"With all due respect to Kyle Tucker, this year's free agent class lacks the starpower of the recent offseasons that were headlined by names like Juan Soto, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani. But, as a result, things may move much quicker this year. Case in point, we already have our first major free agent signing, as the Mariners are closing in on a five-year deal for Josh Naylor, whom they acquired this season at the trade deadline."
"What might this mean for potential Red Sox targets? At 28 years old, Naylor is two years younger than Pete Alonso and three years younger than Alex Bregman, his fellow corner infielders. But he's also been significantly less productive than either one of them, posting 6.8 bWAR over the past three seasons compared to 9.3 for Alonso and 12.5 for Bregman. The age difference here is significant, but it's hard not to see Bregman and Alonso demanding at least five years at a higher AAV."
Free agent class lacks the starpower of recent offseasons, which could accelerate signing activity. The Mariners are nearing a five-year deal for Josh Naylor, reportedly near $100 million. Naylor is 28 and was acquired at the trade deadline. Naylor has produced 6.8 bWAR over the past three seasons. Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman have produced 9.3 and 12.5 bWAR respectively over the same span. Alonso and Bregman are older than Naylor by two and three years. The age and production gaps suggest Alonso and Bregman will likely seek longer, higher-AAV contracts. Talk about what you want and be good to one another.
Read at Over the Monster
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