(Audacy) The MLB free-agent class of 2021-'22 was billed as being the greatest group of shortstops to ever reach the market at one time, but an even better group may be looming this winter.
Last offseason, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Trevor Story and Javier Báez were among the headliners of an impressive group of free agents. This time around, Correa could test the market again and be joined by a more impressive trio.
With that in mind, here's a ranking of the four star shortstops who can become free agents after the 2022 season.
1. Trea Turner, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesAge during 2023 season: 30
A few years removed from being one of the best-kept secrets in baseball, Turner may be the most coveted free agent outside of star outfielder Aaron Judge this winter. Since the start of the 2020 season, Turner's 14.7 fWAR is second among all position players. The Dodgers have let Manny Machado and Corey Seager leave in free agency in recent years, but one would think lead executive Andrew Friedman will mount a serious attempt to re-sign Turner. If not, there have been early indications that the Philadelphia Phillies could be a player.
2. Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesAge during 2023 season: 30
Bogaerts isn't having his best season in terms of power output, but he's still slashing .305/.373/.448. Bogaerts has three years and $60 million remaining on his deal after 2022, but the expectation is he'll decide to opt out of his contract this offseason. Based on reporting from Jon Heyman in the New York Post back in May, there appears to be quite a bridge to gap between Bogaerts and the Red Sox.
3. Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins
David Berding/Getty ImagesAge during 2023 season: 28
Correa entered last winter as perhaps the top overall free agent but may have overplayed his hand in failing to pounce on a 10-year, $275-million offer from the Detroit Tigers early in the offseason. Correa was a superstar in his final season with the Houston Astros, posting a 6.2 fWAR and winning the Platinum Glove award as the American League's best defender. In his first year with the Twins, Correa has a 2.8 fWAR and has seen a rather drastic dip in his defensive metrics. Correa has an opt-out after this 2022 season. He's due $35.1 million in each of the next two seasons and could opt out after 2023 as well if he has a monster second season with the Twins. We aren't saying he won't test the market again this offseason, but it certainly isn't a slam dunk.
4. Dansby Swanson, Atlanta Braves
Elsa/Getty ImagesAge during 2023 season: 29
If you just go by 2022, Swanson is probably having as good of a season as anyone on this list. The No. 1 overall pick in 2015, Swanson is slashing .289/.342/.449 with 17 home runs, 76 RBIs, six defensive runs saved, 15 outs above average and a 5.2 fWAR. He has gone from playing like a fringe top-10 shortstop to a superstar in his contract year. It will be interesting to see how he's viewed on the free-agent market and if he takes a literal hometown discount to stay with the Braves, who only seem to do long-term contracts on their own terms.
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