Freddie Freeman rumors: Could the New York Mets be a destination?
It may seem like a strange fit upon first glance, but the New York Mets reportedly “checked in” on Freddie Freeman before the current MLB lockout went into place. Could the Atlanta Braves superstar be a fit for a team that has already made plenty of splashes in the offseason?
According to a tweet shared by Pat Ragazzo, who covers the New York Mets and gives credit to ESPN’s Buster Olney for the content, with the growing belief the Freeman will not return to the Atlanta Braves, the Mets looked into the possibility of eventually bringing Freeman onto the roster.
Of course, there is no idea how far the “check in” went and the viability of the Mets adding Freeman to a bulging payroll that has seen numerous additions, including starting pitcher Max Scherzer, this offseason. However, the addition of Freeman would not only boost the Mets but also, in theory, weaken their division rival in Atlanta.
What would Freddie Freeman to the New York Mets mean for the franchise?
As Ragazzo mentions in his tweet, adding Freeman to the Mets would mean that Pete Alonso, the primary first baseman for the Mets over the last three seasons, would shift to designated hitter. Of course, he would likely see time at first as well, but adding Freeman would certainly lengthen the lineup.
Adding Freeman and shifting Alonso to designated hitter would also likely allow the Mets to shop Dominic Smith (expected to be one of the team’s leading contenders to fill a DH role) in trades, something that has been discussed this offseason. A Smith trade could potentially allow the Mets to look for a return that would include bullpen help, still a need for the team.
Prior to the lockout, it was discussed that Freeman was looking for a contract in the neighborhood of six years and $180 million. How that fits into the New York budget and what implications it will have will be known more after a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is put into place, ending the current MLB lockout.
Next. 4 possible replacements in Atlanta for Freddie Freeman. dark
Freeman has been linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees as well should he and the Braves not be able to come to an agreement to extend their 12-year MLB relationship. Could the Mets enter the picture after the lockout? The franchise has already shown it is ready to spend to win now, so it will be a rumor worth watching.