These are the top free agents still on the market
When we last left the free-agent market, teams around the Majors were snapping up players left and right. More than $1.6 billion in free-agent contracts were handed out prior to Dec. 2, including an unprecedented $1 billion day on Dec. 1 alone.
With camps set to open on Sunday, the remaining free agents will now look to find homes for 2022 and beyond. For teams in search of impact players, the free-agent market still features a number of notable names.
Here’s a look at the free agents still available, listed alphabetically:
Kris Bryant, 3B/LF
A former National League Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, Bryant – who also played a key role on the Cubs’ 2016 championship team – is one of the more decorated players on the free-agent market. He’s also one of the most versatile, able to play either corner infield or outfield spot. The 30-year-old Bryant bounced back from his poor 2020 season to hit 25 home runs with an .835 OPS between the Cubs and Giants in 2021, making his fourth career All-Star team.
Nick Castellanos, RF
After opting out of the final two years and $34 million of his contract with the Reds, Castellanos is hoping to capitalize on his stellar 2021. The right fielder set career highs with 34 home runs and a .939 OPS, making the first All-Star team of his nine-year career. For a team looking for middle-of-the-lineup power, Castellanos is one of the best options out there.
Carlos Correa, SS
Correa has been the consensus top free agent since the offseason began, yet he didn’t cash in quickly like some others did. Correa changed agents in January, ditching William Morris Endeavor in favor of Scott Boras, joining forces with the agent that landed fellow shortstop Corey Seager a 10-year, $325 million deal with the Rangers.
Freddie Freeman, 1B
While it was once considered a formality that Freeman and the Braves would work out a new deal to keep the All-Star in Atlanta, that is no longer a given. Several teams including the Dodgers, Yankees, Rangers, Red Sox and Blue Jays have been linked to the first baseman, who would provide an instant boost to any lineup.
Kenley Jansen, RHP
The relief market wasn’t particularly strong entering the offseason, though Raisel Iglesias, Kendall Graveman, Aaron Loup, Hector Neris, Mark Melancon and Corey Knebel all signed deals, leaving few reliable options out there. Jansen had a solid 2021 season, posting his lowest ERA (2.22) since 2017, leaving him as the top late-inning bullpen option on the market.
Kyle Schwarber, 1B/LF/DH
Schwarber had a huge bounce-back season in 2021, swatting 32 home runs with a .928 OPS in just 113 games with the Nationals and Red Sox. The outfielder/DH even added first base to his repertoire, playing 10 games there for Boston. The addition of the universal DH should open some jobs in the National League, with Schwarber representing one of the top options for that role.
Jorge Soler, RF
Soler made quite an impact during his two-plus months with the Braves, hitting 14 home runs with an .882 OPS in 55 games after being acquired prior to the Trade Deadline. After failing to drive in a run during the first two rounds of the postseason, Soler exploded for three homers and six RBIs in the World Series, earning MVP honors after Atlanta won it all. A solid right fielder, Soler could also benefit from the addition of the universal DH.
Trevor Story, SS
Like Correa, Story was unable to cash in prior to the lockout, watching Seager, Marcus Semien (7 years, $175 million deal with the Rangers) and Javier Báez (6 years, $140 million with the Tigers) sign nine-figure deals. By his lofty standards, Story is coming off a subpar 2021 season, but with an offseason to allow his injuries to heal, the shortstop is expected to land a sizeable deal and make an immediate impact for his next team.
Seiya Suzuki, RF
Suzuki is one of the more intriguing free agents this winter, having been posted by the Hiroshima Carp on November 22. The power-hitting right fielder has drawn interest from a number of teams, though the Mariners, Giants and Padres have been considered the favorites to land the 27-year-old.