Josh Harrison received multiple offers before lockout

Josh Harrison did not receive much interest in free agency last offseason before signing a one year deal worth $1 million with the Nationals. That is not the case with his current journey through free agency.

Harrison has already generated a great deal of interest in free agency. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith, Harrison had over ten teams check in on his demands and had received multiple contract offers before the lockout.

Josh Harrison attracting plenty of interest in free agency

Harrison had a solid season overall in 2021. He posted a .279/.341/.400 batting line in his 558 plate appearances between the Nationals and Oakland A’s, hitting 33 doubles and eight homers. Although he drew just 31 walks, Harrison also struck out only 75 times, making an impressive amount of contact.

Those contact skills are not the only reason why teams are interested. Harrison played six different positions last year, seeing action at second, third, short, and all three spots in the outfield. It is easy to see why the A’s would have targeted him at the trade deadline.

Likewise, that versatility will make him an intriguing free agent. Teams had been viewing Harrison for different roles, with teams viewing him as an option at second, third, or as a super utility player. He will certainly have options once transactions are opened back up.

This also likely means that Harrison will not be returning to the A’s. He was one of the players that may have had a chance to return, especially given that he had signed late in the offseason over the previous two years. That will not be the case this time.

Josh Harrison was highly sought after prior to the lockout. He should receive a much better contract than he has in the previous offseasons.