As 2019 begins and spring training appears on the horizon, the hot stove remains frozen. Just like last winter, the offseason has seen precious little movement via free agency, with dozens of players still unsigned at the start of January. That includes the market’s two biggest gets, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, but also several other All-Stars and productive veterans looking for new homes. And there’s no sign that things are about to improve on that front.
The numbers are grim. Only 50 or so players have signed major league deals this offseason, leaving just over 200 still looking for work.