Freddie Freeman’s ultimate free-agent destination has been one of the more fascinating storylines of the offseason. At the outset of free agency, most felt a reunion with the Braves was a fait accompli, but as Freeman’s stay on the market has lingered, there’s been increasing speculation about him signing elsewhere.
We can’t know when we’ll get a resolution, thanks to the ongoing lockout, but Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that there’s an industry sense that Freeman will act quickly once the transaction freeze lifts. Specifically, Sherman suggests that within 48 hours of the freeze lifting, Freeman’s “path will be publicly known.” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal suggested something similar, albeit without the specific timeline, when writing late last month that both Freeman and the Braves could “act quickly” post-lockout.
Freeman’s fate is a renewed talking point among Braves fans in the wake of this morning’s earnings report from Liberty Media, which owns the Braves, although the newly available public insight into the team’s financials likely has little to no impact on their pursuit of Freeman. It’s always been a question of whether ownership and/or the front office deems Freeman’s asking price to be a prudent long-term move for the organization, and the team knew those figures would be going public at this point.
Perhaps more interesting, however, is Sherman’s suggestion that one theoretical Freeman suitor, the Blue Jays, has been given ownership approval for a “large increase in payroll” even after the additions of George Springer, Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios over the past year-plus. The Jays’ desire to add a left-handed bat to the mix isn’t exactly a new revelation; they reportedly pursued Corey Seager prior to his deal with the Rangers and have been speculatively tied to names like Kyle Schwarber and the since-retired Kyle Seager. The Jays were even linked to Freeman as far back as Nov. 30. More recently, Rosenthal said on Sportsnet that he expects the Jays to be involved on Freeman whenever the lockout lifts (video link).
Toronto is just one speculative alternative, and Freeman has also been heavily linked to the Dodgers and Yankees in addition to the incumbent Braves. ESPN’s Buster Olney suggested in a recent appearance on the Michael Kay Show (audio link, with Freeman talk starting around 11 minutes) that the Mets at least “checked in” on Freeman prior to the lockout, although SNY’s Andy Martino wrote this morning that the chances of a Freeman/Mets deal coming together border on nonexistent. Olney, too, mentions the Blue Jays as a team that has inquired on Freeman (along with the Dodgers), and he more broadly discusses a growing industry sentiment that Freeman won’t return to the Braves.
The Braves’ best offer to this point has reportedly been a five-year, $135MM contract. He’s said to be eyeing a six-year pact on the heels of another outstanding season. Freeman followed up his 2020 NL MVP Award with a .300/.393/.503 showing and 31 home runs during the regular season, plus a .304/.420/.625 line with five home runs in 69 postseason plate appearances. It was yet another impressive season for the ever-reliable first baseman, who has a wRC+ of 132 or better (indicating he’s been at least 32 percentage points more productive than the league average hitter) every year since 2013.
It’s certainly possible the Braves and Freeman can yet bridge the gap that remained in talks through the imposition of the lockout. Yet Atlanta has at least explored some alternatives. The Braves reportedly looked into Anthony Rizzo as a free agent possibility, and they’ve been mentioned as a potential trade partner with the A’s on Matt Olson on multiple occasions. Sherman speaks with a few agents and one rival executive who speculate that Atlanta could even pivot to pursuing an Olson trade between the time the lockout is lifted and when Freeman signs. The executive notes that someone like Kyle Wright — a big league ready starter who was formerly a top five draftee and highly-regarded prospect — fits the mold of the near-MLB talent the A’s could look for in an Olson deal. Wright no longer has the trade value to center a package that could persuade the A’s to part with Olson, but he’d be a sensible option for Oakland to explore as an ancillary piece in talks with Atlanta.
That’s conjecture from people outside the Atlanta organization, to be clear. What president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos and his staff have planned for the post-lockout scramble won’t become evident until offseason activity actually resumes. Yet the growing industry chatter reinforces that Freeman remaining in Atlanta may not be the lock many anticipated as the Braves entered the offseason riding high on a World Series title, particularly as other possible suitors loom.
dodgers if they go six years, and the universal DH is a thing can sign freeman, he is from the California area so that may be a favor in the dodgers corner. and the need for a BIG LH Bat will prompt AF to spend . that is if AF wants to shell out 6 yrs.
I don’t see what the DH has to do with it. Freeman should be more than capable of handling first base six years from now (the question will be, can he hit?)
I totally get how it’s hard to think of things to write about these days, but this was a bit of a stretch.
Sorry but I don’t see how his “stay on the market has lingered” when the dude was a free agent for less than a month before the lockout began. 29 days is NOT a long time for a free agent to remain unsigned.
JD Martinez was a free agent until Feb 26.
Machado was a free agent until Feb 21
Harper was a free agent until March 2
Just because some free agents rushed to sign before the lockout, doesn’t mean Freddie or the Braves don’t know what they’re doing. He’s smart to take his time exploring all his options.
I couldn’t even finish the article. I should be writer for the Athletic. I have a big scoop teams and players are all going to move fast. Get ready this one will shock your socks off. The better players will have more suitors and probably move fastest. Guys with an option or more will go fairly quick for teams that need to fill in AAA for injuries or pitchers. I will try and come up with some other amazing bits and pieces I get when I talk to my seceret squirrel guys.
Whatever it is that you get up to with your “secret squirrel guys” I figure the rest of us would just as soon remain ignorant about it. Heh.
Articles like these make me laugh as the final CBA needs to be reviewed so teams can plan not just for the coming season. Some owners may not care but others do. I still see Freeman staying in Atlanta and others just building up his cost.
compassrose12 hours ago
I should be writer for the Athletic.
=====================================
You won’t get the job before me. I know 30 “anonymous sources” and can link every player with every team, no matter how poor they have, or how little need they have.
I guess I will have to bow out then. BR is out not going to write for a SF based site. Cosmos ignorance is bliss you have a blissful life bud.
Wright, Contreras, Waters, Shewmake and Newcomb for Olson. Who hangs up first?
The A’s, quickly
That’s kind of a lot. Olson is coming off a possibly unsustainable career year and only has 2 more seasons of control left. Those prospects are all controlled for a long time and are at it near MLB ready. I could see maybe the Braves throwing Toussaint in on top of that. He was actually pretty good when he pitched last season and he is also under long term control. Outside of that, I would think the Braves should hang up. How much is 2 years of a first baseman really worth? I don’t thi k it’s worth ore than all 6 of those younger players with much more team control combined. Just sign Rizzo or someone else and keep the prospects.
Wright is the only one of that group the A’s would even be interested in, and as Steve indicated, only as an ancillary piece.
Wright, Contreras, Waters, Shewmake and Newcomb for Olson. Who hangs up first?
================================
The A’s hang up and tell AA that their new number is 1-800-we-need-real -players.
Not one of those guys are going to get anyone’s attention. Contreras might be a starter some day, but not one of the guys is a rated prospect.
Should be noted though that the Dodgers have been pretty disciplined about not doing longer term contracts. They’ve preferred to go shorter with a higher AAV. That’s what they offered Bryce Harper and it’s what got them Bauer. They have the most money of any team in baseball, in their logic it’s better to front load those costs instead of being saddled for years with a bad contract.
Depending on how the Bauer thing resolves, I can see them going 3/120 on Freeman. Then it’s a question of what he wants as far as earning potential vs security.
Steve Cohen would disagree.
What would Cohen disagree with?
first time I’ve ever seen “from the California area.” That’s a big area lol (not criticizing, I know what you meant). He’s grew up about 10 min from Angels stadium.
California area, west coast. So Cal. All relative.
Dodgerking didn’t actually state Freeman would be the DH. He is one of baseballs best fielding 1B so I would be even assume Freeman would get the bag.
Thanks for clarifying. The dodgers will probably shift many of their guys with the DH spot. But if freeman declines if the dodgers do sign him to a LT deal, then I can see them using him later on as a DH. So many ways though the dodgers will go.
There is no definitive answer, please leave it alone for now
HIs Mom and Dad were Canadian, he wants to come to the Jays!
cb1913 hours ago
HIs Mom and Dad were Canadian, he wants to come to the Jays!
======================================
The Jays were in the article, but I can’t see any match whatsoever. Vlad is ensconced at 1st, and Springer spent 38 games there last year.
It isn’t a perfect fit, but it is a good enough fit that it makes the Jays much better. That is the goal along with a left handed bat. I think it is a bigger possibility than people think it is. Especially with the request for a large increase in payroll.
People still think he’s going somewhere other than the Braves? Pipe dreams
I still don’t buy Freddie leaving Atlanta. Especially after the Liberty Media financials just came out. Atlanta can and should retain Freddie. This is just a bunch of sportswriters with nothing to write about thanks to the current work stoppage where the 1% elite earners are fighting over what is change to them. More clickbait.
Freddie’s going to look good in Dodger Blue. Cause that slap in the face from Braves is going to sting for awhile.
Ya, I wonder that as well. I would love to hear something from Freeman about it, but I suspect he won’t say anything until he signs with a team. Even after that I doubt he will say anything to revealing if it makes the Braves look bad because he has to much class for that.
Freddie the perfect fit in LA. He will age well playing on the west coast in all that sunshine, LA has the money and 6 years is fine for them. Braves messed up waiting. Freddie will be s star in LA. Talk shows, billboards, merch, etc.
Wait, does California have a fountain of youth?
Why did you think the houses cost millions? It’s because of the magic de-aging properties of California sunlight.
I don’t know, I have heard that GA clay is good for the skin too. Saw it one of those infomercials.
Yes but it’s offset by how long it takes you to drive anywhere.
Freddie will be a New York Met.
“SNY’s Andy Martino wrote this morning that the chances of a Freeman/Mets deal coming together border on nonexistent.” I’m not a big fan of Martino but in this case, he’s on the money.
Martino is always wrong though so…..
Did he have the same reaction to Mad Max?
He did. As did pretty much everyone else. Anything is possible but the Mets are settled at 1b and have more pressing needs in the rotation and pen
“SNY’s Andy Martino wrote this morning that the chances of a Freeman/Mets deal coming together border on nonexistent.” So you’re saying we’ve got a chance….
You’ll have to settle for Rizzo.
Mets already have Alonso and a bevy of DH candidates. Absurd to even suggest it.
It’s not THAT absurd
“the Mets at least “checked in”
==================================
I like rumors as much as the next guy, but some writers will write almost anything that comes into their minds.
In addition to Alonso and a team full of DH candidates, they also have a fairly old outfield which will require some DH time.
Freddie’s going to be looking good in Dodger Blue. That slap in the face from Braves is going to sting for awhile.
We heard you the first time.
I just can’t imagine any reason Freeman OR the Braves would desire anything other than for him to retire a Brave.
He was fun to watch even as an opposing team’s fan and he was always having fun. One of the funniest things I’ve seen in recent years was his impression of Brandon Nimmo on a walk – when Nimmo walked! I literally laughed out loud.
maybe he hates all those peachtree parkway, street, avenue, court, lane and so on.
Maybe he hates the racist name oh wait I think that is a bunch of hooie. I live near 2 reservations and have officiated 3 HS sports. All the kids wear that gear. It is rare for them to wear a team not Indian related. Probably the Raiders is the favorite after the Native American names. That will have to change soon because I had an ancestor that was a pirate and I am very horrified they would tie my name to that bozo owner. Oops sorry wrong sport.
….and here’s the guy, out of nowhere, trying to start the fight to ruin everything…
It was a joke lighten up buddy.
I don’t see the Braves committing the money Freeman will command. I think he will end up on the Dodgers or the Padres.
I hope so
Set Freddie Free, man!
Although I cant see how he fits on the Jays. I guess they could put Vladdy at 3B but that did not exactly go well the first time around. And he has turned into a decent 1B defensively.
I agree. Can’t see Vlad returning to 3B. That didn’t stop the Jays from going after Seager, even tho Bo has steadfastly made it known he wants to stay at short.
I’m optimistic enough to think there’s a chance Vlad could be okay at third. But a sane GM doesn’t risk $180,000,000 on that kind of gamble.
The Seager/Bichette equation was different, because there’s every reason to think Bo would make a good second basemen, and the positions aren’t as different in value.
Once the owners and the players agree to a new CBA and end the lockout by Monday, the Mets will sign former Brave Freddie Freeman to a 6-year contract worth $180 million to be their 1st baseman and promote Pete Alonso to DH.
And then what do they do with the three other DHs on the roster? Mets definitely don’t need Freeman.
Yes they do because Pete Alonso has made too many errors in his career.
Smith to first, Alonso to DH. Still don’t need Freeman.
the new CBA will have a 12 player lineup fully due to heavy lobbying by Steve Cohen.
Heh, I mean it seems like some folks might actually see this as a possibility. A lot of people’s plan for the Mets seems to include 4 first baseman and a gazillion DHs.
A team can always use a hall of famer I guess.
Makes absolutely no sense. Mets are one of the last places that he’d sign.
There is going to be a flurry of signing as soon as they agree on a CBA. I bet all of the players have behind the scene deals done.
Ooof.
Put Freeman in that Jay’s lineup & they might put up a thousand runs, serious.
They probably would. The ‘99 Indians did it!
The jays can’t sign freeman unless it’s a short term deal. Not unless they plan on not signing Vlad or bo to extensions. Vlad and bo are going to both get over 300 mil. Not sure how you sustain a payroll of under 300 with 7 guys over 20 million and 3 of the 7 over 30 million. It’s just not going to happen.
Are those metric or SAE runs? I hate when they crossover get so confused. I also hate when the Jays play here. It brings all those Canuckle heads down. They are a pain. I will bet you $1000 if you move here you will yell at 1 or shake your head at that within a month. On the road counts because that is where it happens. I am getting off here made fun of too many groups of people.
but as Freeman’s stay on the market has lingered, there’s been increasing speculation about him signing elsewhere.
Here come the Baltimore Orioles!
They’re in back of the Pirates.
Nothing has changed about Freeman since Dec, 2nd. the lockout might last all year and then teams wont need to pay for unsigned players until next year, maybe that was the Braves plan? No use worrying about this till the lockout is over.
NY Mets seem like the most likely team to buy a WS besides the Dodgers. I’d say they’ll outbid the Braves at least.
But why Freeman when they already have Smith, Alonso, Cano and Davis for two spots (1B and DH). Freddie doesn’t really add anything they don’t already have. Spend the money on something actually needed.
If I were the Mets I’d trade Davis, release Cano and eat his money, sign Freeman, move Alonso to DH permanently, trade mccann+money+prospect for Contreras, Sign rodon, sign greinke, sign Bryant for 3rd, sign chafen, trade for hader sign and trade for everyone. Papa Stevie has the sheckles.
Marte
Nimmo
Lindor
Alonso
Freeman
Bryant
Contreras
Escobar
Canha
McNeil
deGrom
Scherzer
Rodon
Greinke
Walker
Diaz
Hader
Chafin
May
Lugo
Castro
Megill
Filth…. none of what I said will happen or very little of it…. but who knows?
What makes you people think there’s going to be a DH? I’ve heard people on here for years suggest signing guys for 7 years because the DH is coming soon. All you people would make the worst gm ever. You can’t sign DH until it’s confirmed there’s a DH in the league. pA and mlb are concerned about economic issues. Rules issues aren’t even on the table right now.
Yes
I think all signs point toward the arrival of the DH to the NL but it’s still dumb to sign someone thinking that the fact that they’ll play the most useless position in a few years is a perk. It’s like buying a laptop and paying top price, cuz in a few years when it no longer works you can use it as a paperweight.
Mariners need a DH. Not really it will be DH by committee. Not my favorite but gets more bodies rest.
Ken Phelps, baby, Ken Phelps
All reports on this site are that it’s a given the universal DH is happening, starting this year.
What in the luxury tax penalty is this ish….
Are the people who are suggesting this ignorant of the Mets roster? Alonso has first base and they have Smith, Cano, Davis, McNeil at a minimum for rotating DH candidates. Their payroll is also sky high and if they’re going to outlay another $30 million, it would be so much better spent on the rotation.
You make room for a top 5 bat. Especially if money isn’t an issue. McNeil, Smith, Davis etc … can always be traded. Not saying Cohen will pony up for freeman and not saying that I think he should. But you don’t have to be ignorant, to see why they’d make it work to get one of the games best players, and steal him from a division rival
Top 5 bat, funny. So he has leapfrogged Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Manny Machado/Fernando Tatis now? And he’s that far past Aaron Judge, Kris Bryant, Vlad Jr, Marcus Semien, Ohtani, Trea Turner, Correa, Bregman, and so many others? OK.
Well, Cohen did reportedly say he would spend whatever it took to win, so I wouldn’t put it past him either.
Sid Bream: I agree. Not sure about top 5 overall, but absolutely top 5 1B in the league.
In fact, SSTN did an excellent article rating each position by 16 metrics and scores the top 10 players at their respective positions. Freeman still scores out to #5 almost solely on offensive stats. For some reason the defensive stats are not kind to him – which I disagree with because he is a good defender. Here’s the link if you’re interested:
https://startspreadingthenews.blog/start-spreading-the-news/2022/2/25/determinator-1b-5to1
Thanks Clipper. I agree, as a Braves fan I think he is a solid-to-good 1B. He has a rocket for an arm, which is only really useful on cutoff throws, but he has made a lot of improvements on D since he first came up.
Thanks for the article!
While Freeman isn’t a natural fit on the Mets, they could be a dark horse, especially if the new CBA falls in their favor. Freeman is one of the top 3-5 hitters in the game, and the richest owner in the MLB wants a championship. I wish Freeman would take a shorter-term higher AAV contract, there are few teams that could afford him at the 6/$180m it’ll probably take.
I just don’t see how spending a ton of money on a player who just makes other good players redundant makes any sense. The Mets have Alonso and Smith for first base. They have Cano and Davis for DH. Just no room or use for Freeman. It’d just be spending a ton for what might not even be a noticeable upgrade.
Cosmo, it doesn’t make a ton of sense logically, but I think there’s some evidence that the Mets are making some emotional decisions. Cohen bought the Wilsons’ Mets and maybe wants to change the culture and identity of the team to be more associated with his Mets. Escobar and Canha arguably made those guys a bit redundant too. Those guys can be traded for one thing you can’t buy and is one of the Mets’ biggest needs: quality optionable depth. There’s a starting 5 in the Mets’ rotation, but I’m not sure there is the bulk of quality innings there.
I get what your saying, in terms of what the Mets might do as opposed to what is sensible. It wouldn’t shock me if they did sign Freeman. I just think it would be an odd move.
I agree they are a dark horse simply because of Cohen, yet I agree with Cosmo2. I don’t see why the Mets would acquire Freeman unless they’re positioning to trade their redundant players. It makes no sense to weaken their defense by displacing their redundant players to field other positions – look to the Yankees for an excellent example of why not to do that.
I read rumors that LAD may be looking at a 4/$140M offer, which would put them in the lead for Freeman.
Ownership and management will have a tough time explaining Freeman’s departure from Atlanta. Other teams may love to have him, but we all have to remember he’s 32 and there’s a chance those numbers will fall off in the back end of the deal. Ask the Angels how that works.
His numbers may fall off in the first half of whatever deal he gets. 32 isn’t young in baseball, it’s prime decline time.
Nothing about his game or numbers show a fall of is happening any time soon. Either way, just give him his 6/180 and front load the first 3 yrs. Give him 37.5 the first 2 yrs, 27 the next 3, and 24 in the final yr.
He was MVP in the last shortened season.
Sherman is tied into the Yankees, so if he thinks a deal will be signed with 48 hours of the lockout ending, maybe he knows…
Hm, that would be interesting. What I found odd was the connection (Re-connection) insinuated between Freddie and the Braves here, because nearly everything else we have read speaks directly to the contrary.
I’m not saying I don’t believe it. Frankly, I’ll believe Freddie leaves when I see it, but interesting nonetheless, since teams and players aren’t supposed to be communicating at all.
If the Braves aren’t going to resign Freeman than I’m cheering for the Blue Jays. That line up would be truly fierce.
I imagine there will be enough Jays fans who want to sign a starter instead but Freeman will give you a left handed bat and a better glove. I’m sure there will be those who have a certain loyalty to VGue and I get that. Home grown talent who has the potential to be the best bat in the AL but Freeman taking the bag while Vlad takes the DH just makes sense.
The Jays fans who think they still need a starter are going by last years headlines. With a top 4 of Gausman, Berrios, Ryu and Manoah, and with Pearson, Hatch and Stripling for depth, the jays need another depth arm or an established 5th starter to increase depth. Pitching is not a priority. It is definitely 100% all about that big left handed bat in the infield. That is why I see them going all in on Freddy. No matter how awkward the fit is, it is the biggest needle mover.
I am also pulling for that move (or course), but I can’t say it doesn’t make me nervous.
Freeman is going to look good in a Blue Jay uniform.
Hell, my Rangers should throw 300 million at freeman so they can spend almost a billion dollars this off-season just to win 70 games
Come on, man. Rangers will go 162-0 this season.
@old York , alright let’s put $10 bucks on it but I’ll give you great odds
It takes 26+ players to get thru a major league season. That relates to large payouts for the services of these players. I’ve yet to see one example of any 1 player being worth $30+ million per year.
Look at all the teams who’ve signed players to contracts of $300+ million the past few years. What have they achieved? And I don’t want to hear about the Dodgers’ fake 60-game championship.
That Betts contract will be an albatross in a few years. Same with Cole, Seager, Lindor (was from the beginning), Tatis, Machado, Harper, even Trout, who is entering the decline phase of his career shortly.
Braves are right for denying Freeman 6-years. Their offer is more than generous for a player his age.
I don’t see Freeman signing with either NY team. ATL or LAD will sign him unless Texas wants to surprise everyone again.
Freeman reminds me of Strasburg. A player reaching free agency and seemingly will be paid handsomely based on his previous stats, not necessarily what he will provide for his team going forward. I don’t think he’s worth the money despite how good his stats are/were
Will be good for 1 – 2 years then rapidly decline I bet
Strasburg has the red flags of being injury prone his whole career. That does not apply to freeman. I disagree with your comparison.
Agreed but Freeman is still not worth what he’s asking. He’s already 32. Who knows how a 6 year deal would pan out
That’s true but what free agent these days doesn’t push for as many years as they can get, even with the signing team admitting that the last 1-2 years might not work out very well as far as average production from that player.
Mariners will swoop in and sign Freddie! Like they did with Ray. Nobody considered them. Move France to 3rd.
Where do you put White? He won a GG and struggled badly at the plate. What if he comes out and hits .300 in ST? I don’t see spending too much on him with France and White there. Also do you remember France at 3rd?
White has a career OPS+ of 52. 52!!! He’s not a major leaguer. If he won a gold glove at SS he’d be a borderline bench guy. Really, he doesn’t hit enough to be a major league SS, let alone first baseman.
He has had something like 200 AB’s. Give him a chance.
Fifty-two! I think he’s had his chance. You know how much better he’d actually have to be one in order to be a starting first baseman? He’d have to become a totally different player. First baseman. OPS+ of 52 (!!!!!). 200 career at bats. If that’s not a player you can move on from…..
White was never going to be the power hitting 1st bm that people think they have to be. Is a GG 1st bm that hits .300 and saves 2 runs a game less valuable than one the hits .236 30 HRs but has a -.5 run saved. I don’t know I am not sure if 200 abs is enough to say he will never hit. France can play there until/if White gets ready. I know he might never pan out I have been an Ms fan long enough to see high picks fail. I am more of an optimist and believe or hope he turns into the player he could be. I also think they signed him to that contract and brought him up too soon. We will see what he does in ST.
I am a smart a$$ and joke around a lot. I am sorry if you don’t like my humor.
He’ll never hit enough to be a first baseman. Save 2 runs a game? Even the best SS in history doesn’t save anywhere near that. No defensive position carries that weight and first base carries particularly little. That’s why first baseman have to hit to be worthwhile. 52 is such a bad OPS+ it’s almost comical. Again, if we can’t move on from a player like that, we can’t move on from anyone. How bad does a player have to be?
Good question. He is signed to a fairly team friendly contract. If he shows he can hit, would be a valuable trade piece if they were to sign Freeman. But that’s just wishful thinking at this point.
I just don’t think any of those teams mentioned are.good fits. Dodgers won’t pay big money on long term deals unless the player is unusually young for a FA. Maybe if he takes fewer years, like Bauer. NYY seem to have their wallet closed and have more immediate needs. Mets have too many bat only players and while Cohen can do it, it makes little sense. Toronto has Guerrero and he won’t be happy seeing his future earnings impacted by becoming a full time DH (though he should as he is a terrible 1B). Moving him to 3B is an abominable idea. The suggestion of Seattle I would give more credence to if he was willing to accept fewer than 6 yrs. Then again, if no one is offering more, what choice does he have.
Freeman to the Braves will be one of the first transactions we hear about following the lunacy. Mark it. 6/$170 front loaded.
Mark it. Love that. I’m sorry Smokey, you were over the line and that’s a foul. Mark it zero, next frame.
I give credit to anyone still representing the name “Freddie”. That perhaps, is his most underrated accomplishment.
Lol
This is a decent point.
Atlanta is going to come off the 6th year and Freeman hasn’t signed yet because he’s waiting for them. Otherwise, he wudda already signed because I’m sure he’s already been offered 6 years by at least one other team.
I really can’t think of anyone the Jays would have asked for that big of an increase in payroll for than Freeman right now.. Nobody else makes sense. With the Baerga tweet before the lockout, the payroll increase, the desperate need for a big left handed bat, how they were in on Seager… It could possibly be that they were very close to a deal before the lockout.
No team should ever scoff at the prospect of getting a player like Freeman even if it isn’t a perfect fit, but you gotta worry about how Vladdy fairs back at third. Furthermore, if he can’t be serviceable back at 3rd then how Springer and others will fair with Vladdy blocking the DH spot. Seems there is a fair bit of risk there.
And not to mention the jays would likely be pushing a 300 million payroll per year as soon as 2025 likely.
I am trying to figure out your math but I can’t…. in 2025 (assuming Jays don’t lose 1 year of control on Vladdy through CBA negotiations) the only contracts (including large arbitration) they have on the books will be Springer, Berrios, Gausman, Bichette, Guerrero and maybe Manoah. I know a lot of fans think they will extend to Bichette and Guerrero, but I seriously doubt it. That is about 120 mill. I think they can add Freeman there pretty easily and still put a competitive team on the field with the rest of the space (especially with players like Moreno and Martinez in the wings. Then you will have Springer coming off the next year, Gausman the next, at one of Vladdy or Bichette will leave in free agency in 2026. So you may be looking at one year over the luxury tax before they can do a small retooling. Hernandez is off the book next year, Gurriel and Ryu and Grichuk the next. I think with smart contract structures the Jays can make a Freeman signing work. Doesn’t leave a lot of room for upgrade at the deadline though. IDK.. they have smarter than me to figure this stuff out.
Mets checked in on Freeman? This combined with them still looking for another starting OF after already acquiring two, seems to show how much confidence Eppler and Showalter have in certain returning Mets players as they come into the organization.
Nice logic. I guess this means no team should ever check in on anyone.
Relax this just means well beat you even more times… Ik bullying is bad so I hope they let you win 5-7 games this year
@MetsFan22
Why don’t you use your amazing predictions to help all of us MLB fans. Make a prediction that the season won’t start on time and that MLB and MLBPA won’t agree to a new CBA in 2022.
If you make that prediction, we all will be happy with you.
If he signs within 48 hours of the lockout ending, it’s 100% with the Braves.
No one in their right mind would sign quickly unless it’s simply overwhelming.