Top free agents remaining as MLB lockout ends originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Let the Hot Stove ignite.
MLB's lockout ended Thursday after the league and players union agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. Ratifying the deal is viewed as a formality and could happen as soon as Thursday night.
That would mean baseball lifting its transaction freeze and reopening free agency and the trade market — both dormant since MLB implemented the lockout on Dec. 2.
A number of high-profile players signed contracts in a busy free agency period before the lockout. Things will be even more hectic with the work stoppage over and spring training set to open in the coming days.
But who's even still available?
In no order, here are the top 40 free agents left on the board, separated by position players and pitchers.
Position players
SS Carlos Correa
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1B Freddie Freeman
SS Trevor Story
3B/OF Kris Bryant
1B Anthony Rizzo
OF Seiya Suzuki (Japan)
OF Nick Castellanos
OF Michael Conforto
INF Jonathan Villar
SS José Iglesias
SS Andrelton Simmons
OF Kyle Schwarber
INF Josh Harrison
OF Jorge Soler
OF Tommy Pham
DH Nelson Cruz
OF Andrew McCutchen
OF Eddie Rosario
OF Joc Pederson
INF Donavan Solano
OF Odubel Herrera
Starting pitchers
LHP Clayton Kershaw
LHP Carlos Rodón
RHP Zack Greinke
LHP Yusei Kikuchi
RHP Michael Pineda
LHP Danny Duffy
LHP Tyler Anderson
RHP Johnny Cueto
Relievers
CL Kenley Jansen
RHP Joe Kelly
LHP Andrew Chafin
RHP Ryan Tepera
RHP Collin McHugh
RHP Tyler Clippard
RHP Adam Ottavino
RHP Brad Boxberger
RHP Steve Cishek
RHP Archie Bradley
RHP Mychal Givens