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Atlanta Braves cannot wait with Freddie Freeman

By David Hill

Aug 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a solo home run in the sixth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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It had seemed inevitable that the Atlanta Braves and Freddie Freeman would figure out a contract extension. Not only is he one of the leaders in the clubhouse, but he is one of the key parts of the lineup, a mainstay who has been one of the more formidable run producers in the game over the past few years. Even when the Braves were seemingly out of the playoff hunt at the deadline, Freeman remained, which could have been taken as a sign that a deal would be occurring shortly.

Instead, as the calendar flips to September, and the regular season is almost over, nothing has changed. Freeman is still slated to reach free agency in the offseason, with no word on any talks regarding an extension.

Atlanta Braves need to get something done with Freddie Freeman

The 2020 NL MVP has had a strong follow-up to that campaign. He has produced a .296/.390/.508 batting line in his 564 plate appearances entering Tuesday, hitting 28 homers and 17 doubles while chipping in eight steals. Freeman has shaken off a slow start to the season, heating up right when the Braves needed.

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That performance also helps to solidify Freeman’s place in the upcoming free agent market. He would be one of the better players available, a middle of the order bat who is still in his prime. His ability with the bat and on the basepaths will make him highly coveted.

Perhaps the Braves plan is to extend the Qualifying Offer and hope to bring him back in free agency. Maybe they have a verbal agreement that he will find out what the market has to offer, and then return to Atlanta to get a similar contract, remaining a member of the organization for the rest of his career.

If that is the case, the Braves are playing with fire. Even if such an agreement is in place, a team could make Freeman an offer he cannot turn down. The Qualifying Offer will not dissuade any franchise from signing him, as that lost draft pick would be meaningless compared to a potential lineup altering bat.

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The Atlanta Braves have yet to sign Freddie Freeman to an extension. If they plan on letting him test the market first, they are playing with fire.

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