The MLB’s salary cap has been an issue for a long time. Nothing has ever been done to fix it. As of right now, this is the beginning point of free agency for the MLB. Money is being thrown around like crazy.  With a lockout looming, free agents are trying to cash out right now. Let’s take a look at some of the guys who cashed out:

Max Scherzer: 3 years 130 million Team: New York Mets

At 37 years old, Scherzer is maybe pitching the best baseball of his career.  He was in the running last year for the NL Cy Young, with a 2.46 ERA.  He left the Dodgers, who traded for him last season.  With an average value of 43 million per year, the Mets paid a huge price.  But, they now have the most feared 1-2 combo for starting pitching in the league.  Imagine facing Jacob Degrom and Max Scherzer in a 3 game series.  No thank you.  

Corey Seager: 10 years 325 million Team: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers were not very well last year.  But, they showed promise.  Adolis Garcia was an all-star for the team, but the pitching seemed to lack.  Nick Soloza was a really good second baseman, but also has the ability to play other positions.  Isaiah Kiner Falefa was a gold glove shortstop, but also has the ability to be a catcher.  As for Seager, a career .295 hitter, his main downfall is his health.  If he is healthy, he is a perennial MVP candidate.  So many times he has been injured.  But don’t let that take away from how good he really is.  A smooth left-handed swing, and is a great defender.  He is also only 27, and just about to enter his prime.  Not only that, the Rangers made another move…

Marcus Semien: 7 years 175 million: Texas Rangers

The Rangers now have one of the most lethal middle infield combos in the league.  Semien is coming off a season in which he was an MVP candidate for the Toronto Blue Jays.  He hit .265 with 45 home runs.  He broke the record for home runs hit by a second baseman in a season.  But, let’s talk about the Rangers.  Texas now has a real core to build around in Seager and Semien.  But, they also pose versatility with Solak and Isiah Kiner.  Both guys can play other positions.  This makes the Rangers one of the more interesting teams in all of baseball, with a new stadium on the way.  

Javier Baez: 6 years 140 million: Detroit Tigers

This deal is going to be based on Baez’s ability to get back to MVP Baez.  He is always going to be a gold glove defender.  But, his hitting is the biggest question.  Last year, he batted .265 with 31 home runs, which is a great year.  The year before, injuries plagued him and he only hit .208 on the year.  A young and up-and-coming Tigers team looked to spend big this offseason.  

Kevin Gausman: 5 years 115 million with the Blue Jays

The Jays needed to replace Cy young Winner Robbie Ray.  Gausman is coming off his best season ever after he had a 2.78 ERA with the Giants.

Robbie Ray: 5 years 120 million with the Seattle Mariners

The Mariners are in win-now mode.  They now have last year’s Cy Young winner to add to their rotation.  Ray had a 2.46 ERA for the Jays last year and seemed to revive his career joining the Jays.  

A few lower-tier deals to also check out:

Noah Syndergaard:

1 year 25 million with the Angels.  After coming off an injury, the Angels hope Syndergaard can come back to his former self.  

Justin Verlander: 1 year 25 million with the Astros. 

The Astros hope Verlander can get back to his old self.  If he does, this is a great deal for the Astros.  

The Mets also made 3 other smaller moves.  Signed Mark Cahna, Starling Marte, and Eduardo Escobar to multi-year deals.  The Mets look like a serious threat.  

Let’s also take a look at some free agents still available:

Carlos Correa expects to get a deal above 300 million.  A young shortstop entering his prime, Correa looks poised for a big payday.  

Freddie Freeman is more than likely to stay with the Braves, but the Yankees interest seems interesting.  

With a lockout looming, free agents should try to cash in as quickly as they can.  Maybe this lockout will change the sports salary cap.  Thanks for reading Canes!