MLB Free Agents 2022: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Verlander, Rizzo and More

The latest buzz from the MLB rumor mill should add some fuel to 2022's burn pile.

Whether these early wafts of smoke spark signify any actual fires remains to be seen, but the names involved alone are enough to ignite a few fanbases.

With potential destinations listed for a future Hall of Fame pitcher, one apparently off the table for another and the former All-Star who apparently has the attention of the World Series champs, these rumors are as hot as they get.

Justin Verlander just helped engineer the second World Series run with the Houston Astros since 2017.

While it's possible he signs up for a shot at a third, the fact no deal has come together yet could be telling.

"It has not happened, perhaps because Verlander sees the potential for lucrative opportunities with the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers, among others," The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported.

As Rosenthal explained, the Mets could be in the pitching market with Jacob deGrom, Chris Bassitt and Taijuan Walker all free-agent flight risks. The Yankees, Rosenthal noted, "missed" on Verlander last offseason. The Dodgers, Rosenthal added, could pursue Verlander if Tyler Anderson turns down their $19.65 million qualifying offer—or they might be in the Verlander sweepstakes even if Anderson picks that up.

Don't look for the Astros to rest on their laurels just because the smell of championship champagne still lingers around Houston.

The Astros are already plotting their path back to the championship podium, and that could lead to a major change at first base.

Per Rosenthal, Houston has identified Anthony Rizzo as its "No. 1 free-agent target at first base." Yuli Gurriel and José Abreu are in the mix, too, but Rosenthal noted that Rizzo holds extra appeal for the Astros as a way of "bolstering their own roster while weakening the Yankees'."

Rizzo must decide Tuesday whether to accept the Yankees' qualifying offer, which could guarantee him a higher salary than he'd find on the open market. Should he consider alternatives, though, he shouldn't have trouble attracting suitors. The four-time Gold Glove recipient just matched his career-high with 32 home runs despite playing only 130 games.

While Jacob deGrom could certainly walk away from the Mets in free agency, it sounds as if they at least don't need to worry about one NL East rival luring him out of the Big Apple.

The Atlanta Braves, a team many have projected to have interest in deGrom, are "highly unlikely" to sign him, per Rosenthal.

While Rosenthal didn't provide further particulars on the Braves-deGrom situation, the scribe did note that the team in general is "reluctant to enter into a deal with any player who takes up too high a percentage of their payroll, knowing in future seasons the salaries of their young players will rise."

DeGrom's market should be a fascinating one, but the real draw is how many years a club will be willing to commit. As for the dollar amount, though, it should be enormous for the two-time Cy Young winner. Rosenthal's colleague, The Athletic's Jim Bowden, recently predicted deGrom will land a two-year, $90 million deal—from the Braves, naturally.