Trevor Story wants MLB to add a free-agent deadline
The incompetence of this year’s MLB free agent market has caused a snowball of players to speak up. Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story spoke out about the idea of a free agent signing deadline for the league.
Story was talking on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast about the state of free agency in MLB. Players such as Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Cody Bellinger, and Matt Chapman are all still on the market as Spring Training is underway.
“I think a normal spring training is often overlooked. Just the time on the field, the time in the box, the live ABs, getting up to speed, getting up to big-league speed. You got to respect that time,” Story said on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. “When you’re not allotted that time it can rear its head. It’s tough, man. I wish it wasn’t that way. With free agency in recent years, it’s not good.”
Story via Baseball Isn’t Boring
Story is all too familiar with how tedious the league’s free agent period can be. Story became a free agent after the 2021 season, and didn’t sign with the Red Sox until March 20 the next year. When players aren’t signing until the February/March period, they’re forced to rush their schedule to get up to speed.
Story also said he wished MLB’s free agency was similar to the NBA, where players were all signing within the first few weeks of the offseason. Instead, months go by with minimal activity during MLB’s offseason and just isn’t fun.
“Free agency, you always speak about it. ‘I can’t wait to get to free agency. I can’t wait to do that,’” Story said. “It seems like that might be a little different now with the overall look of the timetable of it. It’s a stressful thing not knowing where you’re going to play.”
Story said via Baseball Isn’t Boring
Story isn’t the only one to speak up about the issue. Justin Turner, who signed with the Blue Jays about a month ago, thinks free agency is a “black eye” on baseball. Even Commissioner Rob Manfred believes there needs to be a signing deadline in December.
The MLBPA has already shot down the idea, while agent Scott Boras said deadlines are “death-lines to the players.” It’s hard to argue against the idea, however, with how slow and boring this year’s offseason has been.
It’s also ridiculous that players are waiting until the last minute and putting their health at risk. Joining a new team midway through Spring Training is just asking for trouble, and all for an overpay of a contract that Boras demands.
When a former Cy Young and MVP are still available in February, you know there’s a problem. I don’t trust Manfred or the player association to actually do something, but the lack of free agency moves has to stop.
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