MLB hot stove: Notable free-agent signings and trades from baseball's first post-lockout weekend
Big-name free agents are still available, but there were some eye-catching moves made over the weekend
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association reached a new collective bargaining agreement last Thursday. The owner-imposed lockout came to an end, some 99 days after it began. It was the second longest work stoppage in baseball history, behind only the 1994-95 players' strike (232 days).
The end of the lockout means the return of the business of baseball. Trades and free-agent signings can once again be made. Yes, it is hot stove season again, and we have already seen a flurry of moves with spring training game action still a few days away.
Here are the notable moves made in the first 96 hours or so after the lockout was lifted.
Notable post-lockout moves
- Yankees acquire Josh Donaldson, send Gary Sánchez to Twins in five-player trade.
- Nelson Cruz joins Nationals on one-year deal.
- Twins acquire right-hander Sonny Gray from Reds in three-player deal
- Mets sign righty reliever Adam Ottavino, per reports.
- Carlos Rodón signs two-year contract with Giants.
- Clayton Kershaw re-signs with Dodgers on one-year deal.
- Andrelton Simmons signs one-year contract with Cubs.
- Yusei Kikuchi joins Blue Jays on three-year deal.
Prior to the lockout seven of CBS Sports' top 10 free agents had signed. That leaves shortstop Carlos Correa, third baseman Kris Bryant, and first baseman Freddie Freeman as the top names remaining. Others worth monitoring include outfielder Seiya Suzuki (who is joining MLB from Japan's NPB) and closer Kenley Jansen.
The next big fish to come off the board could be Freeman, who is said to be in talks with the Dodgers. Correa is reportedly discussing a return to the Astros, and the Twins are said to be pursuing Trevor Story. Minnesota acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa from Texas, then flipped him to the Yankees two days later. Right now, big trades have outnumbered big free-agent signings since the lockout.
To help you keep track of the latest in the world of MLB's transactions, CBS Sports providec live updates and analysis throughout the weekend. Relive all the rumors and moves below.