Thursday, March 28

Baseball’s 20 best available free agents as soon as lockout is over


Free agents haven’t been able to negotiate with teams since the lockout started Dec. 2, and while there was a flurry of signings before baseball went dormant, there are plenty of big stars eager to sign, namely Carlos Correa.

The Astros free agent still is looking for a long-term deal worth well over $300 million guaranteed, but he’s not the only big name still out there.

Here are the 20 best free agents still available once baseball’s lockout is over and teams can start negotiating again …

Carlos Correa, shortstop

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out swinging with two runners on base during the first inning of Game 6 of the World Series on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out swinging with two runners on base during the first inning of Game 6 of the World Series on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 at Minute Maid Park in Houston.Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Here in Houston, everyone knows the deal. The best shortstop in the game would love to stay in Houston, but he also wants a similar deal to the one the Mets gave Francisco Lindor – 10 years, $341 million. The Astros don’t like to give out contracts anywhere close to that length, so that opens the door for teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Angels, Blue Jays, Cubs, Giants and Braves.

Freddie Freeman, first baseman

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates as he runs to first after hitting a solo home run to give the Braves a 5-4 lead during the third inning of Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021 at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates as he runs to first after hitting a solo home run to give the Braves a 5-4 lead during the third inning of Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021 at Truist Park in Atlanta.Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

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It was assumed that the 2020 National League MVP would be a Brave for life, but the 32-year-old Freeman would like a six-year deal but the Braves latest offer is five years, $135 million, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. If Atlanta doesn’t get it done, the Yankees or Dodgers could be potential landing spots for Freeman.

Trevor Story, shortstop

Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies in action during the game against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field on September 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.

Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies in action during the game against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field on September 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.

Rob Leiter/Getty Images

The 29-year-old Story, who is from Irving, could be the Astros’ backup plan if they lose Carlos Correa. Story is a two-time All-Star when he hit 37 and 35 home runs in 2018 and 2019, respectively. There is some concern about how much of a role Coors Field has played in Story’s career. Although he’s had nearly the same number of plate appearances at home vs. on the road (1,421 at home, 1,401 on the road), Story has 95 home runs at Coors Field compared to 63 on the road. Story’s OPS at home is .972 and just .752 on the road.

Carlos Rodon, starting pitcher

Chicago White Sox starter Carlos Rodon delivers a pitch during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Houston Astros on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty

Chicago White Sox starter Carlos Rodon delivers a pitch during the first inning of the team’s baseball game against the Houston Astros on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty

Paul Beaty/Associated Press

The 29-year-old lefty was excellent last season, going 13-5 with a 2.37 ERA and finishing fifth in American League Cy Young Award voting. Unfortunately, there are a lot of questions surrounding his health. He had Tommy John surgery in 2019 and his velocity tailed off last season and he had to be put on the injured list with shoulder fatigue in August. 

Clayton Kershaw, starting pitcher

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on prior to Game One of the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on October 16, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on prior to Game One of the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on October 16, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Kershaw is coming off a three-year, $93 million contract with the Dodgers. Now, he’s expected to either re-sign with Los Angeles, where he’s won three Cy Young Awards and spent the entirety of his 14-year big league career, or return home – he starred at Dallas’ Highland Park High School – and sign with the Texas Rangers. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that Kershaw, who turns 34 this month, also is pondering retirement.

Nick Castellanos, outfielder

Nick Castellanos of the Cincinnati Reds bats against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 28, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois.

Nick Castellanos of the Cincinnati Reds bats against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 28, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois.

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Castellanos picked a good year to have a breakout season, making the first All-Star team in his nine-year big league career when he hit .309 with 34 homers and 100 RBIs last season with the Reds. There are several good corner outfielders on the market, but the 29-year-old is probably the best of the bunch. The Padres have reportedly shown interest, as has Miami, where Castellanos grew up.

Kris Bryant, third baseman/outfielder

Kris Bryant of the San Francisco Giants hits an RBI single scoring Brandon Crawford #35 against the San Diego Padres in the bottom of the second inning at Oracle Park on October 02, 2021 in San Francisco, California.

Kris Bryant of the San Francisco Giants hits an RBI single scoring Brandon Crawford #35 against the San Diego Padres in the bottom of the second inning at Oracle Park on October 02, 2021 in San Francisco, California.

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Bryant, who primarily has been a third baseman, but has shown he can play the corner outfield spots as well, hit .265 with 25 home runs last season split between the Cubs and Giants. The Mariners and Rockies are reportedly among the teams interested, but it’s likely going to take somewhere in the neighborhood of five years and $130 million to get that done.

Zack Greinke, starting pitcher

Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) walks back to the dugout after Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) lined out to end the second inning of Game 4 of the World Series on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) walks back to the dugout after Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) lined out to end the second inning of Game 4 of the World Series on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 at Truist Park in Atlanta.Karen Warren/Staff photographer

The 38-year-old Greinke has given no indications that he plans to retire, but he rarely publicly makes indications of anything. Greinke clearly isn’t the ace he was for so much of his 18-year major league career, but he could still help almost any team’s rotation. The Astros don’t seem interested, but other teams would be.

Seiya Suzuki, outfielder

Seiya Suzuki of Team Japan hits a solo home run in the fifth inning against Team United States during the knockout stage of men's baseball on day ten of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 02, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.

Seiya Suzuki of Team Japan hits a solo home run in the fifth inning against Team United States during the knockout stage of men’s baseball on day ten of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium on August 02, 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.

Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

The 27-year-old Suzuki is ready to make the move to America after nine professional seasons in Japan. He hit .317 with 38 home runs for Hiroshima in 2021 and has drawn serious interest from the Mariners and Rangers.

Anthony Rizzo, first baseman

Anthony Rizzo of the New York Yankees in action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2021 in New York City.

Anthony Rizzo of the New York Yankees in action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2021 in New York City.

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Rizzo turned down a five-year, $70 million extension with the Cubs before last season, which is what got him traded to the Yankees in July. The 32-year-old Rizzo had a down year in 2021, hitting just .248 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs. There’s some talk of the Cubs trying to get Rizzo back in the fold. 

Kyle Schwarber, outfield/designated hitter

Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) tosses his bat aside after hitting a grand slam during the second inning in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at Fenway Park in Boston.
Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) tosses his bat aside after hitting a grand slam during the second inning in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at Fenway Park in Boston.Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

The slugger posted a career-best 32 home runs and a .928 OPS last season with the Nationals and Red Sox. The Rockies are looking for outfield help and are expected to pursue Schwarber.

Nelson Cruz, designated hitter

Nelson Cruz of the Tampa Bay Rays in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2021 in New York City.

Nelson Cruz of the Tampa Bay Rays in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2021 in New York City.

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Cruz will turn 42 this summer, but he wants to keep playing. He hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down. He produced six straight seasons of at least 37 home runs before the 2020 pandemic-shortened season, then hit 32 homers last year in a season split between Minnesota and Tampa Bay.

Jorge Soler, outfielder

The Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler hits a three-run home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning in Game 6 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston.
The Atlanta Braves’ Jorge Soler hits a three-run home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning in Game 6 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston.Curtis Compton/TNS

Astros fans know plenty about Soler after he helped the Braves beat Houston in the World Series and claim the World Series MVP after he hit a Game 6 home run completely out of Minute Maid Park. After a career year in 2019 saw him hit 48 home runs for the Royals, the 30-year-old Soler hit .223 with 27 home runs last season for Kansas City and Atlanta.

Michael Conforto, outfielder

Michael Conforto of the New York Mets reacts with teammates after hitting a ball deep for a home run during the eighth inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on October 2, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Michael Conforto of the New York Mets reacts with teammates after hitting a ball deep for a home run during the eighth inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on October 2, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

The 29-year-old Conforto appeared headed to a big payday when he had three straight seasons of at least 27 home runs from 2017-19, but he had a down year last season, hitting .232 with 14 home runs and just 55 RBIs in 125 games. He rejected the Mets’ qualifying offer, but he may still be willing to take a one-year, prove-it type deal in excess of $20 million to try to show 2021 was a fluke.

Kenley Jansen, relief pitcher

Kenley Jansen of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after the final out of the ninth inning of Game Five of the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Kenley Jansen of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after the final out of the ninth inning of Game Five of the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Harry How/Getty Images

The 34-year-old Jansen’s 350 saves is the second-most for any active pitcher behind Craig Kimbrel. Not counting the shortened 2020 season, Jansen has had at least 33 saves for seven straight seasons. He has been less effective since the Astros got to him a couple times in the 2017 World Series, but he’s still a quality closer. 

Eddie Rosario, outfielder

Atlanta Braves left fielder Eddie Rosario (8) celebrates his single during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Atlanta Braves left fielder Eddie Rosario (8) celebrates his single during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 at Truist Park in Atlanta.Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Rosario had a weird 2021. After six pretty good seasons in Minnesota, Rosario didn’t receive much interest from the Twins, so he signed with Cleveland as a free agent. Cleveland was looking to dump him midway through the season and sent him to Atlanta at the trade deadline. Rosario hit .271 with seven home runs in 33 regular season games with the Braves, but really took off in the postseason where he was named the National League Championship Series MVP.

Tyler Anderson, starting pitcher

Tyler Anderson of the Seattle Mariners pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on October 03, 2021 in Seattle, Washington.

Tyler Anderson of the Seattle Mariners pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on October 03, 2021 in Seattle, Washington.

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

The 32-year-old lefty may be a surprise inclusion on this list since he hasn’t posted an ERA below 4.35 since his rookie season six years ago, but he would be a solid addition to the middle or back of someone’s rotation. He made 31 starts last season split between the Pirates and Mariners and posted a 4.53 ERA, walking just 38 guys in 167 innings.

Ryan Tepera, relief pitcher

Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Ryan Tepera pitches against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning in Game 4 of the American League Division Series Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Chicago. Tepera caused some controversy this week after he implied that the Astros may have stolen signs during their home games.
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Ryan Tepera pitches against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning in Game 4 of the American League Division Series Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Chicago. Tepera caused some controversy this week after he implied that the Astros may have stolen signs during their home games.Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Ah, another name familiar to Astros fans because of the postseason. Tepera, who is from Lake Jackson, drew the Astros’ ire when he brought up the Astros’ history of “doing some sketchy stuff” – and insinuated they may still be doing it – during the American League Division Series. Regardless, Tepera is an excellent high-leverage reliever who struck out 74 batters in 61.1 innings last season.

Yusei Kikuchi, starting pitcher

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (18) pitches during the first inning of a MLB game against the Houston Astros Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (18) pitches during the first inning of a MLB game against the Houston Astros Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Kikuchi, who turns 31 this summer, was so good in the first half of last season that he made the All-Star team, but he took such a sharp downward turn that he was out of the Mariners rotation by the end of the season. There are reports that the Mets are going to go hard after Kikuchi once free agency re-opens.

Danny Duffy, starting pitcher

Danny Duffy of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium on July 16, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Danny Duffy of the Kansas City Royals throws in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium on July 16, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

The 33-year-old Duffy is a quality veteran that could be added to the back end of someone’s rotation. He’ll likely have to settle for a one-year, prove-it contract since he missed the second half of last season with an arm injury. After going 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA in his 11th season with the Royals, Duffy got traded to the Dodgers in July, but never pitched for them after suffering a setback as he tried to return from injury. 



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