Mercifully, the MLB vs MLBPA Lockout of 2021-2022 has ENDED. During this lockout, there was little point to predicting free agents and speculating about potential trades. Now, however, with Spring Training about to ramp up and the free agent market about to explode, it’s time to speculate!
This blog will cover the top 15 remaining Free Agents on the market according to Draft Kings and it’s quite a list, including former Giant Kris Bryant and, of course, the likes of Trevor Story and Carlos Correa. Where will these guys sign? The excitement for free agency has returned with a vengeance and things are about to go absolutely insane so let’s get into it…
15. Zack Greinke, RHP
Starting with one of my favorite non-Giant players in the league, Zack Greinke, is one of the biggest name starting pitchers available. An article just came out on the McCovey Chronicles explaining why the San Francisco Giants should sign Greinke . He’s obviously a much different pitcher than Kevin Gausman, who has already signed with the Mariners. Greinke is 38 years old, doesn’t strike out a ton of guys, but he’s still very effective, or at least he was in 2021, going 11-6 with a 4.16 ERA. However, he struggled in the second half and dealt with a neck injury - and again, he’s 38 years old. There are rumors the Dodgers could be interested in bringing him back.
I don’t see the Giants signing a big name like Greinke given the strong possibility he’s just too far past his prime and won’t be able to be effective. The Giants can’t really afford to take that chance, but a team that can afford to gamble on Greinke could be the Yankees, who are very much known for signing veterans with big names who may be a bit past their prime. However, back in 2018 there was a list of teams that Greinke had on his no-trade list as part of his contract. The Yankees were on that list and so were the Dodgers and Giants. Does that mean he won’t sign with them? Not necessarily. I still think the Yankees are possible, but what about the World Champion Atlanta Braves, who were not on his list and could use some depth behind the big 3 of Friend, Anderson and Morton. They do have Kyle Wright and some other good young arms like Tucker Davidson, but a veteran guy like Greinke could be a solid addition. He knows how to pitch and lives in Orlando, Florida - not too far from Atlanta. I’ll say Greinke signs with the Atlanta Braves.
Prediction: Atlanta Braves
14. Kenley Jansen, RHP
Kenley Jansen has been extremely reliable for the Dodgers over the course of his career but there were definitely some concerning moments in 2021, especially when the Dodgers played the Giants. As a Giants fan, Jansen looked horrible at times. However, the stats don’t lie - Jansen had a 2.22 ERA, 38 Saves and an 11.2 strikeout per nine ratio in 2021. I have a hard time seeing him in another uniform but am curious if he’s getting sick of being the scapegoat in L.A., maybe he decides to get out, but if I had to guess, I think Jansen stays put on a 3 or 4 years deal. Kenley Jansen re-signs with the Dodgers.
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers
13. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
Next up is Anthony Rizzo. In my original free agent predictions, I had him staying with the Yankees. He’s a four-time Gold Glover who knows how to work the count and also brings consistency with power and contact. He may not be a 30+ home run hitter anymore, but he came through in the biggest game of the year with a home run in the Wild Card Game. He plays solid defense. This is an obvious guy to bring back for the Yankees, but they did tender a contract to Luke Voit, a really good hitter with power but his defense is questionable and he gets hurt a lot. With the Universal DH in place now, I think Voit could get traded - I’m not convinced he’s the future staring first baseman for the Yankees. I think they will re-sign Anthony Rizzo.
Prediction: New York Yankees
12. Jorge Soler, OF/DH
The 2021 World Series MVP left every one impressed and wondering where the hell this guy would end up in 2022. It’s not like he just came out of nowhere - this is a dude who hit 48 home runs for the Royals in 2019. His exit velocity is next-level and now, again, with the Universal DH, Soler could sign almost anywhere. The Braves will, I assume, try very hard to re-sign him. The Cardinals could be a decent fit and even the Giants, who haven’t had a power-hitter like that since Barry Bonds, could definitely use him. The Chicago Cubs, the team he started with, are also a possibility. However, I’m going to say the Braves do whatever they can to re-sign him and bring that magic back for 2022. The Braves have to try to repeat and an important step in doing so is bringing back your World Series MVP. I say Soler stays with Atlanta.
Prediction: Atlanta Braves
11. Seiya Suzuki, OF
Seiya Suzuki is my #1 free agent for the San Francisco Giants. He was an absolute beast in Japan, hitting 38 bombs last year with an average over .300. He’ll probably project closer to hitting around .285 with 25 home runs in the States, but I still want this guy in San Francisco as do most Giants fans. He’s only 27 years old and I see big things for his future although you never know how that transition will go. I’ve heard the Cubs, Padres, Mariners and Red Sox are also in on Suzuki and other teams likely are as well. The thing about Suzuki is, unlike other free agents of the past that Giants fans like myself have wanted, I’m hearing the Giants brought up by more than just Giants fans and local Giants media. They seem to be the consensus favorite in general to land Suzuki. After so many disappointments, I’m beginning to feel some optimism that the Giants finally land the big name they’re after. I’ve got Seiya Suzuki signing with the San Francisco Gigantes.
Predictions: San Francisco Giants
10. Nelson Cruz, DH
Next up is the ageless wonder, Nelson Cruz, who had I originally had going to the Oakland A’s, but I’m going to alter that in today’s update. The DH is officially in the National League now and there are 15 teams that didn’t have a DH in 2021 who will need one in 2022. Some of the teams may already have a nice option lined up but not all. The San Diego Padres should be interested as will the Brewers, who lost Avisail Garcia to the Marlins in free agency. Is it possible he returns to Minnesota where he seemed pretty comfortable before getting traded to Tampa Bay. Another former team he could return to is the Mariners. I think all of these are possibilities, but I’m going to say the Brewers make him an offer he can’t refuse. They didn’t tender a contract to Daniel Vogelbach so there’s room for a DH and this a team that has been trying to win for the last few years - Yelich has been struggling and they need more power to go along with that great pitching staff. I’ve got Cruz going to the BrewCrew.
Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers
9. Michael Conforto, OF
At #9 on this list is Michael Conforto, who struggled last year. His power numbers were down and his average went down although he still got on base with a decent .344 on base percentage. He may be looking to re-establish himself with a one-year deal. I don’t see him staying with the Mets after such a tough season both for himself and the team, although who knows what he’s actually thinking. Teams that seem like a possible fit could be the Phillies, Nationals, Rockies, the Reds, the Marlins, potentially the Giants as well. I originally had him going to Seattle and I’m going to stick with that - he is from Seattle and the Mariners are obviously going for it and trying to add some quality veterans to go with the amazing young roster they have. I say Conforto decides to go home and sign with the Seattle Mariners.
Prediction: Seattle Mariners
8. Clayton Kershaw, LHP
Next up is the future Hall-of-Fame career Dodger Clayton Kershaw. He had solid numbers last season and is still a quality starter any team would love to have. He’s one of the better pitchers in baseball and with the Rangers obviously going insane this offseason signing Seager and Semien, they are going for it big-time. They are all-in. However, if they really expect to compete for a World Series championship, they need better pitching. Their rotation is okay with Jon Gray, Taylor Hearn, Dane Dunning but you need one more big name in that rotation - an Ace - a Hall of Fame arm still not completely over the hill although yes, a little past his prime, but Clayton Kershaw, who is from the Dallas area and Arlington is bascially right there in that Dallas-Fort Worth area, will sign with the Rangers.
Prediction: Texas Rangers
7. Carlos Rodon, LHP
Everything came together for Carlos Rodon in 2021 - he was 13-5 with a 2.37 ERA and ridiculous 12.7 Strikeout per Nine Ratio. The White Sox certainly would love to bring him back, but his agent is Mr. Scott Boras and he will be looking for a substantial raise after a fantastic All Star season. The Red Sox and Cardinals have been rumored as potential landing spots. The Angels, Twins, Astros, Nationals and Giants all need starting pitching help. The Tigers are making big moves and could be interested. However, I’m going to predict the Angels finally sign a top starting pitcher to join Shohei Ohtani in that rotation – I don’t know who it will be but I’ll go ahead and predict Carlos Rodon ends up with the Los Angeles Angels.
Prediction: Los Angeles Angels
6. Kyle Schwarber, DH/OF
At #6 is Kyle Schwarber, who slashed .266/.374/.554 with 32 big flies for both the Nationals and Red Sox in 2021. The Rockies could be one team interested, just dreaming of what he could do at Coors Field throughout an entire season, especially if the DH comes to the National League. I’ve heard rumors that the Tigers could be a possibility. Originally, I thought he could stay in Boston with J.D. Martinez going elsewhere but J.D. opted in and will stay in Boston. I think Schwarber will be signing elsewhere. As a potential DH, there are ton of teams that could be interested. The Phillies come to mind, who could use another big bat, I can see him in San Francisco, putting baseballs into McCovey Cove on the regular. However, unfortunately, I’ll say he signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lost Seager and right now could use another big bat to DH. You’ve got the decline of Cody Bellinger and although their lineup is still absolutely amazing, it’s not quite the All Star unstoppable ridiculous lineup it was a year ago and I think the Dodgers want to make it that way again. Schwarber signs with Los Angeles.
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers
5. Kris Bryant, 3B/OF
Moving into the Top 5, we have Kris Bryant, who finished out the 2021 season as a San Francisco Giant. Unfortunately, it’s not likely he returns to the City By the Bay and instead, Bryant his going to sign with the Seattle Mariners. This was my earlier prediction and I’ll stick to it. Bryant played very well for the Giants this year, especially in the NLDS, going 8 for 17 with a homer. The Mets are possible as well, but I think the Seattle Mariners are going to continue to have a huge offseason and make a big offer – 6 years at around 160 million dollars – the Mariners sign Kris Bryant to play alongside J.P. Crawford. Kris Bryant to the M’s.
Prediction: Seattle Mariners
4. Nick Castellanos, OF/DH
Coming in at #4 is Nick Castellanos, the former Tiger, former Red and former Cub. Castellanos had a huge 2021, setting new highs in home runs (34) while posting the lowest strikeout rate (20.7%) of his career. He’s going to go somewhere where he can DH and now, that could be absolutely anywhere. The Reds, Marlins, Cubs and Nationals were the top 4 teams I had as potential suitors in my original free agent video. I eventually settled on him signing with Washington, which is still possible. However, at that time, I also had J.D. Martinez signing with the Padres and he is back in Boston. So, I do think the Padres will sign a big time player to DH for them and will be willing to outbid the other teams. Therefore, I am updating my prediction - not happy about it because the Padres are in the west with my Giants - but I’m saying Castellanos signs with the San Diego Padres.
Prediction: San Diego Padres
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
Moving into the top 3 - the best of the best - we have Freddie Freeman. I originally had him staying in Atlanta but the more time that passes and the more reports that come out on Freeman, the more it seems that he might sign elsewhere. This is stunning to me and I can’t believe the Braves didn’t lock him up before the lockout. The Red Sox, Dodgers, Yankees are teams that will be in on Freeman but at the end of the day, I can’t see it happening. I believe Freeman will play the rest of the career - or at least the rest of his productive career - with the Braves. I’m sticking with my prediction. It will happen. It has to happen. Freeman signs with the Atlanta Braves.
Prediction: Atlanta Braves
2. Trevor Story, SS
Next up is Trevor Story. The Rangers and Tigers were original teams I thought could show interested but they’ve already locked up their shortstops with Seager and Baez respectively. If the Astros don’t re-sign Correa, Story would be nearly a perfect replacement, so they may be interested. I’m still going to stick with the New York Yankees. They do have some room to maneuver the infield around a bit, moving Gleyber Torres to 2nd base with DJ LeMahieu being a super utility player, playing all around the infield like he did this year. I can really see this happening – I’ve got Trevor Story signing with the Bronx Bombers.
Prediction: New York Yankees
1. Carlos Correa, SS
That brings us to the #1 free agent in the 2021-2022 offseason. It is Mr. Carlos Correa. The only downside is you probably won’t get 162 games out of him but he did play in 148 in 2021, which is the most he’s played in since 2016. The 2021 All Star hit a career high 26 bombs while playing elite defense at shortstop and had an OPS of .850. He has said he wants to stay in Houston but he was also apparently insulted at their extension offer that I thought was pretty decent. I’m just speculating but I would also assume all the booing and cheating talk has taken a toll and he may want to get a fresh start elsewhere; again he hasn’t said that; I’m just talking out loud. Could a reunion with A.J. Hinch in Detroit be possible? I predicted it but then the Tigers signed Javy Baez. However, infields can be moved around, Baez can play second base as well. It is still possible, but I’m going to update this prediction and say that Correa signs with a surprise team. I really think the Dodgers are also possibilities since they just sign whoever they want. That said, I’m going to predict officially that the Minnesota Twins swoop in and sign Correa in order to remain relevant; this is a team that has been awesome that last few years and they want to continue to compete with the White Sox and Indians - sorry Guardians - in the A.L. Central. I’ve got the TWINS signing Carlos Correa.
Prediction: Minnesota Twins