The Best Players Still Available Following the Lockout

The MLB lockout comes at an unfortunate time. There are still plenty of quality players remaining on the open market. While stars such as Max Scherzer and Corey Seager have already signed this offseason, the lockout has left a number of other stars without contracts.

They will need to wait until the MLB and MLBPA come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining deal. Until then, all we can do is speculate on where they may end up.

So who are the best players still available in free agency?

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Who’s Left

Carlos Correa is the most coveted player left in free agency. Despite the Astros 2017 controversy, Correa is a true superstar who plays a pivotal position at shortstop. The Tigers were the favorites to land Correa, but they recently signed Javier Baez to a contract so it will be interesting to see if Detroit still shows interest in the shortstop.

Kris Bryant follows Correa as the next best free agent remaining.

Bryant is known as one of the all around good guys in the sport. Bryant is also a very good hitter who adds defensive versatility. Teams such as the Mariners and Mets are rumored to be potential landing destinations for Bryant.

Despite the Braves fan base practically begging management to sign their favorite player following their recent World Series victory, Freddie Freeman is still without a contract here in December. The Dodgers are a team who could swoop in and steal Freeman away. However, the Braves are still the favorites to re-sign their franchise first baseman.

Shortstop Trevor Story remains without a contract as well. Story’s stock hit a bit of a rough patch after a disappointing 2021 performance. But Story offers a speed/power combination at shortstop and will earn a big payday once he eventually signs with a team.

Clayton Kershaw is expected to sign with one of two teams: the Dodgers or Rangers. Kershaw is from Texas but has spent his entire career with Los Angeles. This could be the final contract Kershaw gets before he announces his retirement, so he wants to make sure he finds himself in the best scenario possible.

Nicholas Castellanos rounds out the best remaining free agents. Castellanos was excellent in Cincinnati last year and should be in store for a large payday. However, Castellanos is limited defensively so the possible universal DH could work to his benefit.

What’s Next For These Players?

All of these players will make a lot of money at some point. The question is when?

We don’t have an answer for that right now. This lockout could be resolved in a month or two, or it could end up delaying Spring Training and the regular season. Hopefully, the league can get it sorted out as soon as possible.

For now, these players will have to wait to sign with teams.