This week’s Inside the Clubhouse offers an early look at the markets for the top four players in free agency, including Jacob deGrom, Carlos Correa, Aaron Judge and Trea Turner.
With the playoffs underway, the majority of teams are already switching to off-season mode, preparing to dive into the free agent market. There will be plenty of star power available including elite pitcher Jacob deGrom and huge bats like Carlos Correa, Aaron Judge and Trea Turner.
There are a lot of factors at play for each free agent but here is the first post that teams can care about and have the resources to make a compelling presentation for each of the four.
Can the Mets re-sign Jacob Degrom?
New York Mets: DeGrum has made it clear that he will withdraw from his contract after the season, but Steve Cohen is expected to make a strong push to keep him. The Mets know DeGrom and his medical history better than any other team, which will make the negotiations interesting, but should drive a multi-year deal north of Max Scherzer’s average annual value of $43.33 million.
Texas Rangers: I would expect their off-season theme to be promotion, promotion and more promotion. DeGrom is easily the best starting pitcher on the market, and Rangers, after spending more than $550 million in free agency last winter, must make a call to find out what it will take to bring DeGrom to Texas.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers will have to re-rotate after the 2022 season, as Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney are all free agents. Andrew Friedman once signed Trevor Bauer to a three-year, $102 million contract. With Bauer’s contract scrapped, can Friedman make a push again?
Where will Carlos Correa arrive?
Baltimore Orioles: The Oriole has a strong young core, spearheaded by Adley Rutschman, and is seen by rival CEOs as a team that could make a success of free agency. Correa, arguably the best free agent, fits that description… if the price is right. One note to keep: Mike Elias, general manager of the Orioles, was the Astros’ amateur scouting manager when Houston drafted the Korea.
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs expressed their confidence in Nico Horner as the short-term player. But Jade Hoyer recently told reporters: “The way the game is going, middle court sports is going to make a huge difference.” Cubs have been linked with Correa last season, and once again, they’ll have a slew of options to consider (Xander Bogaerts, Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson).
Who will win for Aaron Judge?
New York Yankees: After rejecting a seven-year contract worth $213.5 million last season, the judge will get Pay In free agency. For now, I think that contract will come from the Yankees. It means a lot to that list. Judge and Yankees are in good standing after avoiding the arbitration hearing. He recorded the best season of his career, recording .311/.425/.686 with 62 home runs, 131 RBI and 10.2 WAR.
San Francisco Giants: San Francisco has been linked with Judge for obvious reasons. He’s from Fresno, California and was raised as a Giants fan. They have the money to spend and the flexibility to add a huge contract. They also have a need for a great bat (and a defensive player) and Judge will give them their best player since Barry Bonds.
New York Mets: You can’t rule anything out with Steve Cohen. You just can’t. But the only scenario in which I see the Mets getting serious for Judge is if they lose DeGrom at free agency and feel the need to spend big on free agency after an early playoff exit.
Tria Turner will have no shortage of suitors
Los Angeles Dodgers: By all accounts, Turner loved his time with the Dodgers family, and that feeling is mutual. Los Angeles felt comfortable letting Cory Seeger leave at free agency last winter due to Turner’s presence. But Turner, who some scouts think is the best baseball player, will get it Pay In free agency. One evaluator expected Turner to sign a long-term average annual value contract between Seager and Francisco Lindor. When asked about this assessment, another evaluator said, “They’re in the right ballpark.”
Atlanta Braves: To me, the brave are the sleepers for Turner… if Dansby Swanson leaves in free agency. Sources said Swanson and Braves have talked about an extension, though he doesn’t think it’s anything close. Atlanta saved money in the long run with Michael Harris II, Spencer Strider, Austin Riley and others. Perhaps they could use some of that money to sign Turner in a move that would send shock waves throughout baseball.
San Francisco Giants: Giants must start thinking about life after becoming Brandon Crawford and Turner very Good succession plan. Crawford is signed until 2023, but Turner has a knack for playing second base. Andrew Friedman acquired Turner in 2021. Giants CEO Farhan Zaidi worked alongside Friedman with the Dodgers, and was like many of the same players. Just saying ‘.
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