Assuming you haven't been trapped under a rock the past few weeks, you surely know by now that Major League Baseball is unfortunately on hold thanks to its first work stoppage since the 1994 strike. While at the moment there does not seem to be much concern the lockout will impact spring training or the start of the season–yet, the sooner it ends the better it will be for everyone involved. Prior to everything being shut down, there was a rapid flurry of free-agent signings, but several big names are still on the open market. Let's check out some things we'd like to see happen, and some questions we can't wait to see answered when the lockout finally ends.
Freddie Freeman and the Braves agree to a contract
How on earth did the Braves even let the face of their franchise reach free agency? The superstar first baseman was the MVP of the National League in 2020, and just a few months ago led Atlanta to their first World Series title in 26 years. To me, this negotiation should essentially have Freeman's camp write down a number and the Braves brass pretend to mull it over before saying "it's a deal." It would still be stunning if Freeman were wearing a different uniform in 2022 but the fact that his free agency has even made it to this point makes the possibility at least worth talking about.
The Mets go full evil empire and sign Kris Bryant
Mets' owner Steve Cohen has already been the story of MLB's off-season, acting every bit like George Steinbrenner in his heyday in the Bronx. New York has already added Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar, and Mark Canha this winter, but there's one move the Mets could still make to really draw comparisons to Steinbrenner's Evil Empire. Go out and sign Kris Bryant. The Amazins were in on Bryant at the trade deadline last July before Chicago sent him to San Francisco, and his right-handed bat would fit nicely in the middle of the Mets lineup. Go get him, Uncle Stevie.
The Yankees finally land a shortstop
Sticking in New York, let's check in on the Yankees who have to be frustrated with their crosstown rivals pushing them off of the back pages all winter. The Bombers headed into the offseason in desperate need of an offensive upgrade at position number six on your scorecard, and while their fans are frustrated they didn't address it already, all hope is not lost. Carlos Correa–although that would be quite the story dating back to their rivalry with Houston–and Trevor Story are both free agents still. The Yankees simply need to get one of them into pinstripes.
The Phillies trade for Kevin Kiermaier
Philadelphia has needed to address center field for a while now, and while they would have loved to have signed Starling Marte, watching him spurn them for their division rivals in New York now puts more urgency on their search. There are not any exciting free-agent options available, but the trade market does hold an intriguing name. Thanks to his high salary in 2022, the small market Rays are expected to shop gold glover Kevin Kiermaier. The veteran is not a dynamic offensive player but very few outfielders in the sport can go get it in center field the way he can. Adding him via trade should not cost an exorbitant amount of capital, and it would be a welcome addition for this team's pitching staff.
Are the A's really about to have a fire sale?
Oakland has not made their desire to slash payroll this winter a secret, a development that seems to be loosely tied to their standoff with the city over a potential new ballpark. But saying you're going to listen on players and trading them all away are two very different things. If they really are serious, look for starters Chris Bassitt, Frankie Montas, and Sean Manaea to be on new teams next season, as well as probably first baseman Matt Olson and potentially even third baseman Matt Chapman.
The Reds trade Luis Castillo
Speaking of selling, let's pivot to Cincinnati. The Reds seem like this winter's National League version of where the A's are at the moment. After really trying to push towards a deep playoff run the last few years, Cincinnati has indicated they're willing to take a step back and retool. And should they move pieces, their ace right-hander Luis Castillo would assuredly bring back more than any other piece they have on their roster.
The White Sox sign Nick Castellanos
The White Sox ascension towards becoming an American League powerhouse is nearly complete, but if they want to consistently compete for the pennant during this window that's in front of them, they need to pull out all the stops. So why not go and add potentially the most productive bat remaining on the market? Chicago did not get nearly enough out of right field in 2021, and Castellanos would be a slam dunk upgrade at the position.
Michael Conforto signs with the Mariners
Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto grew up outside of Seattle and while it's still possible he re-ups in New York, both he and the Mets both seemed to be operating under the assumption that he'd be elsewhere in 2022 pre-lockout.