Is it too early to talk about 2022 MLB free agency before the 2021 season has even started? Of course not!
According to RADIO.COM Sports MLB insider Jon Heyman, a number of high-profile shortstops — including brand-new Mets acquisition Francisco Lindor — are potential targets for three teams should they become free agents following this year.
The Mets are looking to begin contract talks with Lindor this week, according to Anthony Rieber and Tim Healey, so his name may get wiped off this list in a matter of days. Some others may join him, including Trevor Story, though that may come for a different reason. The Rockies cleared Nolan Arenado off their books and don't seem to be a team looking to win right now, meaning Story could be dealt before the deadline, as trade buzz would indicate. Meanwhile, extension talks for the other three players in Heyman's tweets have not led to results.
As for the three interested teams, they all seem to be strong fits for one reason or another. The Rangers just saw their everyday shortstop (Elvis Andrus) depart for the Oakland A's in exchange for Khris Davis, leaving a sizable void that Isiah Kiner-Falefa will attempt to fill in 2021. 105.3 The Fan's Jared Sandler has already predicted big things for the club next offseason, saying he believes Seager or Story will be the club's next shortstop.
The San Francisco Giants are watching what could be the final season of Brandon Crawford's long run of success as their everyday shortstop, seeing as his six-year, $75 million deal expires after the 2021 season. Should they look to make a splash, any of the above names would be a clear upgrade over Crawford, who, though still productive, will be 35 in 2022. Crawford has been in town for the last decade, helping the Giants to two World Series titles early on in his stint.
The Phillies would need to make some other moves for a high-caliber shortstop signing to fully make sense, seeing as they just brought Didi Gregorius back for another two years and still have Jean Segura on their books for two years on sizable contracts.
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