First baseman Freddie Freeman has become an institution in Atlanta since his career began in 2010, but there is a chance this will be his final season with the Braves. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player is not signed beyond this season, and if he does reach the open market over the winter, he’ll be one of the game’s highest-profile free agents. As of now, Freeman and the Braves are not progressing toward a long-term contract.
Asked about extension talks with the Braves, Freeman said Tuesday (via Jeff Schultz of The Athletic), “There is no negotiations.” Freeman added that discussing a deal during the season “would be a distraction and I don’t like distractions. My main focus is the game tonight and I don’t think there’s going to be much talking any time soon.”
Freeman has already received one lucrative payday from the Braves – an eight-year, $135MM extension in February 2014. As a soon-to-be 32-year-old, Freeman won’t sign a deal that long again, but a five- to six-year contract worth $25MM or more per season doesn’t seem outlandish. One comparable could be the Cardinals’ Paul Goldschmidt, who inked a five-year, $130MM guarantee with the Cardinals in 2019 at the age of 31. However, that was an extension hammered out several months before Goldschmidt could have gone to free agency, meaning the Cardinals weren’t competing against anyone for his services. The Braves may not have the luxury of avoiding a multi-team bidding war for Freeman if they’re unable to lock him up before the offseason opens.
Whether with Atlanta or another club, Freeman has done enough to earn a second nine-figure deal. The four-time All-Star has batted .294/.383/.510 (139 wRC+) with 245 home runs in 6,036 plate appearances, and he has missed only four games dating back to the beginning of the 2018 season. Freeman’s currently on pace for another tremendous year, having hit .233/.387/.517 (140 wRC+) with five HRs and a 14:6 BB:K ratio in 75 plate appearances. While Freeman’s batting average is uncharacteristically low, Statcast data suggests his .188 BABIP will eventually soar closer to his lifetime mark of .339.
Please. Come on braves. This would be so sad. Unless AA really truly thinks but low and sell high is a solution for long term health of this team then my moneys on a five year Rizzo deal for 2/3 the price
This year should be a buyer’s market.
If the Yankees weren’t so up against the tax fbreshold, he’s what they need. Lefty middle of the order bat who looks good at first.
They can’t trade Stanton however and starting pitching is what they need most so I don’t see it happening.
They could use a lefty bat, but you’re right in that’s not where I see them spending, not at 1B where they have a low-cost Voit, who has a 144 OPS+ with them and is under control for another three seasons. They’re re-setting their luxury tax this year, so they’ll spend again next, with pitching their likely target.
The Yankees shouldn’t give a rats rear end about the luxury tax threshold.
Every team worries about the luxury tax because the penalties are stiff financially but it also effects draft position.
You just cannot build a competitive team without developing your prospects. Losing a first round pick is devastating to a teams draft (so is having your ability to spend on international free agents) because you lose that first round money allotment. So many players later in the first round sign for less money which allows teams to spend more on the latter rounds. Without that capital, your entire draft is effected.
If the players are smart, the next CBA should focus on getting rid of the penalties for teams spending on upper tier free agents. The Qualifying Offer should be the players focus.
Right now, their most tradable commodity of value is Voit so don’t discount something happening at that position either with Freeman or Rizzo….either of those two are exactly what the Yankees need in their lineup….the Yankees need a major offensive shakeup and either of those two would accomplish that…..this current squad may have peaked to the extent that they need to change course….too bad because Voit probably will play up to his ability which Gleyber, Stanton, Sanchez, Hicks, and Frazier are stinking up the place…….of course, Hal would have to sign on to adding payroll
It’s a little too early in the season to freak out over a slow start or guys not producing at the plate.
Looking at the Yankees roster, it’s underwhelming but look at the bright side, only six more years of Stanton.
They shouldn’t, but they do.
… and either Freeman or Rizzo are huge improvement over Voit at 1B defensively… as well as they are both much better all-around hitters.
I still think there’s a strong probability Freeman is extended after the season wraps up.
Just removing it from discussions during the season to avoid distractions like Freddie said. I don’t think there’s much to read into this.
When the time comes, they’ll get down to business because they both want him to be here at the end of the day.
He’s said in interviews of how tough this season/ST has been being separated from his family – and now having 2 newborn sons, and a new season, I can’t imagine adding in extension talks in-between is going to make life any less stressful for him.
It’s not an extension after the season. It’s a free agency open market situation like ozuna this past off season. Freeman will be a free agent at season’s end and Atlanta will easily be outbid because they are owned by an stock market investment. There should never be a stock market owned team in baseball again.
I think a lot of GM’s realize just how much the QO effects the value of players there for they are more likely to keep good faith with a player and let the market play itself out (which I believe is what the Cubs are doing).
A lot of players, IMO, have a disconnect in their value and what the market will perceive their value being. Freeman’s numbers by all accounts would suggest a large payday but in reality he will be in the 4-5 year 100-125 million dollar range and it’s better for a team to let the player see that market reflection vs. offering that reality check money as an extension.
Chicago and Rizzo is a perfect example, the Cubs offered 5 years and 70 million with escalators which is slightly below what Rizzo should expect to get (based on what those escalators are) but a 4 year deal at around 80 million is probably what Rizzo will be offered in free agency and I peg it closer to 4/70, maybe 5/87 million.
I’m sure 5 years and 70 million looked like a slap in the face to Rizzo, much like if the Braves offered 5/100 to the reigning MVP but the market is going to dictate very similar numbers.
The position they play, the QO and the demand just won’t be there for 32 year old players.
Unreal, wonder how much MLB moving the all-star game hurt the Braves revenue. Wouldnt be shocked if thats used to excuse not resigning Freeman, another big FU to Braves fans.
I wish MLB would have stayed out of politics…
I believe sports fan gravitate to sports to get away from the BS that is going on in our nation and sports should understand that.
I remember the Yankees playing after 9/11 and it seemed like the entire nation watched and supported because it was a return to normalcy… that is what sports are about. Politics, religion or anything else have no home inside a baseball stadium. It should be a place where you can forget about all that BS instead of having it force fed down your throat.
No, let him walk, I see the Giants coming for him in the off-season.
Me speaking to myself…never mind…didn’t realize he was that old, Giants should pass
Freeman’s career BA is .294 not .339.
Babip not batting average
But what’s his average on balls in play when at least fifty fans are simultaneously biting into a hot dog? I mean that’s really all that matters.
How many of the hot dogs are Kosher? because those are the only ones that aren’t disgusting. (I’m not of that religion.) Tube steaks. Yum.
I see you probably meant BABIP.
Probably? It was obvious he meant BABIP.
Let’s be honest. They got his best years. If someone gives him a big contract, even the Braves, there will be at least 2 or 3 years of regret at the end of the deal.
Freeman hits the ball so well to all fields and hits for average. He doesn’t rely on his power in any way. My point is that he should age very well and still be able to hit pretty well into his late 30s.
If the contract ends at age 37, I’d go along with that. Anything else beyond and I’d say those years wouldn’t benefit the team from a contract stand point. George Brett is probably a decent comparison and played until 40, but his last productive year was really at the age of 37.
Personally, I think Freeman should pack his bags and head over to the Angels. They could use a solid lefty in the lineup and the DH would play well to extend his career. Trout, Rendon and Freeman would be sweet. Add in Ohtani and you’ve got a solid middle of the lineup.
Guys remember Joey Votto?
Not so different from Freddie. Hopefully Freddie is an exception but it’s risky to dish that out to a 35-37 year old. Hope that hill isn’t too steep too soon.
Why? So he can have TJS?
Actually not a bad idea. The DH would save him.
That is an interesting comparison. As a Brewers fan, that dude was just a hitting machine and a Crew killer for a very long time. But yeah, I never thought his hit tool would just fall off a cliff. Too bad.
Jered Walsh is the Halo 1B of the future. And while he’s no Freeman, few are, dude is solid enough to focus their investments on pitching.
When have they ever done that lol
Ironically the Braves are closer to winning a World Series than the Angels are with Atlanta having a much smaller payroll.
Atlanta needs a World Series title. It’s been 26 years already and they only have one overall. They need to do whatever it takes to get a trophy for this generation.
Guess he’s walking, then.
Looks like we get a Bryce ball sighting in the near future
“Frederick”
Come to LA on a short term, high AAV deal.
Did anyone else watch that Frederick video 30 times and laugh harder each time?
Arte, don’t think about replacing Albert with a 10 year Freddie contract.
Trout
Freeman
Rendon
Ohtani
that would make me happy
You’d need all those guys with the lack of pitching the Angels have. I’ve been waiting for years for them to have a good staff again.
Ohtani and Bundy? It’s a decent start.
If they were to splurge on hitting again I’d take C. Seager over Freeman.
Ohtani lol. He will come back to earth real soon.
Trout
Rendon
Ohtani
Walsh
Fixed. Now wave at Freddie, let him sign elsewhere, and keep focusing on pitching.
Freddie Freeman will never put on another uniform but an Atlanta Braves. But I have a question?? With the slow start for the Braves, and if it continues, will you see the “Powers at Be” give Alex Anthopolus the green light to use to make a trade to grab another power bat, such as Matt Chapman or Jose Ramirez to not only help the Braves compete for the NL East crown, but to show Freeman that the Braves mean to compete for the World Series each of the remaining years he is an Atlanta Brave???
Liberty Media cares about making a profit, not winning championships.
Pretty sure Bob Nutting doesn’t work for liberty media cause he took that crown years ago and will never give it back….makes Liberty Media look like big time spenders
For the 100th time LM cannot funnel money into the Braves payroll. It’s in the contract with MLB. Any profit made by LM must be put into the organization. They cannot profit outside of tax purposes and selling the team
They look pretty profitable in my brokerage account. Bought them on the down swing and hope to see it go higher provided there isn’t a work stoppage.
John, not sure I get your point. Just because Liberty is required to reinvest any profit into the Braves, they aren’t restricted from spending more money on payroll..those can be mutually exclusive. there’s no way MLB would LIMIT how much money an owner can invest in his payroll. Their problem is teams not spending enough…
My point is if the Braves DONT have money to spend its cause they don’t have money to spend. It would be simpler if we pretended LM didn’t exist, seen Terry Mcguirk as owner and the Braves as their own separate company. LM cannot funnel money into payroll not can they profit from the team.
You are dreaming. Given the financial constraints signing Freddie until hes 36 would be unwise. He’s going to start struggling like all players do as they age. It’s hard to say goodbye but sometimes it’s absolutely necessary to win
Ugh. I want Freeman to remain a brave. He seems like a true patriot, like such a soldier to the team and seems so humble. Very reserved but also a great leader. I hope he retires a brave like Chipper.
Yeah no kidding. It’s not like a darn near 40 year old chipper won a batting title too. Age isn’t everything. Ask Julio Franco.
Another old slugger who wants a fat Cabrera contract. AA has other ideas. I sense a disturbance in the force…..
Maybe not Cabrera, but a well deserving contract to stay a Brave.
No extension, no cry. No extension, no cry.
Even if he hits free agency, I don’t think he’s going anywhere.
I wonder if not being signed yet is distracting him.
He’s on the wrong side of 30… not sure he will get a $100 mil deal from anyone, even the Braves. Maybe an incentive laden contract with team options.
Idk man. 5 years at 20 mil per year would be a $100 mil contract and that’s not outrageous for Freeman at his age. In fact, I think most fans and teams would call that “cheap”.
Even I can read that sarcasm @BobGibsonFan
LOL
In all honesty, this is really embarrassing that it’s even gotten to this point for the Braves. Much more embarrassing that it’s gonna last longer. They should be ashamed of themselves.
While it’s not ideal, I can imagine the pandemic really changed a lot in terms of financial stability – even now not knowing how 2021 will look financially. I would imagine the team is being taking the cautious approach and nothing has changed their approach. It’s a FO that operates without rumors or leaks about a very public reigning MVP and a lot of pressure to win a championship (while also fathering 2 newborns).
Yeah, that’s the thing about this FO- they keep everything very tight lipped. I believe Freeman will stay a Brave. I don’t think the AAV will be a problem. There may be some haggling over the length, but I believe they’ll work out a compromise.
Braves have business-oriented owners, and will make a business decision. Likely that’s going to include both a value analysis on what he can do on the field, and the marketing aspects. Cold, but that’s where baseball has been headed for a while. The more money there is sloshing around the game, the more ownership can see a way to profit by minimizing sentiment. The fan isn’t going anywhere, except getting older.
4/120 gets it done
As a fan of baseball, I would like to see him return to Atlanta…they are back on the rise and would be great to see them keep someone who’s been there so long…as Red Sox fan I would also like to see him at Fenway playing 1B
I hope France doesn’t start a baseball league run by Joni Mitchell.
He’ll remain a Brave.
I told people after 2008 that John Smoltz would never, ever play elsewhere. That he’d either retire or resign in Atlanta for another year, but it was impossible that the Braves could just let him walk. Sure he was 41 at the time, and the circumstances are different, but he was even more of an Atlanta fixture.
Anything can happen.
Teams shouldn’t hold onto pitchers, especially at that age. It killed me to see Glavine in a Mets uniform, but even more so when they got him back at 42 (in 2008) for $8M only to see him go 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA (6.02 FiP) in 63.1 IP. Total opposite of the SP that got 61 wins for NYM in 5 previous years making 30 starts/year. We got burned by nostalgia.
“Find a queen without a king
They say she plays guitar and cries and sings, la-la-la-la”
I’d be surprised if they don’t make a solid effort to resign him. If that can keep him for anything less than 5/150 it can work. The Yanks may be in a similar situation with Judge next year. They have a bit more risk/leverage with Judges injury history but their overall profiles are very similar when you factor in production, fan favorites, leadership and other intangibles.
Career WAR: Judge: 20.4 vs. Freeman: 38.6.
Freeman is a model of consistency, while Judge has missed 28% of games since his first full year in ’17. If you choose to have Judge & Stanton both on the books – you’re going to make it harder for yourselves to win a championship. Choose wisely.
Well yeah. Freeman has played nearly 3x as many games so of course his WAR will be higher. My point is that they have similar profiles as to what they bring to the franchises. I acknowledge Judges injuries and he’ll have to play and produce at 135 games+ the next 2 years to demand what freeman will get now.
Stanton won’t get in the way of judge staying, only judges health will do that. Not saying it’s the best decision but Stanton’s deal is what it is. If Stanton continues to not play and the 3rd tier CBT penalties aren’t adjusted NY will struggle with it.
I’d do 5/150 easy, and not even give it a second thought. I think that’s a good deal for both sides.
He will probably sign with the Halos.
If he makes ot to free agency he will be gone no way the Braves will match what the market will pay.
He is a braves legend already, hopefully he stays and finishes career here.
But, also hopefully he gets what he wants on his next and probably last contract as he ages.
Do we even have a legitimate 1B prospect to replace him with? I know of Bryce Ball but is he really going to cut it?
Not that $135M isn’t plenty of money or that Freeman won’t get a very lucrative new deal upon FA, but Freeman may have really hurt his FA value with an 8 year deal. He got market value for his arbitration years and close to market value the first couple years of FA he gave up, but the last 3 years at $21.667M AAV was well, well below market and now he’s well into the wrong side of 30.
I still think a 3 year/$100M deal is possible. Maybe a 5 year/$135M deal. So he isn’t going to not get paid, but he won’t get the full potential market value of his services at this point.
I think ATL should re-sign him to 4 years/$135M that could go up to 5 years/$165M ($33.5, $33.5, $33.5, $24.5, $10M buyout on $30M option).
I don’t care how good Freeman is, no first baseman is worth 33.5 million a season and certainly not a 32 year old first baseman.
I don’t disagree but I don’t see him signing for under $30M a year given his reputation and consistency and what he is being paid currently, unless he gives ATL a steep hometown discount. Someone will sign him to $30M+ a season, just for a limited number of seasons.
I really don’t think he’d find the kind of deal you’re proposing in FA
As a Nationals fan, I would love to see the Braves drop the ball on Freeman and let him sign with someone outside of the NL East.
He kills us.
Come on Kansas City!!!
I’m sure Freeman and the Braves will get a huge mega deal done during the season because he looks like a Brave for life, just like Chipper Jones. If he does not receive a championship ring, he will still be among one of the Braves greats.
Don’t see Freddy going anywhere, but if he does this has LAA written all over it. Pujols coming off the books, hometown situation, familiarity with the front office.
Having Freeman go somewhere else wouldn’t be the worst thing for the braves long term.
Come home to Canada!