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MLB’s Free Agent Crop Has Been Generally Disappointing
Especially at the top end.
The 2023 crop of MLB was highly anticipated. The bidding for the upper crust of the group exceeded the even high expectations of most pundits. Now, about 60% into the season the early returns are in, and they aren’t promising for return on investment. The 2023 class of free agents was headlined by Aaron Judge, four standout shortstops and some high-end starting pitchers. You could probably trade for a lot of these guys at a reduced price now. Sort of like a free agent after market.
Let’s take a look at what is going on with this high-priced group.
The four shortstops of the spending apocalypse
Of course, the big four were Dansby Swanson, Trea Turner, Carlos Correa and Xander Bogaerts. Of those four, Swanson has pretty much been as advertised, a decent to good offensive player who plays gold glove defense. The other three have had things a little tougher.
Carlos Correa was involved in a lot of contact turmoil, mostly connected with his medical reports. Well, Correa hasn’t produced his usual numbers thus far, compiling an OPS of .708 with a WAR of 1.1. I think it’s safe to assume the Twins were hoping for more.
