ESPN.com · Sep 4, 2025
Early MLB free agency intel: Tucker, Imai, Schwarber, more
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Every Major League Baseball offseason comes with its own unique brand of intrigue, and this year it is concern that the fear of a lockout and potentially prolonged labor stoppage in 2026-27 could bleed into the free agent market a year early.
In the winter of 2020-21, the last offseason that preceded a collective bargaining agreement expiration, free agent spending plunged precipitously, alarming players. It was a down class, sure, and COVID-related concerns remained palpable, yes, but players nevertheless saw it as a reminder that labor issues can infiltrate all areas of all markets at all times.