Outside The Confines: A flurry of free agent activity

What a wild ride the last few days have been. After a few seasons worth of relatively relaxed free agent markets, where signings linger for months, the most recent offseason has been red hot, with one blockbuster deal happening after another, and so much activity it can be hard to keep track of.

Big names like Max Scherzer, Corey Seager, Javier Báez and more have been signed to sizeable deals, so let’s round up some of the big news of the week before getting into the non free agent chatter of the week thus far. Then we’ll move on to the biggest lingering story of the offseason: what’s going to happen between MLB and MLBPA in regards to the CBA?

First the free agent news!

• Here’s the ultimate list, from Mike Petriello, about each and every move of the offseason so far.
• And Mark Feinsand has a list of the best free agents still available.
• Speaking of, what exactly is the market for Carlos Correa now?
• The market for Kris Bryant is starting to heat up as well.
• Michael Baumann wonders what the hyperactive offseason market means for the CBA negotiations.
• Kevin Goldstein assesses the big moves made by the Rangers that culminated in the massive deal to Corey Seager.
• Bradford Doolittle thinks the Seager signing is a big boost for the Rangers.
• Will Laws reacts to the spending spree as well, wondering if all the spending is going to make a difference.
• Keith Law looks at the big (and majorly risky) move the Mets have made by signing Max Scherzer. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Zach Kram wonders if the Scherzer signing signals the new era the Mets have been waiting for.
• Ben Clemens reacts to the Tigers' move to sign Javier Baez.
• Cody Stavenhagen calls the Baez experience “spectacular and infuriating.” (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Bradford Doolittle asks whether Baez was the right move for the Tigers.
• How are things going with the CBA discussions?

• David Schoenfield offers a brief history of labor stoppages.
• Meanwhile, Jeff Passan takes an optimistic approach to the potential lockout and when it’s time to actually start worrying. (hint, it’s not today.)
• The Athletic takes a live look at the ongoing negotiations. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Jay Jaffe breaks down his upcoming schedule of Hall of Fame discussion, as well as a crowdsourcing effort which allows FanGraphs members to fill out their own HoF ballot. Speaking of the Hall of Fame, Jaffe breaks down a case for Lefty O’Doul.
• Marcell Ozuna looks to be able to return to play as soon as the 2022 season begins, shares Joseph Salvador.
• Kevin Goldstein looks at the dual narratives around Steven Matz and the drama with the Mets.
• What are your thoughts on intentionally blank Hall of Fame ballots? Steve Marcus later tweeted his rationale behind the vote, but has since deleted the tweet.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.