Spring training is often when contract extensions come together, and shortstop is one of the positions that’s certainly worth watching in that regard during the next several weeks. The Mets’ Francisco Lindor, the Dodgers’ Corey Seager, the Rockies’ Trevor Story, the Astros’ Carlos Correa and the Cubs’ Javier Baez are on track to lead a tremendous free-agent class at short next offseason, though it’s conceivable any of them could instead opt for long-term security with a new deal this spring.
It stands to reason the Mets will make a serious effort to lock up Lindor, whom they acquired from Cleveland in a winter blockbuster. There is indeed “mutual interest” in a new deal, but it could cost upward of $300MM in guarantees to lock up the 27-year-old four-time All-Star. Fortunately for the Mets, thanks to the presence of Steve Cohen – the wealthiest owner in the sport – they seem to have a realistic chance of keeping Lindor in the fold beyond this season.
Seager, 27 in April, rounded back into superstar form in 2020 during the regular season and continued to thrive in the playoffs, in which he earned NLCS and World Series MVP honors for the championship-winning Dodgers. Unlike Lindor, though, it’s not clear whether he’s open to an extension. Asked Thursday whether he and the Dodgers have held talks, Seager told reporters (including Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times), “I don’t really want to talk about it, to be honest.” Of course, as the highest-payroll team in the game, the Dodgers should be able to extend Seager if the two sides are motivated to get something done.
There doesn’t appear to be as much hope regarding Story, as they haven’t discussed a new pact with him; plus, as apparent non-contenders that recently traded away former face of the franchise Nolan Arenado (Story’s ex-partner on the left side of the infield), it may make more sense for the club to trade Story prior to the summer deadline.
Correa and Baez were hardly at top form in 2020, but they’re still decorated players in their mid- to late-20s who haven’t made it any secret they’re willing to stay where they are. Both Correa and the Astros are hopeful they’ll reach a deal; meanwhile, Baez made it known yet again Friday that he would like to remain a Cub.
What do you think? Of this group of shortstops, which player do you believe is most likely to sign an extension?
(Poll link for app users)
Correa or Baez. Least likely Story by a mile
Quick Note: Lindor won’t sign an extension but I think he will resign
Something that a few of us have been wanting to ask: Why do the writers of MLBTR, a website that prides itself on promoting the use of statistical analysis when valuing players, insist on repeatedly bringing up the number of times said players have been named an All-Star? So the same website that has banned any mention of Pitcher Wins because of their belief that it is has no value, also believes that being named an All-Star has great value? Seriously? So even though players are often named an All-Star because a) It’s a popularity contest or b) At least one player from every team must be selected or c) The player had a good 3-month start to the season, THAT is supposed to somehow justify a player’s perceived value? But certain statistics such as Pitcher Wins have zero value?
It is the current trend. Pitchers can no longer accumulate wins, so a different approach is necessary to evaluate effectiveness. Any writer, not just MLBTR has to find something positive to write about. The same goes for hitters with high averages, too difficult to achieve for most players, so they now use juiced ball home run totals and on base pct. It works, more or less and this system will be around for quite a while, so you had better get used to it until something better comes along. It is easy to do with plug and play number users. A .240 average with a high on base pct is today’s .300 hitter.
All Star selections have been a popularity contest since they handed the voting over to the fans. You also have to watch out for ballot stuffing like Royals’ fans did a few years ago. Being an All Star is really meaningless, until contract negotiations when it becomes a valid point for the players and their agents.
The system is rigged in order to milk the owners for as much money as they can despite historically bad statistics.
What does that make you then if you come here and comment?
This is the best MLB news site and has been for a long time. If you crave specific stats then click the players name you children
You missed the point..
I totally agree, All Star selections are meaningless, especially these days with 86 players selected in 2019. Sure I get that other pitcher statistics are more important than wins, obviously, but there’s no logic in claiming pitcher wins have no value at all while constantly hyping All Star selections.
Agreed.
Baez seems to be putting pressure on the Cubs front office and it may work out for him, with his local popularity, but his peripheral numbers will make some wary of a big contract, let alone an extension.
Correa seemingly likes where he’s at and the organization feels similarly, and his injury history may limit him on the open market, but the Astros may be apprehensive about that as well.
I think Seager and Lindor test the open market; the Dodgers may not have room for Seager financially, emphasis on may, and Lindor has always seemed destined for free agency, although the Mets will definitely push to keep him.
I could also see Colorado extending Story somehow, due to the inverse logic they’ve applied the last several years.
Bottom line is I think they will all at least dabble in the market, as they should.
The Dodgers have plans to re-sign Seager, Kershaw and Bellinger, and Friedman has said as much. It will likely take a massive overpay to pry any of them away from Los Angeles. That said, anything can happen, but those three guys are apparently in the Dodgers’ future plans. Friedman has a solid track record of planning ahead, to say the least.
The Dodgers will sign Kershaw. One of Bellinger and Seager will leave IMO
When has Friedman said as much? It would be unlike him to tip his hand on anything, let alone on something as big as this.
I think it’s interesting how many people voted for a Seager extension when it could not be more clear that the chances of this happening are overestimated at zero.
Has everybody simply stopped watching the Cubs otherwise why would Baez be thought likely to return with big money? When he has a stretch with plenty of #4 and #5 starters he will show some numbers but against TOR starters he has no chance. They toy with him. They make him chase so he is no help in October. So why would a team doing a soft rebuild want to be stuck with brutal long term Baez money?????
Just watching ESPN now and they report that the Cubs and Baez have resumed talks on an extension. While he’s been inconsistent, he was series MVP in the NLCS in 2016, second in NL MVP and a SS in 2018, an all star in 2018 and 2019, and a GG in 2020. He’s by far the best SS the Cubs have had since Mr Ernie Banks who last played a couple of generations ago. Over and above his talent, it would be a huge PR mistake not to extend Baez. By keeping their payroll down in 2021, I wouldn’t be surprised if the club makes extension offers to Baez, Rizzo and Bryant this year and Contreras next year, not that they will all come to an agreement.
have you forgotten The Riot?
It’s worth noting that Lindor is a Union rep. Unless he’s made an enormous extension that squarely puts him among the top-5 or so highest paid players, it’s easy to see him exploring free agency. There’s a potential message to send to young players to bet on themselves.
Correa seems the most likely to sign an extension, in my opinion. Between the injury history and the ridiculous defense of Altuve (and involvement) through the cheating scandle, it’s easy to see at least a little less interest in his services from other teams. Houston should be able to afford an extension as well. Though they have around 196m committed to this season, they have under 75m on the books for 2022.
I went with Baez. Out of the options I’ll rank them in order of a somewhat realistic extension ranking. 1 being the likeliest and 5 is testing the FA market.
1. Lindor
2. Baez
3. Correa
4. Seager
5. Story
You can talk about these guys and pay them huge contracts. For the difference in money I’m good with Dansby Swanson. He has been on an upward slope both in field and with his bat. A couple injuries stopped longer runs but this will be the year he does it for an entire season. He will make a fraction of what a few others on this list will make and not be a huge drop off in production so the Braves can use that savings in other areas. The only question is will AA do that?
1 Correa
2 Lindor
3 Seager
4 Baez
5 Story
I see 6 hopeful Rockies fans have voted
Actually that was 1 guy who was able to vote 6 times
LOL
Mets will under achieve as usual and Lindor will be off to greener pastures
Must be ANOTHER CRANKEE FAN
I wouldn’t call it “under achieving”
@LH I wouldn’t either I’d just call it the Mets being the Mets.
Yep. Mets are going to do Mets things.
I doubt it’ll be from lack of attempt on Mets part. I’m sure they are dangling 300+ million to lindor right now ! Takes a certain person to want to play and live in New York though. And even more so to play for the Mets.
I don’t think lindor is that type of person, but good Lord, how do u pass on 300+ million!?
no kidding…I don’t think I can even imagine that level of income/wealth and few of us can.
Every one of the looming FA SS’s are in the $250M+ range for their next contract. No single one of them will worry about a big offer this coming post season. If I was one of them, unless I LOVED where I’m playing I would see only one reason to consider an in-season extension. That reason would be injury either hidden or potential. Otherwise why not wait to see how next year’s FA season unfolds and pick the place you really want to play given the deal offered will likely be a whole career level deal and they’ll play there to rest of their career.
Lindor is a good example….how would he know he even likes playing and living in NY? Granted to get huge $$$ it is going to be a big market team so cites will be limited to a degree. Heck the ‘shrooms might kick in and Boston might even decide to actually spend some bucks again too, who knows?
As for the Dodgers, i don’t seem them signing any big extensions in-season simply based on the $250M+ current payroll. Not that they can’t afford it but the tax at that level is pretty high so maybe they work a deal behind closed doors and get it done after the season ends? It is going to be for certain interesting to see how the FO manages the payroll if keeping the big guns on the roster for the next 5-10yrs. Maybe the Bauer contract experiment might help if more players see the value of kind of helping keep winning teams together in a way similar to the NBA but woth different factors.
My rankings from most to least likely to sign an extension:
1. Lindor
2. Baez
3. Correa
4. Seager
Very distant 5: Story
How is Correa more likely than Seager? To me, Seager is a lock. LAD needs a SS, which he is, and he has a good bat(believe me, I know, I’m a Giants fan) and glove. Seager is a good SS, and if he stays healthy will probably be worth the money. I want him to leave, but I know it won’t happen. He’s homegrown and likes LA, as far as I know. I think:
1. Seager
2. Baez
3. Lindor
4. Correa
….
5. Story
Correa has talked about being interested in an extension, and the Astros have not spent big money to keep Cole or Springer (and Verlander is either gone or signing for a lot less).
Easy to answer that one: Boras.. Only way a Boras guy signs an extension before walking into FA, is if the client TELLS him to, like Bogaerts did.
Boras has getting the most $$ for himself as agenda #1, only if the player tells him differently, will that switch. I see Seager becoming a FA and looking for every last dime also, call it the Boras factor.
You speak the truth. Boras will get the most for himself and the player unless put in his place by the player. It used to be that once you were represented by Scotty you were always represented by Scotty. But things have changed in the last 5-7 years and people actually leave Boras Corp, especially if you are not one of the very top FA’s. He has overplayed his hand a few times in the last few years.
Wait are you disparaging an agent for trying to get the best deal possible for his client? I’m no fan of Scott Boras, but that’s quite literally his job description.
Bro Seager won’t sign an extension because Dodger have already blown apart the tax threshold and they have to try to retain Kershaw.( As Kershaw is more loved than Seager)
They plan to go over this year and next. By 2022, their payroll is very clean. 2023 it’s just Mookie atm. They are trying to make a dynasty. 10M in taxes isn’t standing in the way
I do believe there’s a legitimate chance Seager+LA work something out this ST, especially if he starts hitting cover off the ball right off the bat. Boras is way more extension-open than he was a decade ago. It would be aav 30M+ to get it done, but if they put 7/210 or 8/240 in front of Corey, I think he signs
Yea the article is a bit misleading. Seager doesn’t like to talk about anything with the media. Seager is a super quiet humble country kid, he just likes to play baseball. The Dodgers drafted him, have the ability to pay him, and are the most competitive team year in and year out. Why would he leave?
The question isn’t whether he will leave, but more whether he will be extended or sign back from free agency. At this point the latter is the only realistic scenario. With very few exceptions the Dodgers are not enthusiastic about extensions, and Seager is represented by an agent who advises his clients against them. We also have to know that extensions are rarely negotiated during the season. So with only a few weeks left for a highly unlikely event to occur, it’s a safe bet that Seager becomes a free agent.
Seager has stated that he wants to test the FA market. Yes the Dodgers have the money to resign him. But with Betts contract. Belinger being a couple of years away being a FA and Bueller also getting close. You can’t pay all three. The best is to keep two of the three. I’m not hating, I’m just stating facts.
Except for Seager stating that he wants to test the free agent market. That isn’t a fact unless you can provide the linkage. My guess is you can’t.
I think Lindor, Seager, and Baez will all either sign an extension with their current teams or re-sign in free agency. Correa is more of a wild-card, as he will be expensive and the Astros’ window is closing, so I think he will follow his old manager to Detroit. There is absolutely no way Story stays in Colorado, so I think he will end up signing with the Giants after this year.
The Astros window is closing.. just like every season is the season the analysts get it right that Brady is washed up. I think Correa gets an extension and if not Bregman is a capable SS. Plenty of money is coming off the books and they’re getting their draft picks back next year. Plenty of young talent to go around as is and the way the team is structured they’ll have plenty of flexibility. Altuve and Breg’s had one down year and they’ve been written off based on 60 games. Time will tell, but they aren’t about to turn into the Phillies/Giants/RedSox any time soon.
They are getting draft picks back but missing the genius to draft with them Jeff Luhnow
Still I voted for Carlos to sign an extension
1. You can’t credibly compare Tom Brady to the Astros. That’s…I don’t want to say laughable because it’s sad how delusional anyone would have to be to make that (even the “media is always wrong” point you’re actually trying to make.)
2. The Astros current window has either closed or will be closed after this season. That’s not to say they won’t be good, but windows are defined by how long you can keep the same core playing at a high level. They’ve lost Springer and Cole the past two years and will either need to spend money or find replacements for Correa, Grienke, and Verlander in the next few years.
3. Draft picks are only valuable as the people making them and even if the current FO is as talented as the previous, it still takes a couple of years for players to reach and establish themselves as big league contributors.
The Astros have been to the last four ALCS*, two of the last four World Series*, and won a title*. That’s a pretty successful window. It’s not an insult to say after the loss of a couple major contributors and the looming loss of several others, that the current window is closing. It’s just reality that at some point; they’ll have to take a step back before they can take a step forward again. It happens.
Enjoy the ring* and memories.
Being written off and proving the media wrong is the comparison. Not being able to see that makes you credible? You disagree and seem to think you’re right which is fine. We’ll see what happens, but the keyboard warrior in you needs to settle down.
The issue with the Astros is that their top players have all been leaving/getting older/getting injured. Springer and Cole have left the team, Verlander is out with injury, Greinke is getting older(but still effective), Gurriel’s age is showing up, Alvarez has injury issues, and Brantley is also getting older. They still have talented players on the roster, but most of their stars will be much less effective in the coming years.
Now, they could always make some good free agency signings to replace their stars, but chances are that their championship window is closing shut.
I don’t see Correa staying at SS long-term regardless of who he signs with. The guy is about as flexible as a 2×4.
And their down year may not have been as much 2020 as their up years were (vibrate mode please)……. the buzzer! But it’s over, so I won’t bring it up if you don’t.
Please now. Correa may not have ever been in the class of Simmons, nor Iglesias with the glove at SS, but he’s not any Hanley Ramirez at the position either, who butchered it up with Miami for several years.
Speaking of flexible, defensive limited infielders.. I remember a certain second baseman for NY not long ago who could barely move being ran out there on a daily basis.. Some (enough) sportswriters were so enthralled by that smile of his they even gave him probably the least deserved GG in the history of the game.
Maybe safer to say Correa is a bat 1st SS, like Bogaerts is, Tulo was and many others throughout the history of the game.
The astros window closed when they were exposed as cheaters and frauds.
@dan55:
only a Pads fan… :p wrote ‘…I think Lindor, Seager, and Baez will all either sign an extension with their current teams or re-sign in free agency…’ Ummm, of course they will each do one or the other. ;P I do totally get your point, but it read funny at first. You’re saying they are most likely to each stay with current teams? At first glance it read as if each with either extend or be a FA…that was a duuuhhh, moment for me.
Love the Pads upping their game and it is going to be a fun season to watch in the NL West. Us Dodger or Pad fans can’t overlook that the Giants seem to find ways to win more than one might expect so can’t overlook their influence for sure.
I wonder what a Gleyber Torres extension would look like…. I realize he hasn’t had enough consistent years to gauge his true value after such a down season last year, even without a full season….
Torres was an Allstar his first 2 seasons and the COVID season doesn’t mean anything. Last season was a disaster and looking into any players numbers from 2020 is not going to paint an accurate picture. He’s way more deserving of an extension than Tatis is.
Covid season means more than people think. Everyone had huge obstacles last season and everyone was on the same boat. Doesn’t that count? They all knew coming in the games limitations and getting out of the gate fast was essential. Is a long distance runner better than a 100 meter sprinter?
A full 162 has ups and downs. Players/Teams get hot for stretches and cool off at different times and for differing lengths of time. In a 60 game season it’s not possible to accurately assess what’s real. In a regular season the team hot in April could be in the cellar come August. A player’s numbers from 17,18,19 say more about them than 20. 20 was in no way, shape, or form a normal occurrence and produced abnormal results.
I agree that numbers from the years prior mean more, but numbers from the 2020 season shouldn’t be thrown out completley. They still have their value and should be looked at, but shouldn’t be looked at like a 162 game season.
More than Tatis lol.
Ugh, Torres is a prime example of why you do….. and don’t….. extend someone that has been in the majors for a short period of time, for a long-term, player-friendly contract.
My opinion, he scores big. Especially this year because he’s come to camp in great shape and with everything to prove after Uncle Cash called him fat last year (so, it worked?).
Tatis Jr. helped Torres, and everyone else in that category, in a big way with his efficacy in closing a deal as a career Padre [at this point].
So, keep in mind, Judge, the current face of the organization’s youth (?) is coming into his own extension talks as well.
Nonetheless, here’s an article that includes some decent information regarding players in the recent past and where their performance is relative to Gleyber.
pinstripealley.com/2021/2/10/22275572/yankees-gley…
Not the most well written article, but does provide some relevant information statistically.
See, to me the issue is that those guys really aren’t comparable and after last year, even with him being out of shape, even with the shortened season, it probably isn’t clear what he offers going forward.
That said, I am guessing everybody hopes his first and second years are indicative of what his typical production will be or even what the floor of his production will be going forward the next 10 or so years. Players tend to peak in production from about Age 27 through Age 31 or so.
If that’s the case, there’s no way he gets 14 years, but I think he does get a higher AAV than Tatis, Jr.
He’s already making a decent but not crazy $4M this year- btw it’s amazing how quickly and at what modest figures all the Yankees agreed to their arbitration salaries this season.
There’s also a possible lock out looming…
All things being equal, I think it would depend on the total years guaranteed, but a 10 year extension in the range of $250M guaranteed could be realistic.
If he signed the Tatis, Jr. deal at that level he’d therefore be signing for $350M, which, people keep saying he has more value than Tatis, Jr. and others, so that would represent a better than symbolic pay bump over what Tatis, Jr. agreed to.
Takes him through his Age 34 season, gives him gradual salary increases through his remaining arbitration years, puts him at commensurate league averages salaries in the $30M+ range for a few seasons in his peak free agent years and then drops the salary back to something still huge but far more palatable in his golden years of playing on the contract, at a time when similar players younger than him could be looking at $40-50m per season.
probably closer to Bogey than Tatis
i would probably bet none of them if was to bet on each of them individually
Baez has not had consistently strong years so with the Cubs currently cutting payroll I can’t see them making a big offer to him.
Lol finishing second in the mvp voting 2 years ago and pretty damn good numbers the cpl years prior and being the new gold glove ss in the nl are not consistent? I kno ur talking about 2020 but then is yelich garbage too? Abd everyone else like that who underperformed. Baez is gonna put up mvp numbers again this year but having already signed an extension prior to opening day.
They changed the rules on video in the dugout because of the Astros, then Baez had a 59 OPS+ afterwards. No one is giving him 100M unless he hits in 2021.
The smart ones will sign an extension If none of them do it will be a buyers market next year
Easy. Mets will offer Lindor a deal he can’t reasonably refuse. Not quite Betts, but close.
Correa. The Ricketts aren’t spending any money. The Dodgers’ll figure to pay about the same for Seager now or later. Story is obvious. And why would Cohen sign Lindor for 300 now when he can do so after the season for 350? It’s worth the 50 mil to him to mitigate some risk.
I said Seager, because I know SS is open unless he fills it, and the Dodgers have interest, to the best of my knowledge, in keeping him, and to reiterate, there is a spot for him in the stacked LA lineup(LAD of course, not LAA, although that would be interesting if he want across town, just saying). The Mets are taking too long with Lindor. If he stays with the Mets, it’ll be in Free Agency. As to Correa, I think he likes Houston but wants to get away from the sign-stealing drama as best as possible. Story will not remain with Colorado, even when he hits the open market. Baez might sign an extension, but I feel like he kind of wants to hit the market and see what interest he can pull in.
How are the Mets taking too long? They literally are beginning their discussions about an extension this week.
Lindor is smart, he’s going to wait until FA unless Gleyber is a star SS this year. He has to know that the Yankees limited spending this year, coupled with their lack of defense at SS will put Lindor directly in their path, ultimately doing the bidding war for him.
Unless the Mets completely blow him away with a phantasmagorical offer, which I don’t see Cohen doing as a smart, frugal businessman. He understands valuations and he will overpay for Lindor, but only to a point. He’s already proven that with Bauer. He will get to a “take it or leave it” phase again.
Cohen has boatloads of money and can sign Lindor at the drop of a hat whenever he wishes including after the season.
I don’t see any of these guys signing during ST, although the pressure is really on the Mets to get something done. I think Lindor and Seager will re-sign after 2021.
I can see Lindor and Seager inking deals. Went with Lindor because the heavy lifting of that deal will probably be however long it takes to drop over $300 million to him. Could see there being some haggle over total years, deferrals, and opt-out clauses, but I don’t think any player would (or should) ever turn down that much money when it’s staring them in the face.
Seager will resign at some point, but that’s probably going to be complex just because we know the Dodgers tend to get creative with some of the deals they agree to. They’re all for the high AAV, shorter-term deals or achievement-based bonuses in their deals. I’d imagine Seager would want to chase the highest possible dollar opposed to a short term deal. He’ll end up back with a wealthy contract on the best ran team in baseball, but getting to the finish line may be more of a triathlon than a straight dart.
Why does everyone seem to think Lindor signing an extension is some kind of a given?
I voted for Correa. I can see it with Baez as well. Seager is a Boras client but plays for the richest team in the game and he is well liked there. I think it’s pretty certain the Dodgers end up with him, Lindor or Story.
Lindor and especially Story aren’t happening.
As a Mets fan who follows the the team extensively, I’d say it’d be highly unexpected if he doesn’t sign. They made that trade knowing they could sign him long term. Cohen is expecting to pay anything to keep him, as well as Conforto; it’s part of the reason they didnt overpay for Springer. They were ready to pay over $40 mil each of the next 2 years to Bauer, why wouldn’t they pay $30 mil a year for Lindor? Plus, the way he’s acting, such as wearing the Mets jacket that Eddie Murphy wears in Coming to America, only adds to the likelihood. It’s at a minimum 90% he’s staying in New York.
@burn0820 The Mets don’t know they can sign anyone long-term! They also “knew” that they would be able to sign Marcus Stroman and Noah Syndergaard long-term. How’d that work out for them?
JDG: Smart, Baez has openly said he wants to sign and stay in Cub-land all season. He loves it there and they adore him. I see a DJL-like deal for him. I think you’re right on the money.
Man. These guys must be kicking their chops seeing what Fernando Tatis Jr. just got.
Licking them too.
No, they’re licking their pops
Then what are they kicking?
Uhhhhhh Trea is a CAA guy and one of the games best shortstops. No love for my guy?
Always, always forget about TT. He’s really good too and nobody ever talks about him. It’s weird, but good call.
Not a free agent
After next season, 2022, correct.
Aaaaah didn’t realize that was this list. Probably shoulda been able to do the math there.
Where’s the Brandon Crawford negative button?
I don’t honestly think any of the will sign an extension. All but Story are open to staying with their current club. If all 5 hit free agency then in my opinion none will get $300 million…
Seems like Lindor is easily the most likely to be extended. The Mets have been throwing around money like a New York hedge fund manager! Oh, wait…
Hard to read how the extension market will play out. Next off season could be totally trashed by the CBA negotiations.. The market could be worse than this off season’s as clubs still struggle with the affects of COVID on their attendance.
Mets and Lindor seem to be the most likely to find a way to get an extension done, followed by Seager and the Dodgers.
Indians fans aren’t going to like this. But when Lindor makes the HOF. There is a good chance he chooses the Mets hat depending on how successful his time is here. (Assuming he doesn’t leave this year and signs with us long terms.
The Mets will do everything in their power to re-sign Lindor, or extend him. They feel that another PR nightmare like the Bauer situation is unacceptable. And they’re probably right – the Mets fan base is too used to poor ownership to give Cohen too many passes.
I think lindor stays a met. Mets gave up 2 young shortstops to get him. Lindor is the best at the position. Mets can afford him. No reason to let him walk.
Lindor will be in a solid lineup. They have a bunch of quality players and look like they could be a great team. Probably a contract a little better than that is will do it.
Seager probably walks. He has had injury issues. Dodgers always have someone that can come in and take over. They have stars all over the field. I think he can be replaced.
Story runs out of colorado.
Baez probably leaves. Cubs are cutting costs, so they will be rebuilding. They might trade him though.
Correa walks. Astros will rebuild around Bregman and altuve up the middle.
SS market is going to have some stupid money being thrown around with Tatis’ deal. There are also a ridiculous class of SS’ who are due for deals.
I’m most curious if the Nats will try to lock Turner up.
San Diego ruined the SS market way too early. They could of waited. Does anyone get a deal larger than Tatis? Torres needs to play SS better or I could see Yankees going after Seager or Lindor. The others are right handed and they could use more leftys in the lineup.
Before the Tatis deal I figured they would deal with Torres at SS one more year before they slid him back to 2b and signed one of the premier SS’ available on the market. But I think that idea is out the door with these prices and Hal very aware of the luxury tax. I think we have to roll with Gleyber for another 2-3 years at SS.
Trea Turner.
The answer is Adalberto Mondesi. You’ll be embarrassed that he wasn’t on your list at the end of the year.
Baez. The Cubs will value him higher than the rest of the league because of their history with him, and being a fan favorite. If he doesn’t resign with them, he better have a good year this year. A continuation of last season, and he won’t be getting too much.
The cubs window imo will close this year unless they keep Baez & Bryant , but no way they afford both
Extensions for Baez and Bryant would raise the Cubs annual payroll by about 17 – 19 mil more a year than their current salary levels. The Cubs 2021 payroll sits at $174 mil which is more than 30 mil below the luxury tax level. The team will have Kimbrel’s 16 mil coming off at the end of this year as well, so the club will have enough budget to extend Baez, Bryant, Rizzo and a year later Contreras unless some of these core players want a ridiculous contract. The club also has young inexpensive pitching at or nearing the bigs in Alzolay, Marquez, and Abbott so extending the core is doable.
Lindor needs to test the waters and see if he likes it in NY. I would not extend Correa as injury-prone, but they probably will. I think LA likes Seager but would rather have Lindor. No reason for Story to extend if he wants to win. The Cubs should extend Baez so they can still sell jerseys when Bryant is gone.
I think all of these guys go through this year and see where they’re teams are as far as winning. If there teams make the playoffs then they might not go to free agency., As of today, I would say Seager and Corea sign with their teams, and Lindor and Story go to free agency. Baez is the the wild card..