Several teams are at a crossroads when deciding the direction they should take for the upcoming 2021 Major League Baseball season. A few teams took matters into their own hands so far this offseason and went out early in the market and got key pieces for their ballclub. The top free agents are still available, and the reason that may be is because of the unprecedented factor of the MLB’s decision to enact the universal designated hitter for both leagues. Since 1973, the American League has had a designated hitter inserted into the pitcher’s place in the batting lineup. However, in 2020, the world of baseball was changed forever when it was announced not only that the season would consist of 60 games, but also that the DH would be implanted for the first time into the National League. This has played a major factor in the decision by some players to wait and see if the designated hitter will remain in the MLB from now on. A top free agent such as outfielder Marcell Ozuna, who transformed his persona as a player, could now be a more than excellent DH option for a team. He hasn’t signed yet because he and his agent both know that his market would expand if National League teams were going into this offseason knowing that they have a DH spot open. Ozuna’s defense has been declining over the years and has come to the point where he is at his best when slotted into a designated hitter role. If both leagues were in on him then he could make a much larger paycheck. This matter should hopefully be resolved soon enough so that the market for the players can become clearer. 

Not including the designated hitters on the market, many free agents are still out there. Big-name players such as Trevor Bauer, George Springer, J.T Realmuto, and DJ LeMahieu haven’t signed yet despite the Winter Meetings taking place last week. In particular, four teams have gone out and built on their organization since the offseason began. The White Sox, Angels, Braves, and Mets are the teams who have taken advantage of a slow market. The White Sox have been the most active right now on the market signing outfielder Adam Eaton, and trading for a top pitcher in Lance Lynn from the Texas Rangers. This is after they had a big offseason last year and they are not done yet. They are still looking for a reliever that can close games and Liam Hendriks is a viable option for them. The Angels have been struggling for years now despite having the best player in baseball, Mike Trout. They signed another top player, Anthony Rendon, last offseason, as well, and are looking to add more to their team this year. They certainly have money to spend, but as of this moment have instead turned to the trade market in acquiring infielder Jose Iglesias from the Orioles and reliever Raisel Iglesias from the Reds. After making it to the National League Championship Series last year, the Braves have spent on starting pitching so far by getting Drew Smyly and Charlie Morton in free agency. They will surely be aggressive on a player that could possibly push them to a World Series appearance for the first time since 1999. Lastly, the Mets have been heard throughout the whole offseason due to their new billionaire owner, Steve Cohen. So far the Mets have only signed reliever Trevor May, but are said to be deep into talks with catcher James McCann. They are also seen as the top contenders for top free agent George Springer and perhaps pitcher Trevor Bauer too. This team means business and is believed to be a big market franchise with their new owner leading the way.

The MLB offseason will hopefully start to heat up sooner than later so that fans and analysts can get a better understanding of what to expect for the 2021 season.