The MLB season might have ended in October, but the action isn’t stopping anytime soon. The free agency period is upon us, which means superstar players may be finding a new home the next season. With millions of dollars on the line, teams try to find their next playmaker, and build their team to get even stronger. 

     This year’s free agency is filled with superstars, and has already been responsible for multiple new trades and signings. The most shocking trade thus far is Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco going to the New York Mets. Lindor is one of the most recognizable players in the game and a four time all-star. He is one of the best defensive players in the league. 

     Mr. Christian Storey, a history teacher at East Shore Middle School says, “I am very pleased with the signings of Lindor and Carrasco.

     Each free agency, there is one player everybody wants. This year, Trevor Bauer was that player. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Bauer this year for three years, $102 million. 

     Bauer won the NL Cy Young award last year, meaning he was the best pitcher in the National League. Ever since free agency, the baseball world has been watching for any updates on if he is closer to making a decision. He is currently one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, and one of the most charismatic players on the field.

     Some stars have already been traded or signed to a contract. All star and MVP candidate DJ Lemahieu resigned with the Yankees for 6 years, $90 million. Catcher  J.T. Realmuto, one of the top names amongst the list of free agents this year, resigned with the Phillies for 5 years, $85 million. All Star outfielder George Springer signed a 6 year, $150 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.  Liam Hendriks, an all star pitcher, has signed with the Chicago White Sox for three years, and Charlie Morton found a new home with the Atlanta Braves. 

     A couple of trades have happened this off-season as well with the Lindor trade. Superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the St. Louis Cardinals in a very surprising trade. Cy Young candidate pitcher Yu Darvish was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the San Diego Padres. 

     Free agency in any sport can be one of the most entertaining parts of it. It’s the only time you see multiple all-stars call new places their home. This period can completely shake up leagues, shock fans around the world, and can be the factor of making a championship team. 

     Senior Trevor Saccone says, “ A move that shocked me was George Springer to the Blue Jays or Charlie Morton to the Braves.” On the other hand, Notre Dame junior Alex Pikul says, “The Lindor trade was a move that shocked me.”

     Storey says, “The best part of free agency is the unpredictability of how things will shake out. The prospect of signings and the rumors that turn out to be true or not true. It makes the off season exciting and always helps me look forward to the upcoming season.” Saccone states “Free agency is enjoyable because it is a chance for your favorite team to get better.” Pikul says “The fact that you can get any player and anything can happen. Your team could change in a big way.”