A few weeks ago, the MLB lockout game came to an end, and so, the trades and signings began. Some of the biggest names in the sports were or currently on the market, including names like Carlos Correa, Freddie Freeman, Johnny Cueto, ETC. With the lockout being over, general managers and owners are ready to get to work and get ready for the regular season.

First, let’s look at the ex Brave, Freddie Freeman. Arguably one of the biggest moves in the MLB to happen since the end of lockout. Freeman, who was the first baseman for the Atlanta Braves for 11 years, is heading to join arguably the best roster in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers. CBS Sports writers RJ Anderson and Dayn Perry reported this on the Freeman trade to LA:” In his negotiations with the Braves, the inclusion of a sixth contract year was said to be the sticking point.

Freeman in the end got that sixth year from the Dodgers, and he’ll be under contract through his age-37 campaign.” Freeman is now under a contract with the Dodgers, a 6 year $162 Million dollar contract. In other words, Freeman is making 27 million a year, putting him in the top 21 highest paid MLB players currently. Freeman joined the dangerous line up the Dodgers currently have, including some of the best players in the game, including: Mookie Betts, Trey Turner and Cody Bellinger. 

The next trade shocked many, with speculations of a variety of big name teams. Carlos Correa, the 27 year old shortstop who played with the Houston Astros since 2015, is heading to the Minnesota Twins. James Wagner the New York Times writer reported this statement on the trade:” Carlos Correa, the star shortstop who helped lead the Houston Astros to a now tainted 2017 World Series title, has found an unexpected home: the Minnesota Twins.

Instead of landing the massive long-term deal that was once predicted for him, Correa agreed to join the rapidly rebuilding Twins on a three-year $105.3 million contract. The details of the contract were confirmed by a personal familiar with the negotiations who was not authorized to discuss it publicly because it was pending a physical examination.” With this contract, Correa will be making $35 Million a year, making this 27 year old shortstop, the 7th highest paid player in the MLB currently. 

 With the signing of Correa, the Twins added yet  another new face to the list, other new faces in Minnesota include, ex-yankee catcher Gary Sanchez, and ex-yankee third baseman Gio Urshela, whom were traded to the Twins in a package deal with the New York Yankees who acquired catcher Ben Rortvedt, shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and 2015 American League MVP, third baseman Josh Donaldson.  

 2021 was a tough year for Chicago Cubs fans. Shortstop Javy Baez was traded to the New York Mets, first baseman Anthony Rizzo was traded to the New York Yankees, and Third Baseman Kris Bryant made his way to the San Francisco Giants. 

Both Baez and Rizzo remain on the same teams as they were traded too, but Bryant is on the move. This time to Colorado. “Third baseman Kris Bryant and the Colorado Rockies are in agreement on a seven-year, $182 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday. Bryant is headed to his third team in eight months after spending his first six major league seasons with the Chicago Cubs, who traded him to the San Francisco Giants last July.” Reported ESPN writer, Jesse Rogers on the Bryant trade. Bryant is now making 26 million a year under the contract with the Rockies.                                                    

Another free agent who sparked a lot of interest from MLB teams, was ex-athletics third baseman , Matt Olson.  Olson, who respectfully is one of the best third basemens in the league, has joined the current defending world champs, the Atlanta Braves, which shortly after would part ways with Freddie Freeman.  ESPN reported, Buster Olney reported the trade 6 days ago informing; “But the Olson contract is the largest in the organization’s history — besting that of Freeman’s $135 million deal before the 2014 season — and the 27-year-old slugger is immediately installed as a centerpiece for the Braves for years to come, alongside Ronald Acuna Jr, Max Fried and Ozzie Albies.” Olson is now joining the already strong Braves infield, as the Braves look to keep their World Champion Title. 

As far as other big trades happening in the MLB, some more talked about trades include; Trevor Story signing a 6 year, $140 million contract with the Boston Red Soxs, Nick Castellanos signing a 5 year, $100 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, pitcher Kenley Jansen signed a one year, 16 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, and Joc Pederson signing a one year, $6 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. 

With the 2022 regular season right around the corner, many players still remain free agents, including: Pitcher Johnny Cueto, Catcher Wilson Ramos, First baseman Albert Pujols, Rightfielder Michale Conforto, ETC. Many teams are still looking in the market, to hopefully fill in missing pieces to the team, with the MLB trade deadline planning to be set in end of July-beginning of August, general managers and owners still have time to make their next big trade, and or signing.