MLB Free Agents 2022: Latest Rumors, Predictions for Jacob deGrom, Trea Turner & More | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

The 2022 edition of MLB free agency began on November 10 and continues to unfold at a relatively slow pace.

In other sports, notably the NFL, signings come fast and furious at the start of free agency. Negotiations tend to take longer in baseball, which is why many of the game’s top stars are still available after nearly two weeks.

The current home run king, Aaron Judge, is the biggest fish in the proverbial pond, and even he remains unsigned. Reportedly, the New York Yankees are eager to re-sign Judge, but he is expected to meet with the San Francisco Giants this week, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post.

Where will Judge finally land? That’s anyone’s guess right now, and we’re not going to try it here. Instead, let’s look at some of the baseball games. other top free agents and dive into the latest rumors and predictions.

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One interesting aspect of the Judge draft is that it leaves New York unsure of its offseason direction. With a projected market value of $37.9 million annually, according to Spotrac, Judge will eat up a ton of salary if the Yankees can bring him back.

However, this does not mean that New York is not exploring its options. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Yankees have their eye on free agent pitcher Jacob deGrom.

“The publicly known market for Jacob deGrom has been slow to develop, with only the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves identified as competition for the Mets,” Martino wrote. “Now we can add another team, at least as a tire kicker: The Yankees recently requested medical information on deGrom, according to a league source.”

A city trade for deGrom from the Mets to the Yankees would certainly add some spice to the offseason. However, the Yankees are stuck in a holding pattern with Judge and may not be able to make deGrom an attractive offer until that situation is resolved.

Between the Rangers, Braves and Mets, a lot may hinge on money for the 34-year-old deGrom, and the lack of a state income tax in Texas could become a factor.

Another potential upside for the Rangers is the recent hiring of new manager Bruce Bochy. Bochy, a three-time World Series winner with San Francisco, could be a big draw for free agents like deGrom.

The prediction here is that the choice comes down to the Rangers and Mets, with deGrom ultimately opting for a new chapter and a change of scenery.

Prediction: deGrom signs with Texas

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While shortstop Trea Turner might not be as big a name as Judge, his situation this offseason is just as intriguing. The Los Angeles Dodgers made a qualifying offer to Turner, but he turned it down.

Turner is free to sign with a different team, but said team would have to hand over draft compensation under MLB’s qualifying offer guidelines. This, along with a projected market value of $33.6 million per year, makes Turner an expensive target for free agency.

The defending NL champion Philadelphia Phillies are considered by some to be the favorites to land Turner, according to MLB Network. jon morosi. However, Philadelphia could have some serious competition in the Seattle Mariners.

“The Mariners have looked at Trea Turner, Kolton Wong, Gleyber Torres and every other free agent middle infielder.” jim bowden of CBS Sports tweeted on Sunday. “Jerry Dipoto, president, made it clear that ownership of him will provide the resources to sign one of the big free-agent midfielders if it makes sense.”

If Seattle is willing to spend big, it could possibly lure Turner north.

However, Philadelphia has a couple of advantages. He’s a proven contender, and Turner may already be on board with joining the Phillies.

“There are some interesting rumors that he wants to be here,” said NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark. 97.5 The Fanatic at the start of free agency.

According to Jon Heyman of the new york Post Office, the east coast is Turner’s “supposed geographic preference.”

Seattle will be a team to watch, but the prediction here is that Turner will end up in Philadelphia.

Prediction: Turner signs with the Phillies

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While much of the baseball world is focused on Judge drafts and the attractive shortstop market — one that includes Turner, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson — outfielder Mitch Haniger is falling a bit under the radar.

However, the 31-year-old former All-Star could be one of the best bargains of the offseason.

Haniger missed a lot of time last season with an ankle injury, a bad back and while dealing with COVID-19, and has a projected market value of just $15 million annually. However, when he was healthy in 2021, he hit .253 with 39 home runs and 100 RBIs.

According to Morosi, Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels and Rangers are all “active suitors” for Haniger. Presumably a return to the Mariners is also an option for him. The Giants are also interested in Haniger, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

Rosenthal mentioned San Francisco while discussing the Rangers’ interest: “Shooting isn’t the only focus for the Rangers. The team is also showing interest in free agent outfielder Mitch Haniger, who is also attracting attention from the Giants and other clubs. “.

Perhaps San Francisco sees Haniger as some kind of budget Plan B behind Judge. That sentiment would be logical if the Giants believe he can return to his 2021 form.

The prediction here, however, is that Haniger does some self-reflection, looks to win after an injury-hampered season, and signs with a perennial contender in his place. Haniger knows that a long playing career isn’t guaranteed, and LA could give him a chance to chase a championship right away.

Prediction: Haniger signs with the Dodgers