As Ronald Acuña continues his historic start to the 2021 season, some RDBL clubs have already put their eyes on what figures to be a historic 2023 Free Agent Class. Acuña, a former RDBL Prospect of the Year and RDBL Rookie of the Year is trying to complete the trio with a Hitter of the Year Award in 2021 and stand out as the best player available in 2023. But he will certainly have competition in what could be the most talented Free Agent Class we have seen in League History.
Acuña will reach Free Agency alongside Mike Trout, Juan Soto and Mookie Betts, presenting a possible foursome of $65+ contracts. Trout currently holds the record for the highest hitter contract in RDBL History at $71 while Gerrit Cole owns the top overall contract at $73, a record-breaking deal this season with the Spokane Fightin' Fish.
The 2023 Free Agency Class hardly stops there as Jacob deGrom, Francisco Lindor, Freddie Freeman, Walker Buehler, Trevor Bauer, Tyler Glasnow, Yoan Moncada, Rafael Devers and Corbin Burnes stand out as the next in line for significant contracts two years from now.
For rebuilding clubs, 2023 appears to be a season where salary cap space will be a premium asset.
Around the RDBL
- It's hard to believe that Fringe right-hander Lucas Giolito is in just his 1R/$1 phase of his contract, but he is already looking to be one of the premier values in the RDBL. Giolito fired seven scoreless in his last outing and holds a 2.55 ERA and 0.79 WHIP through three starts.
- The Clovers will get a boost to their pitching staff will make his 2021 debut on Saturday against the Indians. Gray (back) has been sidelined since late Spring Training. The right-hander had a breakout campaign in 2019 for the Clovers, posting 509.0 points and backed it up with a solid 3.70 ERA in 2020.
- The Stacks continue to get nipped by the injury bug as Drew Smyly (forearm) hit the Disabled List. Third baseman Alex Bregman (COVID) was placed on the Injured List earlier in the week and the Stacks are stuck without backups for either player for the remainder of Period 3.