*Photo from the Los Angeles Times*
With the MLB lockout officially over after a new CBA was agreed to, free agency signings and trades can start taking place, with the season set to begin on April 7. With that in mind, let's check out the best remaining free agents at each position.
C: Luke Maile
This free agent class had a pretty weak catcher market, and with Roberto Perez signing with the Pirates pre-lockout, Maile is the best one available. If you expect him to be an everyday player, he's not. But he can be a pretty serviceable backup catcher for teams in need of more depth behind the dish.
1B: Freddie Freeman
Freeman is a very intriguing player, who's expected to have a big market. What he was seeking for a contract has already been leaked, and it'll be interesting to see how the Freeman sweepstakes plays out. There will be many suitors, and the Braves should try and keep him at all costs.
2B: Matt Carpenter
Carpenter is a pretty valuable utility player who can play anywhere on the infield, and has done so in his time with the Cardinals. He's coming off a pretty bad season at the plate, but his defensive versatility still has good value, so he should have at least a modest market.
3B: Kris Bryant
Nolan Arenado didn't opt out, so Bryant is deservedly the best hot corner player on the market. He hit 25 home runs across two teams and drove in 73 runs while playing 144 games. He offers defensive versatility, as he can be played in the outfield and first base in addition to 3rd base. Especially with his performance in the second half of the season, Bryant has earned himself some money this winter.
SS: Carlos Correa
Trevor Story is incredibly good and still a free agent, but that won't impact Correa's market at all, because that's how good he is. He hit 26 homers, was just a few RBI's short of 100 this season, and his playoff performances helped the Astros reach the world series for the 3rd time in 5 years. He's also a defensive stalwart, so he's valuable on both sides of the diamond. Make no mistake, Correa will get a truckload of money this offseason.
LF: Kyle Schwarber
After being non tendered by the Cubs, Schwarber blossomed in Washington, bashing 25 home runs in 72 games before he was traded to the Red Sox in July. He made an impact in Boston too, hitting home runs and extra base hits in key moments both in the regular season and the playoffs, and he learned first base, so he can add that to his resume defensively, which did improve upon going to Boston. He's earned some money and likely a long term deal this offseason.
CF: Brett Gardner
With Starling Marte off the board, Gardner is arguably the best center fielder out there. He is rather old, and has regressed both offensively and defensively, but he does still have value as a bench outfielder and spot starter, which he had to do a good deal of with the Yankees last season. He'll probably be back in pinstripes, but anything's possible.
RF: Nick Castellanos
Nick Castellanos has been swatting drives into deep left field all season. 34 home runs, to be exact. He was a big generator of offense for the Reds, driving in exactly 100 runs and posting a stellar .939 OPS in 138 games of action. His defense has also improved while in Cincinnati, so he'll make major money this offseason.
DH: Nelson Cruz
The ageless wonder of Nelson Cruz continued in 2021. He made yet another all star game and whacked 32 home runs split between the Twins and Rays in 140 regular season games. That's pretty much his main strength, as he is the DH for a reason. He's the guy to go after if you need a hitting jolt, but just give him a one year deal, as he is still getting older.
SP(NL): Clayton Kershaw
The fact that Kershaw, who is still a very good pitcher despite being a rather old guy in the baseball sense, wasn't a number one for two seasons is scary to think. There has been no sign of a decline in his abilities when he's on the field, so he should be an attractive pitcher on the market, whether it's the Dodgers or someone else.
SP(AL): Carlos Rodon
Rodon had a strong first half of 2021, including a no-hitter, before a familiar foe in injuries struck him again, severely limiting him from the trade deadline on. When he's healthy, he's shown that he is a quite good pitcher, and he deserves some money this offseason. He just needs to stay healthy and catch a break for once.
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