract in free agency, they all seemed capable of landing deals close to or in excess of $ 200 million. Here’s how their seasons unfolded:

Francisco Lindor:: Lindor signed a 10-year, $ 341 million extension with the Mets on April 1, giving up free agency. Unfortunately for the Mets, Lindor hit just .230 / .322 / .412 in his 27-year season, lost time with an oblique injury and thought it was a good idea to “boo” the fans. The extension doesn’t even start until 2022. Agents for Correa (Jon Rosen) and Corey seager (Scott Boras) will understandably bind the Lindor contract as the foundation for their clients, but teams may also view the deal more as a caveat than an applicable comparison.

Strap: He had his best full season, hitting .279 / .366 / .485 with excellent defense (he deservedly won his first Gold Glove) and, most importantly, played 148 games, after missing an average of 64 games per 2017 season. to 2019. Correa’s past issues will be a long-term concern and the inconsistency in his slugging percentage over the years is worth noting: .512, .451, .550, .405, .568, .383 , .485. His two best slugging seasons came in 2017 (when he played 109 games and may have had a little extra help) and 2019 (when he played just 75 games). Still, he will turn 27 on Opening Day and his combination of defense and power is too hard to resist.