The period following the MLB lockout promises to be chaotic. There will be a pent up flurry of activity as free agents fly off the boards and trades are made. Teams that are slow to react could find themselves with players they do not want, gaping holes on their roster, and/or scrambling to catch up to the rest of the division.
Even though trades cannot happen, and deals cannot be signed with players that were on the 40 man roster last year, one has to imagine that unofficial talks are taking place. MLB front offices are not likely to be sleeping at their desks waiting for the lockout to come to an end. Instead, they are setting the groundwork for these deals which are likely to come quickly once transactions are allowed.
Five trades that should happen when MLB lockout ends
There are some deals that seem to be inevitable. Between teams with specific weaknesses and other teams that are looking to sell off players on their rosters, there are trades just begging to be made once the lockout comes to an end.
There will be plenty of action once the MLB lockout ends. Let’s take a look at five trades that should happen when the transaction freeze is over.
Didi Gregorius to the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees were expected to pursue one of the top shortstops in free agency this offseason. Instead, they have done virtually nothing.
For the Yankees, it is a matter of economics. They have two shortstop prospects that are both on the verge of being MLB ready, and should reach the majors by the end of this season. With that in mind, they are looking for a stopgap at the position for the 2022 season.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have a shortstop they would love to be rid of. Didi Gregorius has not been guaranteed a spot on the roster, let alone the starting lineup. It is understandable as to why that would be the case; after a career year in 2020, he posted the worst season of his career in 2021.
There is clearly a rift between the Phillies and Gregorius. He was working out with his former Yankees teammates while the rest of the team has been practicing together. He wants out, the Phillies want him out, and the Yankees need a shortstop. It would not take much to make this deal happen.