Trade Or Extend: 2021 Free Agency Edition

Some of baseball’s most exciting storylines involve players who are in the last year of their contracts and are set to hit free agency at season’s end. Some are playing just to create a market for themselves; some are on prove-it deals. Some might be traded to a team as a rental for the remainder of the season, while others might get extended by their current organization.

Looking at some of those players who are set to hit the market, it’s time to decide if their respective organizations should trade or extend them. Seeing as how I’m not a coward, I won’t be giving myself a “let their contract run out” option. These aren’t the “best” players set to hit the market per se, but rather those whose seasons will be more attractive because they are soon-to-be free agents.

SS Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers — Extend

From a pure baseball perspective, it’s a no-brainer that the Los Angeles Dodgers should try everything in their power to keep Seager for the foreseeable future. Last year, he was healthy for the entire season and immensely helped the team win their first title in over 30 years.

If SS Fernando Tatís Jr.’s and 3B Manny Machado’s contracts tell us anything, it’s that Seager will undoubtedly demand a pretty penny. Also, him being set to hit the market in a stacked shortstop class won’t do the Dodgers any favors. In no circumstance should they look to move him, but they will have to spend big money and make some tough decisions regarding their future if they want him.

SS Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies – Trade

I’ll be the first to admit that when Story first broke out in 2016, I didn’t think his success would last. He continued to prove me wrong time and time again until I became a fan. He’s been one of the more consistently good players in the entire league over the past few seasons and one of the most fun to watch.

With that said, even though the Colorado Rockies unloaded 3B Nolan Arenado and may have the money to extend him, why would he accept? Colorado has shown that the only title they’re playing for is the worst organization in the majors. The Rockies would probably love to bring him back on a long-term deal, but it would be in their best interest to start fresh and unload anyone currently on their roster that has value.

IF Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs — Trade

The NL Central was represented well in the 2020 playoffs, as four of the five teams made a postseason appearance. None made it past the first round, but hey, at least they made it. This year the division will probably be just as close, with every team — excluding the Pittsburgh Pirates — having the potential to win the division. I believe the Chicago Cubs are, without a doubt, able to repeat as division champions. But I also think they’re the most likely to make a big move during the season.

Most would probably say that trading Bryant makes no sense, and maybe it doesn’t. I fully expect him to be back to his usual self this season and contribute to this club. However, if that is the case, his stock could rise, and general manager Jed Hoyer could use him as a chip to further re-tool his roster. Since their championship, the Cubs have been in a sort of limbo, unable to get back to where they need to be to compete. Sometimes some movement and fresh faces can be the cure, and Bryant might be their medicine.

SP Kevin Gausman, San Francisco Giants – Extend

Gausman decided to return to the San Francisco Giants after accepting their qualifying offer, and secured the opening day nod this year, seemingly earning manager Gabe Kapler’s trust.

Gausman was a bright spot in the Giants rotation last season, and it earned him some buzz last year around the trade deadline. Ultimately, he stayed put as the Giants probably figured they would need him for a playoff push. If he was that important to the Giants’ playoff chances last year, it’s probably a good idea for them to hold onto him if they can help it. Inevitably, a contending team looking for pitching help will call and make some offers. But at this point, he’s more valuable as a member of San Francisco’s rotation, as opposed to prospects that may not turn out.

DH Jorge Soler, Kansas City Royals – Trade

Like many others, Soler is coming off a down year in the shortened 2020 season. However, almost anything would be considered a down year after a season like his in 2019, when he played in all 162 games, hit 48 bombs and added 117 RBIs. Even though the Kansas City Royals and Soler agreed to reunite for one more season, he should be someone to look out for come the trade deadline.

At only 29 years old, Soler is another one of those players like Gausman that contending teams could see as a quick fix or boost for reasonable compensation. Since the Royals don’t figure to be vying for a division title this season, if they can walk away with a decent haul for Soler, they shouldn’t hesitate.

What ultimately happens with these five players is yet to be seen. However, when the season ends, some of these ballplayers could either be wearing different uniforms or keeping their current uniforms and adding substantially to their bank accounts. Either way, if they are playing baseball it’s a win-win in my book.

Cover photo couresy of Orlin Wagner/AP Photo