Just because Hot Stove Season has cooled down a bit doesn’t mean MLB free agency in 2022 is over yet.
After the initial flurry of moves — older pitchers getting PAID! Aaron Judge getting VERY PAID! Shortstops getting long contracts! — there are still plenty of big names left on the market that teams can sign, with some starting pitchers and a couple of really good shortstops who could be centerpieces for a contending team.
So let’s run through who’s left as December continues and as the clock ticks toward when pitchers and catchers report to spring training gets closer (that’s in February!):
1
SS Carlos Correa
Given the money Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts got, it’s likely only a matter of time until he gets a long-term deal worth a bunch of money.
2
SS Dansby Swanson
See above about shortstops who deserve big contracts.
3
SP Carlos Rodon
He’s arguably the best pitcher left on the market after a 2.88 ERA last season with the San Francisco Giants.
4
SP Chris Bassitt
The veteran hurler pitched really well for the New York Mets last year (15-9, 3.42 ERA).
5
SP Nathan Eovaldi
A third straight year with a sub-4.00 ERA means he could be a fantastic addition to a rotation.
6
DH JD Martinez
The prodigious power is mostly gone, but he can still hit!
7
OF Andrew Benintendi
He hit .320 before being traded to the New York Yankees. He hit .254 after. Maybe he’ll end up somewhere in the middle, and that wouldn’t be bad.
8
OF Michael Brantley
He played just 64 games for the Houston Astros in 2022 and will be entering his age-36 season. But he might have something left in the tank.
9
OF/1B Trey Mancini
That’s World Series champion Trey Mancini to you! He hit 18 dingers total last year.
