MLB’s lockout is coming. Before it arrives, baseball insiders expect a free-agent frenzy

Major League Baseball insiders anticipate an accelerated free-agent frenzy in November before team owners initiate an expected lockout on Dec. 1. With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire, both clubs and players are incentivized to finalize deals rapidly before potential freezes and proposed financial overhauls disrupt the market ahead of the 2027 season.

Left-handed ace Tarik Skubal headlines a relatively thin free-agent class, with agent Scott Boras noting the strategic advantage for teams to sign top talent under the existing rules. Other prominent free agents facing a compressed timeline include pitchers Michael King and Sonny Gray, alongside outfielder Randy Arozarena.