Free agent or trade: Which market prevails for shortstops this offseason?

Story and Baez will also hit free agency after the 2021 season. The Chicago Cubs grabbed everyone’s attention by making “any veteran” available this offseason, “including shortstop Javier Baez” – per ESPN’s Buster Olney. Baez finished as runner-up in the 2018 NL MVP race, though he had his worst season by far in 2020, recording a .203/.238/.360 slash line.

As for Story, the Colorado Rockies have not openly made him available. However, their downward trajectory and discouraging farm system give reason to believe they will at least listen to offers on their rising star. If the Rockies know what’s best for their future, they will deal Trevor Story before the start of the season.

Reputations precede Lindor, Baez, and Story, but don’t overlook Marcus Semien, Didi Gregorius, or Andrelton Simmons.

Semien placed third in MVP voting in 2019, a year in which he hit .285 with 33 home runs and 92 RBI. He’s improved immensely with his glove and has found success with his bat despite regularly hitting in a commanding pitcher’s park. The 31-year-old has also proved durable, playing in 159 games in 2018, 162 games in 2019, and 53 – out of 60 – in 2020.

Gregorius had an outstanding pre-free agency campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies. He slashed .284/.339/.448 and launched ten homers. His .345 batting average with runners in scoring position led to 40 RBI, which tied for ninth-most in the NL.

Finally, Simmons missed a chunk of the 2020 season with an ankle injury. Though, in his 30 games, he posted career highs in batting average (.297) and OBP (.346). Simmons’ defensive abilities are, of course, his primary selling point. He’s the total package at shortstop; his range, quickness, and arm strength have contributed to four Gold Gloves over his nine-year career. In four of the last five seasons in which he’s played at least 146 games, he’s won a Gold Glove.