Jazz Chisholm and MLB Free Agents Already Getting Stiffed by the Looming Lockout
Lockout clouds free agency
A potential salary cap during the coming lockout could make the weeks before the Dec. 2 expiration of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement unusually important. Teams may hesitate to make major commitments if they expect a cap to change the market.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that one agent anticipated many one-year contracts, including deals teams could leave if games do not take place. Established stars such as Tarik Skubal, Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki may still attract strong offers, but other players could face more hesitation.
Chisholm carries both upside and risk
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is 28 and showed star potential in 2025, hitting 31 home runs, stealing 31 bases and playing strong defense at second base. But his 2026 contract year brought struggles at the plate, mistakes in the field and on the bases, and unusual moments, including eating a lollipop during a game.
Without a looming cap, a team might accept the risk and offer him a long-term contract based on his potential. If a cap is coming, clubs could be less willing to commit for years while uncertain whether his 2026 downturn was temporary.
Peralta and Sato face questions
Freddy Peralta had sharply different results in 2026, struggling with the New York Mets before thriving after a trade to the Tampa Bay Rays and winning ALCS MVP. His strikeout rate fell from 22.1 percent with the Mets, and 28.6 percent across his career, to 19.7 percent with Tampa Bay; other metrics also raised concerns.
Teruaki Sato arrives from Japan after winning the NPB Central League Triple Crown, batting .306 with 39 home runs and 106 RBI. The 27-year-old has defensive questions and frequent strikeouts: he struck out 164 times in 143 games in 2026 and 163 times in 139 games in 2025. A lockout could make teams wary of that uncertainty.
Key points
- MLB’s collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 2, with a potential salary cap clouding free-agent decisions.
- An agent expects many one-year deals that teams could exit if games are canceled.
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. combines 2025 star-level production with concerns after a difficult 2026.
- Freddy Peralta and Teruaki Sato have strong credentials, but questions could complicate long-term offers.