The Hot-Stove League has begun! Here are prime shortstops in this year’s free agency sweepstakes.
Now that World Series 2022 is behind us, the off-season and (very importantly) free agency has begun. Teams have five days following the end of the series to talk to their free agents before they are open to any team in the market.
Many big names are up for grabs this year, but many teams will focus on one position–shortstop–and three of the best have entered free agency.
Correa has opted out of his contract with the Twins (photo, Getty Images, and CBSSports)
Carlos Correa: The former Minnesota Twins shortstop opted out of a $35.1 million guarantee for 2023, making him a free agent. He has the potential to secure a much more lucrative deal after leading all shortstops in OPS and OPS+ this year. This year he hit 22 home runs, had 64 RBIs, and ended the season with a .291 average. Correa is a two-time all-star and won a Gold Glove in 2021. He has been praised for his clubhouse leadership, but (on the flip side) he has been injury-prone.
Trea Turner: The 30-year-old finished his contract with the Dodgers after proving to be a real asset in LAD’s historic 111-win-season. Turner is praised for his speed, which will be a significant factor next year when the pitch clock is in play. Turner is a two-time All-Star, voted a starter at this year’s game. Recipient of the team’s Heart and Hustle Award, Turner had great numbers, too–hitting .298 with 21 home runs and 100 RBIs.
What comes next for Swanson after his Gold Glove season? (photo, SportsTalkAtl)
Dansby Swanson: Swanson has reached the end of his contract with the Atlanta Braves, and he is now up for grabs. Coming off a championship season in 2021, he had a solid 2022 with 25 home runs, 96 RBIs, and an average of .277. Swanson earned several awards this season, including a Gold Glove. He won the Braves’ Heart and Hustle Award and was also named to the league’s All-Star team. Highlight-worth defensive and timely offense sets Swanson apart.
But those three aren’t the only solid shortstops who have entered free agency. The list includes Xander Bogarts, Jose Iglesias, Aledmys Diaz, Ehire Adrianza, Elliot Soto, Richie Martin, Deven Marrero, Elvis Andrus, J.T. Riddle, Franklin Barret, and Jose Peraza.
With all of the talent on the market at the shortstop position, I expect this year’s free agency to be full of twists and turns as we wind our way to MLB 2023.
