The expectation all offseason has been that Freddie Freeman will re-sign with the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves. However, recent reports might suggest otherwise.
Just about a week ago, former Braves legend Chipper Jones, who was Freeman’s teammate from 2010-2012, made some intriguing comments regarding the star first baseman’s future.
“The Braves have made some offers, didn’t make him happy,” said Jones. “He’s being courted by some of the prettiest girls on the block right now, he’s gonna listen to them.”
Jones had mentioned that Freeman was probably a little frustrated that he and the Braves weren’t able to hammer out a contract extension back in Spring Training of 2021. He also said that Freeman “will be playing where he wants to play,” adding that he’s a “West Coast guy.”
Today, more news regarding Freeman’s future came out, this time from ESPN’s Buster Olney, who somewhat echoed Jones’ sentiments. Olney reported that there was “a growing belief that Freeman will land somewhere outside of Atlanta,” citing a prediction from an unnamed executive.
“I think the Braves will move quickly to settle on an alternative and move on to get past the conversation,” that executive said.
A while back, we made predictions on who the Braves could turn to in the event that Freeman doesn’t return, as well as some teams that could be in on Freeman besides Atlanta. Anthony Rizzo was one of the possibilities we mentioned as a replacement, as well as Nick Castellanos and Kris Bryant, but with the A’s allegedly being involved in trade talks about first-baseman Matt Olson, it’s possible the Braves could look there to find Freeman’s replacements.
To Jones’ point about him being a “West Coast guy,” it’s possible that the Dodgers may give him a look. If he signs there, that would allow Los Angeles to slide Max Muncy over to second base. However, the Yankees are said to be one of the teams involved in the sweepstakes, as are the Rangers, who already spent big before the lockout, signing Jon Gray, Corey Seager, and Marcus Semien.
The two-week “offseason” period after the lockout will be an interesting one for sure. Several big names will be on the move rather quickly, and it’s anyone’s guess as to how it will play out.
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