The free-agent frenzy was something to behold this winter, with five contracts of at least $300M (counting all three for Carlos Correa), and many more nine-figure deals. But what’s become of all the big money spent? Not much — at least not so far.
Among players signing for $50M plus, Correa (who admits he deserves to be booed), Trea Turner, Jose Abreu and Andrew Benintendi are stars underperforming. Plus, Willson Contreras already has been demoted, Jacob deGrom is on the injured list with his third ailment after an otherwise nice beginning, Justin Verlander has logged just two starts after missing a month and Carlos Rodon has yet to appear.
Contrary to how it seems sometimes, however, some free agents are outperforming their contracts — it’s just not the headline grabbers. Here are some in the free agency “middle class” who are off to great starts.
1. Cody Bellinger ($17.5M, Cubs). With hard work — he was the first guy at Cubs camp most days — his familiarity with a couple of Cubs coaches and extra time to recover from the shoulder injury suffered in the 2020 World Series home run celebration, he looks like he may be close to regaining MVP form (.890 OPS).
2. Clayton Kershaw ($20M, Dodgers). He’s a great deal every year, as he’s loyal to the Dodgers. While he’s the same age as deGrom (and much more accomplished,) he signed a contract for barely more than 10 percent of deGrom’s deal; the Dodgers legend wouldn’t think of leaving.
3. Nathan Eovaldi ($34M, Rangers). Texas remade its team and is being rewarded. Beloved everywhere he’s gone.
4. Kenley Jansen ($32M, Red Sox). He garnered his 400th career save Wednesday. Some incorrectly figured the pitch clock would doom him (yep, me too).
5. Zach Eflin ($40M, Rays). This looked like an overpay, but the Rays are on quite a roll.
6. David Robertson ($10M, Mets). How does he explain such a revival? “New arm,” he told me, referring to his Tommy John surgery.
7. Kevin Kiermaier ($9M, Blue Jays). One of the game’s best center fielders is off to a nice start with the bat, too (.800 OPS).
8. Carlos Estevez ($13M, Angels). The Angels made a lot of nice mid-market moves, and Estevez has provided solid closing in Orange County.
10. Andrew McCutchen, ($5M, Pirates). He’s given a psychological lift to the surprising Pirates, and hit seven home runs back in his old haunt.
11. Joey Gallo ($11M, Twins). We knew all along New York wasn’t the right place. The Twin Cities seem about the right speed, and he’s back to his Texas-level production. He’s hitting .189, but it’s a strong .189 (.866 OPS).
Honorable mention: Wade Miley (Brewers), Aroldis Chapman (Royals), Kyle Gibson (Orioles).