The MLBPA and MLB owners have not made great strides on a new CBA since the lockdown began, but just because it will be a while for the two sides to resolve it doesn’t mean we have a solution to quit discuss what could / should happen if the sport is resumed at some point.
Because when that happens and teams are allowed to sign free agents and do business again, you will see a flurry of activity. It will likely be a lot of fun to be honest to see free agents write contracts and teams make trades after trade. After all, what will front office types do during the lockout other than plan their back-in-the-saddle strategy?
So let’s look at division by division, which is what is on the list for all 30 teams. Today it’s AL West.
POST-LOCKOUT PRIORITIES: AL East | AL Central | NL East | NL Central | NL West
Houston Astros
Summary before blocking: The uncertainty surrounding Justin Verlander’s situation – his return deal was reported long before the lockout but not officially announced – was finally resolved when MLB signed the post-lockout deal. However, uncertainty about Carlos Correa’s situation – he is likely to leave, especially after Houston’s less than enthusiastic offer – remains. Yes, he will likely still sign elsewhere, but two of the teams that are expected to apply for his services have already found their shortstops (the Tigers signed Javier Baez and the Rangers signed Corey Seager taken). So who knows? It was also wise to bring back manager Dusty Baker. And bringing in Hector Neris – who had 98 strikeouts and a 3.63 ERA in 74 1/3 innings for the Phillies last year – was a nice addition to the later innings.
The very first thing to do: Find out who will be playing Shortstop in 2022 and beyond. Will they re-evaluate Correa and offer a market value deal to return? When guys like Martin Maldonado – a well-respected player – say things like that, the door to a return can’t be slammed: “This guy is the heart and soul of this team,” Maldonado said, as in the Houston Chronicle right after World Series. “People love him, people respect him. People listen to him. Hopefully it won’t be the last time we’ll play together. “
If not Correa, maybe a shorter deal for Texas-based Trevor Story, a free agent with a solid track record, but who comes out of a bad 2021, in relative terms? Internal options, perhaps, with a combination of Aledmys Díaz and the potential Jeremy Peña? Maybe a very short term fix like free agent Andrelton Simmons?
Also on the list: The Astros are really in a pretty good position. Correa is the only starting position player to lose from their World Series squad. The rotation loses veteran Zack Greinke, but Cristian Javier slips into this position without any problems. The bullpen could use an additional arm or two, but that’s the same on literally every team in baseball. However, don’t be surprised if they sign a left-hander to replace Brooks Raley, who only allowed two hits and two runs in six combined innings in the ALCS and World Series.
Seattle Mariners
Summary before blocking: The M’s replaced a solid left-hander in their rotation – Yusei Kikuchi exercised his opt-out clause – with a dynamic left-hander – the 2021 Cy Young winner, Robbie Ray. That’s good, if a little risky, given Ray’s track record. Seattle has also traded for Adam Frazier, who hit .305 between the Pirates (where he was an All-Star) and Padres last year and can play all over the field despite being primarily a second baseman. His versatility – he has played in all three outfield positions as well as third base and shortstop in his career – cannot be underestimated.
The very first thing to do: The lineup needs more power. Though the late Kyle Seager wasn’t very good at getting to the base (.285 OBP), he beat 35 homers last year; he was the only player other than Mitch Haniger (39) who scored more than 18. Do you know who makes a lot of sense? Kris Bryant, this is who. He would replace Seager well in third place and his versatility – he can play all three outfield positions or the first base for longer distances – is a huge plus. Maybe get Trevor Story and move him to third place? Maybe bring Nelson Cruz back at DH? There are many options out there, and there is a need too.
Also on the list: With Ray, Marco Gonzales, Chris Flexen and Logan Gilbert, the M’s have solid rotation and they have several good options for fifth place. However, almost all of these options are fraught with uncertainty (mostly just a lack of big-league experience), so the Seattle front office was open to the desire to increase the depth of rotation. How that looks like – swapping for a guy like Sonny Gray or maybe hiring a few catch-up candidates – remains to be seen.
Oakland A’s
Summary before blocking: The club allowed manager Bob Melvin to go to the padres, which should be all anyone needs to know about their off-season intentions. Everyone and everyone is available at the right price. No major deals were closed prior to the lockdown, but all signs point to an imminent demolition.
The very first thing to do: If the front office really plans – at the owner’s request – to swap them all away, only one request: do it quickly. Tear off the plaster. According to an MLB source, clubs are not allowed to discuss potential trades during the lockdown. But the foundation was laid before the interruption, so end these conversations and spend the first week after she finally closes the deals. Send both Matts – Olson and Chapman, eligible to become free agents after 2023 – away the day after the lockdown ends. Cancel the rotation and immediately say goodbye to Chris Bassett (FA after 2022), Frankie Morales (FA after 2023), and Sean Manaea (FA after 2022).
Also on the list: Difficult to say what needs the team might have without knowing which established starters are being addressed.
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Los Angeles Angels
Summary before blocking: Stop me if you’ve heard this before: The Angels have signed a couple of bounce-back candidates for the rotation. Does anyone remind me of the definition of insanity? Michael Lorenzen’s signing is interesting, but you can see that signing a man with five starts and 263 appearances in the past six years isn’t a safe bet. But the signing of Noah Syndergaard? That could work out fine. He returned from Tommy John’s surgery to throw a couple of innings at the end of the season and could be the Angels’ best pitcher for the next season. The Angels have also added left-hander Aaron Loup – owner of a .95 ERA in 65 games for the Mets last year – to the bullpen and brought Raisel Iglesias back closer with a long-term contract.
The very first thing to do: More pitching. A certain security in the rotation.
Also on the list: See if they can find a buyer for Justin Upton. He owed $ 28 million in 2021, the final year of his deal, and the Angels will pay either way. No other team can help. Hell, maybe you just cut him off like they did with Albert Pujols last year; Pujols has been more productive in his final years with the Angels than Upton has been lately. Check this out: For the past three seasons, Upton has played 194 of the possible 384 games, posting a .211 / .299 / .414 slash line with a 90 OPS + and minus 2.1 bWAR. At this point, they’re a better team without him.
Texas Rangers
Summary before blocking: Yes, they were busy. The Rangers gave midfielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien $ 500 million, signed a four-year deal with former Rockies right-hander Jon Gray, and brought on veteran outfielder Kole Calhoun. That was an impressive achievement for a team that lost 102 games last season.
The very first thing to do: Gray was off to a good start, but the rotation will likely still need at least two established starters if the Rangers are to fight for a playoff spot in 2022. Maybe you’ll rock the sport and convince Texan Clayton Kershaw to leave the Dodgers and join Seager in Arlington? Even if he only makes 20 to 25 starts, a presence like Kershaw in the clubhouse would be huge.
Also on the list: Finding an established bat in the left panel would be a big boost.
