The Major League Baseball lockout has reached the two-week mark, and free agents are in a holding pattern. There was a flurry of signings just before the work stoppage, though there may have been more behind the spending spree than just locking up players early.
According to ESPN's Kiley McDaniel, some agents viewed the early surge as a political tactic for the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
"The majority of them believed that the owners front-loaded their big contracts before the lockout to combat the MLBPA's argument about clubs pocketing revenues and being anticompetitive," McDaniel wrote. "These agents believe that teams will go back to being tighter with spending when the CBA is ratified."
If we do see a decrease in spending once the market resumes, players may put more of a focus on factors like fit, management and playoff opportunities. Hefty long-term deals will be harder to come by, though large-market teams that traditionally spend big will likely continue doing so.
It all adds up to what should be an intriguing second act for 2021-22 free agency. Here, you'll find the latest buzz and a few predictions for some of the market's top unsigned stars.
Trevor Story
Shortstop Trevor Story may be one of the players who look back on the pre-lockout spending spree with envy. Fellow shortstop Corey Seager agreed to a 10-year, $325 million deal with the Texas Rangers, and that kind of money isn't going to be available for Story.
"When free agency resumes, Story won't be the best shortstop available. That distinction goes to Correa, a 27-year-old All-Star and Gold Glover who'll be looking to top Seager's 10-year, $325 million haul," John Tomase of NBC Sports Boston wrote.
What's interesting to note, though, is that teams might not view Story as a shortstop-only option. According to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, the Seattle Mariners—who reportedly made an official offer before the lockout—could consider moving Story to second base.
"Most scouts believe that the 29-year-old Story would benefit from a shift to second base due to diminished arm strength," Divish wrote. "He's dealt with elbow strains over the past few seasons, and a shift to second base might reduce the overall wear and tear."
According to Divish, the Houston Astros and New York Yankees are also interested in Story. Presumably, Houston's interest hinges on its ability to re-sign Correa. The Yankees are rarely afraid to spend, and the Mariners have an offer on the table. A decision between those two clubs may come down to fit.
If the Mariners are looking at Story at second—and he's willing to make the switch, of course—that might be best for the big picture. What's best for his long-term health will be best for his long-term earnings. Assuming the price is right, Seattle would make a lot of sense for Story.
Prediction: Story signs with Seattle.