Several superstar players will hit the open market when they join the MLB free agent class of 2021-22. We have seen the likes of Gerrit Cole, J.T. Realmuto, George Springer secure big money moves in recent offseasons, and lots of big names are now planning to follow in their footsteps. These are the five players that look most likely to command the highest salaries when they move:
Carlos Correa
The Houston Astros shortstop could be in line for a monster deal when he his free agency after the 2021 season. The former number one overall pick has an adjusted OPS+ of 125 over 725 career games since making his debut back in 2015. Correa has put up a slash line of .277/.377/.479, 132 OPS+, for the 2021 season. He also has a track record of postseason success, with 17 homers in 63 playoff games, so he should prove to be a highly desirable target. Springer, a teammate of Correa during the sign-stealing era, gained a six-year deal worth $150 million, so Correa should be looking at more than $200 million. Matching the $340 million deals secured by fellow shortstops Fernando Tatis Jr. and Francisco Lindor could even be a target for the 27-year-old Puerto Rican star.
Corey Seager
Seager should also be eyeing up a long-term contract north of $300 million if he leaves the Dodgers after the 2021 season. Last year’s World Series MVP was enjoying another strong season before fracturing his right hand when he was hit by Ross Detwiler pitch against the Miami Marlins in May. While out injured, the Dodgers signed a terrific shortstop in Trea Turner, who slotted seamlessly into the team. Turner has now switched to second base, but his presence at the franchise makes Seager’s negotiation position a little weaker. He has maintained his impressive performance levels since returning from injury, and he still has many years left at the top, so he could spark a major budding war in the offseason.
Trevor Story
Story reached the 20-homer mark when he starred in the Rockies’ 11-2 win against Philadelphia last Friday. He has struggled a little at the plate this year, with a .249 batting average, but he has posted a .799 OPS with 67 RBI, 76 runs scored, 18 stolen bases and 32 doubles. The two-time All Star has been linked with the Rangers in recent weeks, and he could command more than $100 million for his next deal.
Kris Bryant
The four-time All-Star will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and his talents should be in high demand. Bryant spent six productive seasons with the Cubs, winning the World Series and the NL MVP during his time in the Windy City, before leaving for the Giants in July. He has helped San Francisco cling onto top spot in the NL West, and he could be one of the main stars of the postseason. Bryant may be tempted to stick around in San Francisco, but the Cubs could try to lure him back to Wrigley Field with a lucrative offer, or another team could make him a proposal.
Freddie Freeman
The reigning NL MVP is on the cusp of turning 32, but he should still be able to perform at a high level for several more years. Negotiations over an extension deal with the Braves have proved fruitless thus far, so the five-time All-Star could leave Atlanta for new pastures. He made a slow start to the season, but he has been devastating since mid-June, hitting hitting .341/.417/.554 with 16 home runs, 15 doubles and a triple in 348 plate appearances. If the Braves cannot agree a deal to keep him, Freeman should be snapped up on the open market pretty quickly.
