Thanksgiving week looms large, and with it, the anticipation of Black Friday, a day synonymous with frenzied shopping. However, the same cannot be said for baseball’s free-agent market, which has been notably subdued since its kickoff earlier this month. The contrast from the previous year, marked by early signings like Rizzo, Anderson, Montero, and Abreu, is stark.
This year’s free-agent landscape is dominated by standout players in various positions, including Ohtani, Yamamoto, Hader, and Bellinger. The fate of these top players is expected to shape the decisions of the next tier of free agents, creating a waiting game as teams strategize based on these pivotal signings.
Despite Aaron Nola securing a substantial seven-year, $172 million deal with the Phillies, other free-agent pitchers like Gray, Montgomery, and Snell might adopt a patient approach, anticipating Yamamoto’s potentially record-breaking deal that could exceed $200 million.
The slow start to the offseason is attributed to the baseball calendar’s intricacies, including the early setting of 40-man rosters and contract tenders by teams. The recent non-tendering of 63 players has further crowded the free-agent market, contributing to the measured pace of transactions.
Speculation arises about potential blockbuster trades involving star players, with Soto, Glasnow, Bieber, Cease, Burnes, and Adames among the names circulating in trade talks. The availability of these players could complicate decision-making for teams, potentially prolonging the offseason’s sluggish pace.
As Thanksgiving approaches and families gather for meals and football, front-office executives and agents are poised for potential post-Thanksgiving action. With the Winter Meetings on the horizon, one executive predicts a surge in activity, likening it to the shopping fervor of Black Friday, foreseeing a “crazy” week between Thanksgiving and the Winter Meetings.