As many as 16 players whose teams are now in the World Series could test the waters of free agency after the season ends.
Free agency could wreak havoc with the World Series rosters of the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves. The Astros, whose projected $136.4 payroll for 2022 ranks eighth among the 30 teams in a survey by Cot’s Baseball Contracts, could lose seven key members of their roster, including star shortstop Carlos Correa. The situation could be more dire in Atlanta, where first baseman Freddie Freeman could quickly become the most desirable player on the market if free agency begins before he signs. Freeman’s eight-year, $135 million deal expires after the World Series but both he and the Braves insist they want The Face of the Franchise to stay put. In addition, Atlanta could lose hard-hitting outfielders Eddie Rosario and Jorge Soler, utilityman Ehire Adrianza, catcher Stephen Vogt, and pitchers Drew Smyly, Jesse Chavez, Josh Tomlin, and Chris Martin, while Adam Duvall has a mutual option in his pact and fellow outfielder Joc Pederson is attached to a $10 million club option. The Braves are expected to rank 12th in the majors with a $124.1 million Opening Day payroll, according to Cot’s, but that could change substantially if Liberty Media FWONK loosens the purse-strings following a season successful at the gate as well as on the field. Two pitchers who have seen their better days, Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke, won’t get long-term offers because of their ages (pushing 40) and injury histories. The former is recuperating from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for all of 2021.
