MLB Rumors: Braves Making Post-Freeman Plans

 

While most observers expect All-star first baseman Freddie Freeman will return to the Atlanta Braves, it appears that the World Series champs themselves have been getting some post-Freeman plans in order. 

According to a report from MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, Freeman's return to the Braves "can no longer be viewed as inevitable", and one industry executive called it a "slap in the face" to the 2020 MVP that the Braves haven't signed him yet. 

The fact that the Braves haven't locked up Freddie Freeman already makes me angry and sad.

— Jerry Blevins (@jerryblevins) December 1, 2021

It's no surprise, then, that the Braves had been doing their due diligence on Freeman alternatives.   

Before the lockout went into effect, they inquired about free agent Anthony Rizzo, late of the New York Yankees, and longtime Chicago Cub. Rizzo, to be frank, would be a serious downgrade from Freeman, perhaps not in veteran leadership or defense, but in sheer production. 

While Freeman's OPS for the past six years has averaged well over the .900 mark, Rizzo's has been in the mid-.700s for the past couple of seasons. 

One other option the Braves have looked into, which would be a much closer approximation to what Freeman has given them, is Oakland A's first-sacker Matt Olson. 

Olson can generate the sort of power that Freeman does, as well as playing similar Gold Glove-level defense. But this acquisition wouldn't be nearly as simple. A trade with the A's would have to be orchestrated, and Olson will not come cheaply, prospect-wise. 

Freeman has already named his price, 6 years, $180M, which, amidst the wild spending of teams thus far this offseason on free agents, seems like a bargain for what is, essentially, a Braves legend. The 5-time All-Star, Freeman has spent his entire 12-year career with Atlanta, and it was all capped off with a World Series this past season. 

There are absolutely some big-money suitors elsewhere for Freeman, but it's still hard to imagine the Braves will not match his price. However, it's now obvious they are making contingency plans, nevertheless. 

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