Spring training can be when contract extensions get together, and shortstop is one of the jobs that’s certainly worth watching in that regard through the next weeks. The Mets’ Francisco Lindor, the Dodgers’ Corey Seager, the Rockies’ Trevor Story, the Astros’ Carlos Correa and also the Cubs’ Javier Baez are on course to lead a tremendous free-agent course at brief next offseason, though it’s conceivable any one of them could alternatively choose for long-term safety with a new deal this spring.
It stands to reason the Mets can certainly make a serious work to lock up Lindor, whom they acquired from Cleveland in a cold weather blockbuster. There clearly was indeed “mutual interest” in a brand new deal, but it may cost upward of $300MM in guarantees to lock up the 27-year-old four-time All-Star. Luckily for the Mets, thanks to the presence of Steve Cohen – the wealthiest owner into the sport – they appear to have a realistic chance of maintaining Lindor in the fold beyond this year.
Seager, 27 in April, rounded back into superstar type in 2020 throughout the regular season and continued to flourish within the playoffs, in which he received NLCS and World Series MVP honors for the championship-winning Dodgers. Unlike Lindor, however, it’s not yet determined whether he’s available to an expansion. Expected Thursday whether he while the Dodgers have actually held talks, Seager told reporters (including Jorge Castillo regarding the la days), “I don’t genuinely wish to talk about it, in all honesty.” Needless to say, whilst the highest-payroll team within the game, the Dodgers should be able to extend Seager if the two edges are inspired to get one thing done.
There doesn’t be seemingly the maximum amount of hope regarding Story, because they have actuallyn’t talked about a fresh pact with him; plus, as apparent non-contenders that recently traded away previous face of this franchise Nolan Arenado (Story’s ex-partner in the remaining side of the infield), it might make more feeling for the club to trade Story prior to the summer time due date.
Correa and Baez had been hardly at top type in 2020, but they’re still embellished players within their mid- to late-20s that haven’t managed to get any secret they’re ready to remain where they truly are. Both Correa therefore the Astros are hopeful they’ll reach a deal; meanwhile, Baez managed to get understood yet again Friday that he wish to stay a Cub.
Exactly what do you think? Of the band of shortstops, which player would you think is most probably to sign an expansion?
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