Long-time Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has been the topic of conversation around baseball the past few days with multiple reports claiming there’s a “growing belief” the two parties will split.
And although both sides do not appear to be that far apart in asking price and length of contract, the longer this lockout goes, the more likely it is the relationship will reach its boiling point.
Freddie Freeman should have been locked up last offseason, and at the very least, his contract extension should have been a slam dunk immediately after the Atlanta Braves won the World Series in 2021.
But now, with nothing but time and uncertainty playing significant factors in the psyches of both parties, there is a very fair chance Freeman leaves the Braves.
If that be the case, I believe it to be one of the biggest missed opportunities in MLB history for a good organization like the Braves that has been calling quality shots for decades.
Freddie Freeman is objectively the best first baseman in baseball right now, and is right smack in the middle of his prime according to Statcast.
Freeman seems a lot older than 32 for how long he’s been around the league. But, despite his age being a concern for some in regards to a big contract extension, Statcast articulates that Freddie is indeed still in his prime groove as a hitter. Some numbers may also suggest he’s getting better.