Baseball is back, baby! With the return of America’s pastime, the offseason part two can begin in earnest. So many massive free agents are back on the market and looking for their new homes. One of the more interesting storylines of all though has to be surrounding Freddie Freeman.
A first-time World Series champ, Freeman helped take the Braves all the way last year. He’s been the face of the franchise and an elite first baseman on both sides of the plate. For his career, he has a 138 OPS+ to go with a Gold Glove and a 7.1 career UZR. And yet, the Braves couldn’t get a deal done. Despite a widespread belief that their poster boy would run it back with his old squad, he’s still a free agent. Now, the vultures are circling to potentially pluck Freeman out of the clutches of Atlanta. Let’s take a look at the most likely teams vying for his services.
#5: San Diego Padres are a Dark Horse for Freeman
Consider this my personal wild card in the Freeman sweepstakes. Despite little connection to Freeman in the offseason, the Padres have a need at the first base position. Incumbent Eric Hosmer hasn’t lived up to the big deal he signed and he could get shipped off in the abbreviated offseason. His 102 OPS+ since becoming a Padre is lackluster from the first base position and his defense pales in comparison to the perennial gold glove candidate. Even if he stays, getting a better glove and lefty bat at first seems like a good strategy. The introduction of the universal DH certainly helps San Diego’s chances. Hiding Hosmer there makes way for Freeman to slot in between Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. His bat and superb glove would really complete that lineup.
#4: Tampa Bay Rays Surprisingly Interested in the First Baseman
I want to acknowledge the Rays considering their apparent interest in Freeman pre-lockout. The frequent penny pinchers were actually willing to dole out serious money to land the former MVP. It’s hard to see them as the strongest contenders, but there’s definitely a fit there. Considering the Rays’ love of strong defense, Freeman definitely fits the bill while supplementing an offense that’s on the brink of getting the franchise’s first World Series trophy. It would likely push Ji-Man Choi to the DH spot more often than not. If they ship off Austin Meadows, the fit for Freeman becomes even more apparent. That would fully clear the way for Choi and others to platoon at DH while Freeman mans first full time. It still feels like a longshot given the Rays’ history, but the fit does exist there.
#3: New York Yankees Have the Need and the Interest in Freeman
It’s been known since last year that the Yankees want a big bopping lefty first-baseman in their lineup. Last year, their trade for Anthony Rizzo filled that hole, but with him moving on, their eyes turn to Freeman. For sure, he’s an upgrade from the incumbent righty bat Luke Voit. What could stop Freeman from ending up in the Bronx though are the Yankees’ other offseason targets. They’ve also shown interest in Matt Olson, another prominent lefty first baseman with a good glove. Rizzo is still out there and seemed to enjoy his time in New York. They may also forgo a pricy lefty first baseman entirely, opting instead to pick up superstar shortstop Carlos Correa as their big addition. Freeman is absolutely a realistic target for the Yanks. It’s just hard to see them beating out other teams when they have so many other targets on their minds.
#2: Atlanta Braves Have the Home Team Advantage
At one point, this was the obvious, slam dunk choice for Freeman. He’s spent his entire career so far as a Brave and seemingly loves the team as much as they love him. It wouldn’t feel right to see him outside of Atlanta. Frankly, the Braves kind of need him too. The steady bat and defense fit perfectly with the young, talented duo of Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña Jr. There’s a serious lack of talent on the market right now that can do for Atlanta what Freeman does at first. Unfortunately, optimism for a reunion has considerably waned since the lockout. The fact that Atlanta couldn’t quickly put together a satisfying deal for their hometown hero is the whole reason I’m writing this today! It seems they might not be willing to give Freeman what he wants, but perhaps the increased competitive balance tax will change their tune.
#1: Los Angeles Dodgers Make the Most Sense
Sorry Braves fans. If there’s one team that has the connection and the cash, it’s the Dodgers. With the loss of Corey Seager, Los Angeles wants another big-name bat to enter the lineup. What better asset to fill that hole than Freeman. Moreover, the Dodgers lineup has the flexibility to squeeze him in. Max Muncy, who took the lion’s share of games at first last year, can also handle second and third. The introduction of the DH makes it even easier to switch things around to get Freeman’s glove in the field. Yet, what’ll ultimately land Freeman in a Dodgers uniform is Atlanta’s failure to lock him up. The Braves have first dibs and any more dawdling will leave the aggressive Dodgers in prime position to snap him up.
Freeman Has Plenty of Options Going Forward
As business gets back underway, there’s sure to be a bidding war for Freeman’s services. We haven’t even discussed the potential involvement of teams like the Red Sox or Blue Jays! Really, all of this stems from the Braves’ lack of aggression in getting back their poster boy. What seemed like a sure thing quickly created this looming dogfight we have on our hands. It’ll take a monster deal, around six years, $180 million, to get the job done. Whoever wins will get one of, if not the best first basemen in all of baseball. Let the sweepstakes continue.
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