MLB Lockout Ends: Free Agency Resumes With Season On The Horizon

The MLB lockout has ended and free agency has begun. However, the game will see some changes moving forward.

MLB and the MLBPA agreed to end the lockout this week, kickstarting free agency and eliminating any chance that more games would be lost. However, with the return of baseball comes changes such as the implementation of the universal DH and the addition of two more postseason spots.

The Universal DH is Here; Pitch Clocks Are Coming In 2023; Other MLB Changes

The Universal DH is here to stay and, quite frankly, I don’t like it for the National League. In addition, pitch clocks will be implemented in 2023 while there are now 12 teams that make the playoffs. That’s dangerously close to too many. Dangerously close to minimizing the importance of the regular season results.

Here are some of the other changes implemented by MLB:

• The extra man on second base in extra’s is gone.
• They will now have a draft lottery to stop tanking. (Ok. Let’s see how that works out.)
• There will be patch advertising on uniforms and decals on batting helmets. (If I can’t buy a uniform without advertising, then I’m done purchasing them from now on.)

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MLB Free Agency Starts Slow

There has been a free-agent frenzy for the cheaper players. Or players returning to their old teams like Clayton Kershaw signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. I can see a scenario play out in Atlanta with Freddie Freeman returning to the Braves unless the allure of going back home is too strong with the Dodgers. However, Scott Boras and his crew will never get the dollars they were seeking before the lockout. Some of those players like Michael Conforto and Carlos Correa. Then you have Kris Bryant and he may have to wait a while. The same goes with shortstop Trevor Story.

More MLB free agency signings:

• The San Francisco Giants added starter Carlos Rodon to a two-year deal worth a reported $44 million.
• Starter Yusei Kikuchi signed a three-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays worth a reported $36 million.
• The Cubs added shortstop Andrelton Simmons.

Several of those players were mentioned with the Yankees but that’s the norm when it comes to the New York metro teams and free agency. Both the Yankees and the Mets have plenty to spend. Speaking of the Mets…

I think, at the end of the day, the Mets will still land Michael Conforto. If he doesn’t get a big deal, I can see him coming back late for a one-year agreement. Some have reported otherwise and I think that’s how they feel today, but let’s see how that plays out.

Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant On Phillies Wishlist? Is Bryson Stott Ready?

Kyle Schwarber is a player Phillies fans and front office want to land. Will it happen? I’m not sure. Bryce Harper is friends with Bryant, will that push him towards the Phillies like J.T. Realmuto? I don’t know. What I do know is Bryant has a lot of suitors. I don’t think the Phillies will break the bank for him. Harper wants that but the front office won’t be the highest bidder.

The Phillies told Didi Gregorius he isn’t guaranteed to start at shortstop but who will supplant him? Shortstop prospect Bryson Stott was in Reading this past season. Will he be ready to make the jump from AA? I doubt it with a shortened spring training. Both of these players have a lot of suitors. So, they can wait a little bit.

Spring Training starts on March 18th with the season following on April 7th. Fans are mostly happy. It’s now up to the league and the players to put their best foot forward with those who still show up. Let’s see what happens with that.