The Latest Free Agent Signings: MLB Lockout Edition

by Richard Wachtel

Updated December 03, 2021

Since there is very little news coming out of Major League Baseball right now due to the current lockout, we figured that we would share the latest free agent signings just in case you have missed them.

Former Washington Nationals Closer Daniel Hudson signed a one-year deal worth around $7MM with the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to the Associated Press, the Dodgers hold a $6.5MM club option on Hudson for the 2023 season, with a $1MM buyout. That club option will increase by $100K increments if he finishes 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 games in 2022, for a total of $500K in incentives.
Utility player Chris Taylor re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a four-year contract. It is reportedly a $60MM guarantee that also contains a 2026 club option which could bring the value of the deal as high as $73MM. The Assoicated Press has a breakdown of the contract.
The Padres are signing right-hander Nick Martínez to a four-year, $20MM contract. The deal includes optouts after the first two years. According to the San Diego Tribune, the contract was not finalized before the lockout therefore Nick Martínez is still a free agent. However, there is little concern that this gets done after the lockout is over since the agreement is in place between Martinez there is little doubt that this contract will not work out
According to reports from Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic the Balitmore Orioles are in agreement with right-hander pitcher Jordan Lyles on a one-year, $7MM guarantee with a 2023 club option pending a physical which is supposd to happen adfter the "work stoppage."
The Red Sox are signing veteran starter Rich Hill to a one-year deal, reports Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. According to reports, the deal is for one year with $5MM guaranteed with up to $3MM in possible incentives based on innings pitched.
The Red Sox also singed starter James Paxton, pending a physical. According to reports, it’s a one-year, $10MM guarantee that also contains a club option that covers the 2023-24 seasons. If Boston picks up the option, the deal could reach as high as $35MM.