MLB Free Agency Signing Rumours

With the MLB’s current offseason already three weeks underway, the scuttle is on for signing the sport’s top free agents.

What’s more, with the league’s collective bargaining agreement fast approaching its Dec. 1 expiration date, it’s a situation primed to intensify over the next week or so.  This means we could witness a flurry of new signings over the next couple of days.

Below are just some of the rumours currently flying about.

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Justin Verlander & The Yankees

Before his decision to re-sign with the Houston Astros for another year and with a contract valued at a cool $25 million, Justin Verlander reportedly turned down a contract of a similar value from the New York Yankees.

Verlander likely re-signed with the Astros instead because of the additional player option for 2023. According to sports writer Kevin Davidoff, the Yankees weren’t willing to table the second-year option.

The 38-year-old hasn’t pitched since early 2020 due to a niggly elbow. This has now been corrected thanks to Tommy John surgery.

The Rangers Want Semien, Seager

The Rangers are apparently showing huge interest in signing Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Trevor Story.

According to a story ran by a local Dallas newspaper, Story, who grew up in the city, has already met with Rangers representatives.

They clearly have their sights set on an elite shortstop for the coming season.

Gardner Likely To Play

According to reporter Brian Hoch, Yankees cornerstone Brett Gardner will indeed be playing again next year. While the Yankees have not yet entered into official talks with Gardner, GM Brian Cashman noted recently that these types of talks don’t happen well into the offseason in any event.

Gardner replaced an injured Aaron Hicks last season and ended up playing 105 games in center field. Although the Yankees might choose to sign a younger outfielder than the 38-year-old, it cannot be denied that he played a productive second half in the place of Hicks.

Red Sox In Talks With Matz

The Boston Red Sox are rumoured to be in talks with free agent Steven Matz.

After Eduardo Rodriguez signed with the Tigers for the next five years, Boston now lacks stuffing in its rotation. They’ve got Chris Sale, Nathan Eovaldi, and Nick Pivetta, but they’ll want to fill out the rotation by at least one or two more.

The 30-year-old Matz played arguably the best season of his career in 2021. Chances are if given the option, Matz would want to re-sign with the Blue Jays, who certainly helped him to take his pitching to the next level.