Major League Baseball and the MLB Players’ Association reached a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement Thursday afternoon. The owner-imposed lockout came to an end, some 99 days after it began. It was the second longest work stoppage in baseball history, behind only the 1994-95 players’ strike (232 days). The end of the lockout means the return of the business of baseball, and that means that trades and free-agent signings can once again be made. Yes, it is hot stove season again, and we are seeing another flurry of moves before spring training game action gets underway.
Prior to the lockout, seven of CBS Sports’ top 10 free agents had signed with teams. That leaves shortstop Carlos Correa, third baseman Kris Bryant, and first baseman Freddie Freeman as the top names remaining. Others worth monitoring include outfielder Seiya Suzuki (who is joining MLB from Japan’s NPB) and closer Kenley Jansen.
Those names all remain on the open market, but things started to move Friday. Here are the notable moves made since the lockout was lifted Thursday evening.
Notable post-lockout moves
- Twins acquire right-hander Sonny Gray from Reds in three-player deal
- Mets sign righty reliever Adam Ottavino, per reports.
- Carlos Rodón signs two-year contract with Giants.
- Clayton Kershaw re-signs with Dodgers on one-year deal.
- Andrelton Simmons signs one-year contract with Cubs.
- Yusei Kikuchi joins Blue Jays on three-year deal.
- Rangers send Isiah Kiner-Falefa to Twins to Mitch Garver.
The next big fish to come off the board could be Freeman, who is said to be in talks with the Dodgers. To help you keep track of the latest in the world of MLB’s transactions, CBS Sports will provide live updates and analysis. Follow along below.
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Freeman still out there
Freddie Freeman is one of the biggest-name remaining free agents. The rumors have been hot with him and the Dodgers all weekend, but Jon Heyman reports the Yankees are also heavily involved. The Braves not locking him up after winning the World Series continues to be a head scratcher, but they remain in on the bidding and could still retain his services. If they don’t, they’ll need to do something like trade for Matt Olson or sign Anthony Rizzo, because they don’t have any viable options to start at first base currently in the organization (Fangraphs has middle infielder Orlando Arcia at first base in their current Braves depth chart, for example).
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Another Nelson Cruz suitor
The Padres and Dodgers are also said to be trying to sign Nelson Cruz, who is still a hot commodity at age 41 (especially with the universal DH).
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Sánchez to Nats
Veteran right-hander Aníbal Sánchez, who did not pitch last season, has agreed to terms with the Washington Nationals, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Sánchez, 38 years old, was last seen in the majors in 2020. He made 11 starts, compiling a 6.62 ERA (67 ERA+) and a 2.39 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Sánchez sat out last season after the Nationals declined his club option. He recently threw for scouts.
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Cruz choosing between Dodgers, Padres
Nelson Cruz appears to be picking between National League West rivals as he decides on his next team. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Cruz is weighing offers from the Padres and the Dodgers.
Cruz, who will turn 42 years old in July, hit .265/.334/.497 (130 OPS+) with 32 home runs while splitting last season between the Twins and the Rays. He remains 51 home runs away from 500, suggesting he’s not a serious threat to the mark.
Cruz is, however, still a serious threat to opposing pitchers. He’d all but certainly fill the newly implemented DH role for whichever team he signs with.
It’s unclear if signing Cruz would take the Dodgers out of the running for Freddie Freeman.
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Twins get Gray
In the biggest trade after the MLB lockout, the Twins have acquired Sonny Gray from the Cincinnati Reds.
Gray has long been on the trade block, and he’ll slot in at the front of the Minnesota rotation, which was thin entering the offseason.
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Mets add to their ‘pen
Adam Ottavino, who once said he would have struck out Babe Ruth every time he faced him and has played for both the Red Sox and Yankees in the last two seasons, has another home: Queens.
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