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 towards when pitchers and catchers report to spring training gets closer (that’s in February!):
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
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.
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See above about shortstops who deserve big contracts.
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He’s arguably the best pitcher left on the market after a 2.88 ERA last season with the San Francisco Giants.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The veteran hurler pitched really well for the New York Mets last year (15-9, 3.42 ERA).
(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
A third straight year with a sub-4.00 ERA means he could be a fantastic addition to a rotation.
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The prodigious power is mostly gone, but he can still hit!
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
He hit .320 before being traded to the New York Yankees. He hit .254 after that. Maybe he’ll end up somewhere in the middle, and that wouldn’t be bad.
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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.
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