This MLB winter will be business as usual, with some high-profile free agents hitting the market and looking for major bags.
There is one wrinkle, as the expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement could be an impediment to the free flow of what is being called “the deepest and most talented free agent classes in years.”
Two MLBbros are among the Top 20-rated available free agents are NY Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman and Toronto Blue Jays second baseman
Marcus Semien (Middle Infielder)
Semien was discarded and doubted by the Oakland A’s and proceeded to come to Toronto on a “show me” deal, bang 45 homers and set a new record for home runs by a second baseman in a single season. Semien’s .265/.334/.538 (133 OPS+) line and a Wins Above Replacement of more than seven has set him up for a major pay day.
Without Semien’s ferocious bat to complement Vlad Guerrero Jr., Toronto would never have jumped back into the bloodthirsty American League East race.
Semien, an extremely capable shortstop, also won the AL Gold Glove at second base, putting his rare versatility on display for the free agent market. Semien will get some major offers. A middle infielder with his power and versatility is a must have for any team with World Series aspirations. Reports say the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers are interested in him.
Marcus Stroman (Starting Pitcher)
The Stro Show was lit at Citifield this season. Stroman’s pitching kept the Mets’ season relevant as the team plummeted from contention, lost ace Jacob Degrom and fielded an enemic offense.
Stroman keeps fans updated on his free agent possibilities via social media. The 30-year-old, Long Island native, says he’s getting attention from fan bases that he never would have imagined would be pursuing him.
Cardinals fans flooding my mentions. I see y’all. Appreciate all the love!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 20, 2021
Fan bases that have criticized his swag and charisma and mound intensity in the past.
#MLbbro @STR0 is getting a lot of love out here 👀 https://t.co/ekx1IaYx3b
— MLBbro.com (@MLBbrodotcom) November 21, 2021
Stroman was consistent all season and used a masterful execution of various pitches to end up as the Mets surprise workhorse, delivering 179 innings with a 3.02 ERA, a 133 ERA+, a career-best 21.7 percent strikeout rate and a 6 percent walk rate — his best since his rookie year.
Stroman has to be looking for a contract in the $100M range. He credits his conditioning and intellect with being the difference between him and other harder-throwing free agent starters on the market.
I’ll outlast and be healthier than all the high velocity guys. Also, once they start fatiguing and their velocity dips…will they be as effective? Doubtful. My game will never rely on velocity for outs. My repertoire is elite and everything moves all over the place! 🗣🙌🏾 https://t.co/Vg6fgVaNkL
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 21, 2021
There are a few other notable MLBbro free agents with great skill sets at their respective positions, who can impact the fortunes of whatever team they sign with.
Other Notable MLBbro 2021 Free Agents
Second Baseman
Josh Harrison
Dee-Strange Gordon
Left Fielders
Tommy Pham
Andrew McCutchen
Jon Jay
Centerfielder
Delino DeShields
Billy Hamilton
Ian Desmond
Cameron Maybin
Rightfielder
Brian Goodwin
Dexter Fowler
Jarrod Dyson
Designated Hitter
Khris Davis
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