3 possible landing spots for Freddie Freeman

Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning of game five of the 2021 World Series at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning of game five of the 2021 World Series at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

The fact that Freddie Freeman is still available in free agency is a bit of a shock. The Atlanta Braves were supposed to have locked up their star first baseman by this point, setting the stage for him to be a lifelong member of the franchise.

Instead, Freeman continues to languish in free agency, one of the dozens of players in limbo due to the lockout. He has also begun to get frustrated with the process, with his representatives reaching out to other teams to gauge their interest in bringing the former MVP on board.

Three landing spots for Freddie Freeman

Although he was unable to replicate that MVP campaign, Freeman still had a strong showing in 2021. He produced a .300/.393/.503 batting line in his 695 plate appearances, hitting 31 homers and 25 doubles. Even though he is already 32 years old, he still has plenty left in the tank.

Freddie Freeman can be a key contributor on virtually any team in the majors. Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots for him.

Atlanta Braves

Even though Freddie Freeman is frustrated with the Atlanta Braves, they still have to be considered the favorites for his services.

The Braves have quite a bit going for them in their quest to retain Freeman. They are the only franchise he has ever been a part of, having been drafted by Atlanta in the second round of the 2007 MLB Draft. The Braves are coming off of a World Series championship and have an exciting young core. They should be contenders for years to come.

But it is telling that an agreement has not yet happened. The Braves reportedly offered him a five year deal worth $135 million, while Freeman reportedly sought a six year deal worth $200 million. That is quite the distance to bridge.

Meanwhile, the Braves are not sitting idly by waiting for their star first baseman to accept their offer. They have looked into Anthony Rizzo and gauged his demands. The Braves have also reportedly inquired about the cost to bring in Matt Olson. They are ready to move on if Freeman is.

Freddie Freeman is still expected to return to the Atlanta Braves and spend his career with the franchise. It just is not the given that it had once been.

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays seem to be a strange entrant in the Freddie Freeman Sweepstakes. After all, they already have Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base.

However, there does appear to be mutual interest. Freeman’s representatives had reached out to the Blue Jays before the lockout, and there had been dialogue about bringing him on board. He would be yet another formidable bat in what is already an impressive lineup.

Freeman would also be more than just another threat in the lineup. He has won a championship and has gone through the battles of the postseason. For a Blue Jays team that is hungry to not just return to the postseason, but to win a championship, having such a veteran presence in the lineup could make a major difference.

There are also questions about Guerrero defensively for the long term. He has already shifted from third to first, with the expectation that he will eventually transform into a full time designated hitter. Even though he was in the best shape of his life last season, and is working even harder this offseason, Freeman could hasten that switch.

The Toronto Blue Jays already have a formidable lineup. Freddie Freeman would simply add another power bat and make the Blue Jays that much more dangerous.

Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Yankees

In theory, first base should not be that much of a concern for the New York Yankees. They already have Luke Voit on the roster and under team control for the next three years.

However, the Yankees are ready to move on from Voit. They had brought Anthony Rizzo in at the trade deadline and could look to continue that relationship. Or, they could look to make a splash this offseason and bring in Freddie Freeman.

Freeman would bring balance to a lineup that is currently very right handed. Joey Gallo is the only projected regular who is a left handed hitter, making Freeman’s bat all the more important. He would also add a strong defensive presence at first, something that has been lacking over the years.

He would also be more than just an improvement in the lineup. Freeman would be a sign that the Yankees are actually trying to contend in 2022. They have made more news for the players that they have let go from their 40 man roster than for any signings that they have made. The fanbase is getting impatient.

Next. Rizzo could be the Braves' backup plan. dark

The New York Yankees need to actually do something to improve their lineup. Adding Freddie Freeman to the roster would be a major boost to their chances.

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