Since the first free-agent signing of the modern era back in 1974, there have been several free-agent deals that shook the baseball world and realigned power across the Majors. Here’s a look at several moves that changed the landscape of baseball and, in some cases, were downright shocking.

2022–23: Carlos Correa signs with Twins

Correa’s first contract with the Twins, signed a year earlier, was shocking enough. But when he opted out after the 2022 season, things got much, much wilder.

First, Correa seemed to be headed to the Giants on a reported 13-year, $350 million deal. However, three hours before San Francisco was set to introduce him at Oracle Park, the club postponed its scheduled press conference as it reviewed Correa’s medicals. Then, the Mets swooped in, reaching a 12-year, $315 million contract with Correa early the next morning, but then that agreement also reportedly hit a snag in reviewing Correa’s physical. After three weeks of trying to get the deal to the finish line, news broke that Correa had reached yet another agreement: a six-year deal worth $200 million with the Twins that also includes team options for each year between 2029 and 32. This time, Correa passed his physical, the deal got to the finish line, and after so many twists and turns, the star shortstop returned to Minnesota.

Jacob deGrom joins the Rangers in 2022-2023.

Even though the Rangers were reportedly considering a trade for the two-time Cy Young Award winner, Jacob deGrom’s five-year, $185 million contract was nevertheless shocking when it was announced in early December. It was a blockbuster and the first major free-agent signing of the offseason. Many people believe that, when healthy, Jacob deGrom is the best starting pitcher on earth. However, during the 2021–2022 season, he only made 26 starts because of a variety of ailments, including difficulties with his elbow and shoulder. However, Texas made a major impression for the second straight offseason (see below). This one encountered an early roadblock as DeGrom only made six Rangers starts prior to having Tommy

2021–2022: The Rangers sign Marcus Semien and Corey Seager.

Semien placed a wager on himself and won. After a shortened 2020 season, the 31-year-old infielder inked a one-year deal with Toronto. In 162 games with the Blue Jays, he hit.265/.334/.538 with 45 home runs and 102 RBIs. The California native capitalized on his impressive numbers by signing a $175 million, seven-year contract with the Rangers after placing third in the AL MVP vote. But Seager’s seven-year, $325 million contract, which was revealed the same day, was the highest deal Texas made for a middle infielder on December 1, 2021. Although the Rangers’ extremely bold move didn’t immediately pay off, they still lost.