Tampa Offered HOW MUCH For Freeman?

Freddie Freeman got his 6 years and $162M from the Los Angeles Dodgers, but for those that doubted that the Tampa Bay Rays were really in the running, it comes as a shock to learn, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, that they also offered 6 years, and $150M. 

A couple of the losing bids for Freddie Freeman: Braves $140M, 5 years, Rays about $150M, 6 years. Red Sox also were in, so 3 GMs (including the winning Dodgers; $162M, 6) with Rays history all were in.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 17, 2022

The Rays already established a new-found ability to spend huge amounts of money this offseason, when they signed their young burgeoning star shortstop Wander Franco to an 11-year deal worth $182M, which could escalate to 12 years and $223M. 

But for a free agent? The Rays have never come anywhere close to spending—or offering—that type of money. Their previous largest contract handed out was also to one of their own, when they gave Evan Longoria a 6-year, $100M extension in 2012. 

A great sign for fans of the Rays

But the Rays have never had an opening day payroll surpass $80M, and the thought of them being willing to spend $25M on Freeman, in addition to the $16.8M AAV Franco will be earning, is a shock to the system. And a great sign for fans of the Rays going forward, that the team is finally ready to spend to continue to win.

Tampa won 100 games in 2021, repeating as AL East Division champions, and maintaining their place among the league's elite. Freeman might have taken them to that next level in the playoffs.

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports