MLB Prefers December Free Agency Period with 'Flurried Activity', Rob Manfred Says

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred revealed on Thursday that the league prefers a free agency period in Dec. that contains "two weeks of flurried activity" and includes a deadline, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.

"We would prefer to have a free agency signing period, ideally in December, with a deadline," Manfred said.

However, the commissioner noted that the league made proposals regarding a free agency deadline to the Major League Baseball Players Association that were "not well received."

As pitchers and catches are reporting to spring training, some of baseball's top free agents remain unsigned due to the lack of a free agency deadline. This includes Blake Snell, the 2023 National League Cy Young Award-winner who hasn't found a new home after a dominant campaign with the San Diego Padres in which he posted a league-leading 2.25 ERA in a career-high 32 starts.

Cody Bellinger also remains a free agent following a bounce-back season with the Chicago Cubs. The former NL MVP hit .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, while his .881 OPS was his highest mark since 2019. Veteran designated hitter J.D. Martinez is available as well, with the 36-year-old bashing 33 homers in 2023.

While several impactful players remain available, many of the major free agency signings took place before the start of the new year. In the most notable move of the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani on Dec. 11. Less than two weeks later, the Dodgers followed it up by inking starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million deal (via Spotrac).

The Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants also handed out large contracts before Dec. 2023 came to a close. The Diamondbacks signed left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez for $80 million and the Giants acquired centerfielder Jung Hoo Lee on a $113 million contract, respectively.

If the league wants to avoid several top players remaining unsigned by the time spring training rolls around, a free agency deadline could be the answer. It remains to be seen if the player's association will accept, though.