MLB Free Agents 2022: 5 Best Players Available, Predictions For Next Season

The flurry of MLB free agency signings came to a sudden halt with the league’s lockout in early December. The work stoppage is expected to last until mid-January, at the earliest, leaving some of the sport's top players in limbo.

Here’s a look at the five best free agents available for the 2022 season and predictions for where they will play next.

Freddie Freeman

It’s long been assumed that Freeman would stay with the Atlanta Braves, but the first basemen didn’t ink a new deal before the lockout. The 2020 NL MVP is seeking a six-year, $180 million contract, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly interested and could potentially land Freeman if they meet his asking price. It’s just hard to imagine Atlanta letting one of the best players in franchise history walk, especially as they try to defend their World Series title.

Prediction: Atlanta Braves

Carlos Correa

Correa is still a free agent as he likely hopes to land a contract north of $300 million. Corey Seager got a 10-year, $325 million deal from the Texas Rangers. What team will pony up that kind of money for Correa? The Detroit Tigers already spent big money on Javy Baez. The Yankees don’t seem interested in giving out that kind of deal to a shortstop. Correa’s best bet might be to stay with the Houston Astros, whose initial offer of $160 million over five years didn’t cut it.

Prediction: Houston Astros

Kris Bryant

Bryant had a bounce-back season in 2021, making the NL All-Star team as he split time between the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants. There’s a good chance Bryant will play for a third team in 2022. The Seattle Mariners are in the market for a third baseman. The New York Mets might not be done spending and trying to put together a contender. The Philadelphia Phillies have also been linked to Bryant as they look to end a decade-long playoff drought.

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies

Trevor Story

The market for Story doesn’t seem to be as robust as it would’ve been a year ago. After three straight top-11 MVP finishes, the shortstop tied his career-low for a full season with 24 home runs and posted .251/.329/.471 splits while playing half his home games in Colorado. Signing a short-term contract with the Yankees could be an option, though Story is still one of the top players at his position. A team that hasn’t had much success in recent years could jump at the chance to lock up Story for the next several seasons.

Prediction: Seattle Mariners

Nick Castellanos

Castellanos opted out of his contract with the Cincinnati Reds after having a career year in 2021. The 29-year-old made his first All-Star team, hitting .309/.362/.576 with 34 home runs in 138 games. The Phillies, Giants and Miami Marlins have all reportedly shown interest in Castellanos. Maybe the Marlins will open up their checkbook for the outfielder in an attempt to keep up with their NL East rivals. If Miami can upgrade its lineup around a talented young rotation, the team can potentially compete for a playoff spot soon.

Prediction: Miami Marlins