March 19: The year-by-year breakdown of Freeman’s contract have come in, per Robert Murray of FanSided (via Twitter). The deal breaks down evenly over the six years, with Freeman set to make $27MM every season from 2022 through 2027. The deal includes $7MM of deferred money in 2022-24, and $12MM deferred in 2025-27.
March 18: The Dodgers have made the signing official, announcing that Freeman signed a six-year contract through the 2027 season. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports (on Twitter) that $57MM of the $162MM guarantee is being deferred, to be paid between 2028-40. Feinsand suggests that brings the real present value of the contract closer to $140MM.
March 16: The Dodgers are adding another star, reportedly agreeing to terms with Freddie Freeman on a six-year, $162MM contract. The Excel Sports Management client finds the sixth guaranteed year he’d been seeking, setting himself up to bolster an already loaded lineup.
Los Angeles finished tied for third as a team in wRC+ last season (excluding pitchers), with their collective .251/.339/.446 mark checking in 13 percentage points above the league average offense. Only the Astros and Giants fared better, while L.A. was tied with the Blue Jays. They’ve lost Corey Seager to free agency this winter, but Freeman steps right into the void as a left-handed, middle-of-the-order bat for manager Dave Roberts.
One could argue Freeman’s even an offensive upgrade over Seager, who himself is one of the best hitters in the game. Freeman has been a consistently excellent bat, not having posted a wRC+ lower than 132 in any season since 2013. That run has earned him five All-Star nods, three Silver Slugger Awards and six top ten finishes in NL MVP balloting.
Freeman has remained at the top of his game over the past few seasons. He obliterated opposing pitchers to the tune of a .341/.462/.640 line during the 60-game season in 2020. Among qualified hitters, only Juan Soto fared better by measure of wRC+, and Freeman earned a resounding victory in that year’s Senior Circuit MVP balloting. It was never realistic to expect him to repeat that kind of otherworldly performance over a full schedule, but he returned to his metronomically consistent ways in 2021.
Over the course of the season, Freeman appeared in 159 games and tallied 695 plate appearances of .300/.393/.503 hitting. He popped 31 homers, drew walks at a robust 12.2% clip and only struck out in 15.4% of his trips to the plate. Freeman began the year with a relatively pedestrian start by his lofty standards, but he got scorching hot from June onwards. Over the season’s final four months, he raked at a .329/.404/.520 clip. That production helped carry the Braves to their fourth straight division title, and Freeman picked up where he left off when the lights were brightest. He posted an OPS of .996 or better in all three playoff rounds, helping Atlanta to their first World Series title since 1995.
Coming off that championship, many expected Atlanta would strike quickly to ink the career-long Brave to another deal. Freeman and the club had already lined up on an extension once, a February 2014 eight-year pact that guaranteed him $135MM and delayed his first trip to the open market by five years. The Braves maintained they had interest in keeping Freeman in the fold, but the first baseman’s desire for a sixth year quickly became a stumbling block.
Atlanta, which had made Freeman a qualifying offer at the start of the offseason, reportedly put forth a five-year proposal in the $135MM range. It’s believed they eventually nudged the guarantee around $140MM, but the organization seemed opposed to putting a sixth year on the table. Freeman turned 32 years old in September, and Braves brass apparently had real reservations about guaranteeing him a notable salary through his age-37 campaign.
Throughout the lockout, industry chatter picked up that Freeman and the Braves might be heading their separate ways. That became all but official when Atlanta struck a deal to acquire A’s star Matt Olson on Monday afternoon, then signed him to a $168MM extension the next day. Freeman penned a farewell to his former teammates, coaches and the Atlanta fanbase on Instagram this afternoon.
It’s not hard to see the Braves reasoning for letting Freeman walk. Olson is more than four years younger, so his extension only takes him through his age-35 season. There’s real risk in committing to any player into his late 30’s, and that’s particularly true given that Freeman needs to continue to hit at a very high level to be an elite player. He’s a solid defensive first baseman but unlikely to be a perennial Gold Glove winner into his mid-30’s.
Recent six-plus year contracts for free agents at the position haven’t been particularly fruitful. Each of the past four deals of six-plus years for first basemen — the Padres’ eight-year Eric Hosmer agreement, the Orioles’ bringing back Chris Davis on a seven-year pact, Prince Fielder’s nine-year contract with the Tigers, and the Angels’ ten-year investment in Albert Pujols — turned out to be missteps for the club.
Of course, that’s not to say Freeman’s deal with Los Angeles will end the same way. It’s shorter than those precedents, for one, and Freeman has a much more consistent track record than either Hosmer or Davis did at the time they signed their deals. There’s essentially nothing to nitpick in his offensive profile. Freeman doesn’t chase many pitches, and he makes plenty of contact on offerings both inside and outside the strike zone. He posts high-end exit velocities and hard contact rates annually. As is the case with most left-handed hitters, he’s better against right-handed pitching. Yet Freeman’s career .266/.348/.436 mark against southpaws demonstrates he’s more than capable of holding his own without the platoon advantage.
Even after the Braves dropped out, a few teams remained involved in the running for his services. The Red Sox, Blue Jays and Padres were superficially tied to Freeman in recent days, but it seems the surprising Rays may have proven one of the Dodgers strongest challengers in the end. Juan Toribio of MLB.com tweets that Tampa Bay made a “strong push” throughout the process, but L.A.’s willingness to acquiesce on the sixth year proved a deal-breaker.
It’s a return to Southern California for Freeman, an Orange County native. In addition to the financial and geographical appeal, he’ll step into a lineup that’s among the best in recent memory. It’s conceivable the Dodgers will roll out an Opening Day lineup consisting of Freeman, Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Will Smith, Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger and AJ Pollock. Betts, Freeman and Bellinger are each former league MVP’s. Eight of those nine players have garnered at least one All-Star selection; the one player who hasn’t yet gone to the Midsummer Classic, Smith, is among the top handful of catchers in MLB.
The Dodgers have assembled a similarly star-studded pitching staff, and the construction of this kind of roster required a sizable investment from ownership. Los Angeles blew past all three luxury tax tiers last season, incurring nearly $33MM in fees. They’re in line for another huge expenditure this year.
The exact financial structure of Freeman’s deal isn’t yet known, but contracts’ average annual values are used for luxury tax purposes anyhow. Adding $27MM to that mark pushes the 2022 CBT tab north of $277MM, in the estimation of Jason Martinez of Roster Resource. Because they exceeded the CBT last season, the Dodgers will be subject to escalating fees as a second-time payor. They’ll be taxed at a 30% rate for every dollar spent between $230MM and $250MM, a 42% clip on overages between $250MM and $270MM, a 75% rate on overages between $270MM and $290MM and a 90% tax on all expenditures north of $290MM.
In addition to the financial cost, the Dodgers will take on some non-monetary penalties for signing a player who had rejected a qualifying offer. Because they paid the luxury tax last year, they’ll lose their second-highest and fifth-highest picks in the upcoming draft and be stripped of $1MM in international signing bonus space. The Braves, as a team that neither received revenue sharing nor paid the luxury tax, will receive a compensatory pick after Competitive Balance Round B in the upcoming draft. Those selections typically fall in the 70-75 overall range.
That pick will be little consolation to Braves fans disheartened by Freeman’s departure, although that the organization replaced him with a hometown star of their own in Olson should soften the blow. Even when it became clear he’d be leaving Atlanta, however, there were presumably many Braves fans hoping he’d wind up somewhere other than L.A.
Freeman moves on from the reigning World Series winner to join the team he played an instrumental role in defeating in last year’s NL Championship Series. His departure from the defending champs to sign on with what appears to be MLB’s best team adds plenty of intrigue to what’ll be an entertaining battle for control in the National League.
Jon Morosi of MLB.com first reported the Dodgers and Freeman were making progress on a deal that would guarantee $150+MM. Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reported the sides were discussing a six-year deal in the $160MM range. Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Freeman and the Dodgers were in agreement on a six-year, $162MM contract.
Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.
raisinsss
Wat
jocspearls
That’s a scary lineup…
stugots
Same with braves Bluejays Yankees to name a few
pc01
Except, not really the Yankees, like not even close.
ldoggnation
That lineup wouldn’t scare the Yankees moms.
YourDreamGM
Lots of good lineups but my first thought was playing the dodgers is going to be like playing the all star team.
Nevrfolow
What’s new?
jjd002
Weird you left out the top offense of 2021, but included the Yankees for some reason…
laswagn
Yes, those teams have scary lineups, but the Dodgers lineup in on another level.
yankees2016rebuild
Being a yankees fan i can honestly say our lineup is not scary
DogDays2
The Braves lineup is much better than the Yankees?
Let’s at least try to be more openminded.
deej
It is. But Yankees fans turned into huge spoiled brats recently.
ABStract
Recently!?
That’s yankee fan 101 for about 100 years now
bbfansince81
A good off season doesn’t translate into a WS. Because dodgers like the Yankees spend and have produced one WS in the last 13 years.
Mrivers
Being another Yankees fan I concur.
Adding IKF, Rizzo, and Hicks to a lineup that was 19th in RS doesn’t make it scary.
coastalcarolinachamps
Only Gary isScary!
CubsWin108
Astros at all???
Ducky Buckin Fent
I would be surprised if Cash doesn’t add another bat or two before Opening Day. So: I don’t think we are looking at a finished product yet.
I am willing to wait & see.
The man with a plan
Not even close?! I thi k you’re way underestimating them.
The man with a plan
Actually it is and is better than the Dodgers. Rizzo’s BABIP was too low he’ll bounce back as his EV etc. were the same as 3 years ago and even better. JD as a DH is good, DJLM can bounce back so can Torres. Gallo in a contract year for a full season.
The man with a plan
Bouncebacks however do.
haringbone
True. But you can’t deny it helps the cause.
laswagn
Stop. Just stop already.
Pete'sView
Just seems glutinous from the Dodgers and can’t be good for baseball when one team can buy up all the best talent. Yeah, I know there are plenty of good players on other teams, but when money buys championships too many teams won’t be able to compete, and the league will be ruined.
zappaforprez
..So, what the Yankees did for 20 years?
jonbluvin
@Pete’sView Here’s an idea. Maybe certain teams buy the talent because the majority won’t spend.
Pete'sView
You know that’s not the case. But there’s a limit to spending, even the Yankees are more conscious. But LA just has so much $$$, it simply doesn’t matter. It’s not good for baseball.
laswagn
I think the real problem in baseball are the teams that tank. Just look at what the Reds have done the last couple of days.
OnMy11Six
It’s only bought them one championship and it was in a 60 game season
jonbluvin
@Pete’sView. I’m sorry but it is the case. Look at what Oakland and Cincinnati are doing. They are competitive teams and they are blowing them up to save money. The Cubs? Are you telling me they don’t have cash? Those are the teams ruining baseball.
Lakers1
Dodgers also have a lot of homegrown talent and have resurrected players like muncy and chris Taylor. Smith, bellinger, kershaw, buehler, urias all home grown. They aren’t just buying players. They develop very well, scout very well and spend money when needed
brucebochyisthemarlboroman
Steve Cohen has entered the chat….
dodgerfan83
And by buy you talent, you mean trade quality prospects and players for betts/trea, bring up bellinger, smith from the farm system, pull JT, Muncy, and taylor off the scrap heap. Dodgers top 3 SP are also all home grown. We “bought” pollock and freeman, that’s it
iBleeedBlue
That every team competed in and had the chance to win, but didn’t, just like every other season.
MikeD26
How many championships?
DogDays2
The A’s are ruining the sport?
They win a lot more than many franchises.
No idea how that makes sense.
PiratesFan1981
@jonbluvin and to believe every team can’t spend like the dodgers, is another idea. The Dodgers can spend all they want, but eventually age catches up. Betts, Freeman, and others will decline before their contracts expire. And here’s another idea, try to move aging players with phenomenal contracts. Anyways, when small market teams can be on the same level as the largest of markets, then everyone can be happy. Players make money, favorite stars stay longer with the team, and fans get to watch a more competitive baseball. It won’t happen in my lifetime, but at some point things need to balance out or the sport dies.
TheLawAbides
Basball is deep into tradition so of course only the Yankees are allowed to buy free agency
Bleedsblue81
Didn’t the braves have first dibs here and 4 other teams were rumored to be in on him?
fox471 Dave
Well, that is true if one does not count 2017 and the cheating Astros. You know it, we know it, and you know we know it. So stop with the 60 game season crap. That was probably one of the seasons in baseball history, on my11six.
fox471 Dave
“One of the toughest seasons” sorry.
yankees2016rebuild
The dodgers have one championship thats all in decades. Its not their fault that their ownership cares about winning they are not breaking any rules your team and every other team can spend just as much as them but they chose not to they care more about making money than winning stop crying and let the ownership of your team know how you feel.
deej
But they are also buying players and outspending everyone. That can’t be ignored,
iknoweverythingesq
There was that whole “favorite stars stay longer with the team” for decades. It was called collusion and it actually led to free agency. Place a cap on what a player can command, that will make them happy.
SheaGoodbye
This might sound absurd, but as a Mets fan I’m not thrilled with Cohen for exactly this very reason. Sure, there’s a lot of variance in the postseason and we Mets fans are due some good fortune but the idea of being able to win through vastly outspending our opponents doesn’t sit right with me. Frankly, I enjoyed being the underdog even if I didn’t enjoy the losing but, of course, the two aren’t exactly correlated.
As much as I detested the Wilpons and wish they would’ve spent a bit more money, all the crying about lack of spending was misguided. The Rays win through strong drafting, proper utilization of analytics, and making smart trades. So do the A’s, etc. It can be done. The only thing I’ve ever asked for is a competent, forward-thinking front office that would prioritize those areas of the game while ownership would put forth a reasonable budget. We just never went that route because the Wilpons were old-fashioned, stubborn, and meddlesome. Speaking of which, I’m also not a fan of Cohen at the moment for similar reasons (meddling, his personality) but maybe that will change with time.
As for the counterargument of “It’s the fault of the other owners for not spending more”, it’s ultimately their money and no one truly know what their books are like. But I don’t think it’s a coincidence that nearly every team in baseball has a threshold they aren’t willing to exceed, or exceed for a long period of time. Some may call it collusion, but I haven’t seen enough evidence of that to justify such a claim. Moreover, these teams are, in fact, an investment for their respective owners and so I have no issues with them running them in a way that would balance competitiveness against profit.
goob
@zappa
It stunk then – it stinks now.
steelehere83
I believe you’re forgetting the suspended pitcher that shall go unnamed.
dclivejazz
The Dodgers also “bought” Betts after they traded for him. Don’t forget that. But they do develop players and trade well too.
garth16iorg
Baseball needs to contract in size. Cities like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Oakland, Baltimore, Cleveland are no longer Major League cities. They all belong in AAA now.
CubsWin108
The Dodgers don’t buy champisionships, they delevop good players (ex: Seager, Bellinger, Muncy, Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, Tony Gonsolin, Will Smith, Chris Taylor, Justin Turner, and they spend money to resign their best players. And they use the prospects to make massive trades.
Downwiththethickness
As a fellow Met fan, I can’t bring myself to say anything good about the last run of the Wilpons.
Sure, there was some bad luck in there (Wright getting hurt, Harvey breaking down, Cespedes being Cespedes, etc) but there was every ability to build a sustainable winner around that 2015 roster that went to the World Series. The Wilpons did absolutely nothing to advance that cause. Ownership couldn’t sign Daniel Murphy? Jose Reyes? GTFO. The list goes on obviously.
I agree with you to some extent on Cohen. I don’t have any desire to become the Yankees of old, spending for the sake of spending. But if I have to choose one extreme or the other, its going to be Cohen every time.
Bud Selig Fan
Teams with $500-$700MM in revenue vs teams with $250-$300MM. And people complain about teams not spending. Think before you speak please, thank you.
theoldviolin
Other teams can not spend as much as them. Come live in the midwest where the median household income is $40,000/yr. Those teams can not charge the same prices as teams in NY and LA because nobody could afford to go the games. So the income of those teams are half of the big boys. Then the TV deals, small market clubs get about 1/4 of the money as a large market. So to say that teams such as the Royals or Reds can spend just as much as the Yankees or Dodgers is absurd. I guess they could but they’d be broke in a year.
Ya'll a bunch of salty crybabies
6. The Dodgers have 6 Championships. Any other brain busters?
puigpower
Rays *cough*
l9ydodger
BINGO! And the players know it too.
Dodgerfan34
Just for the record, if you’re a major league baseball team and you pay your players, you’re trying to buy a championship.
RunDMC
“Just for the record, if you’re a major league baseball team and you pay your players (the most), you’re trying to buy a championship.”
Nothing wrong with it, but certainly not “homegrown” as we’ve come to know it. Freddie returned “home” and Olson returned “home”. All is well.
Ma4170
How people can say things like “they’ve only won one WS” about the dodgers like it’s an insult is insane and idiotic. I hate the Dodgers, but they’re the best team in baseball the last ten years. Nine straight years 90+ wins (counting the strike year they went 43-17), in last 3 of 5 WS, and lost in 2017 to astros who are known to have cheated. They’re an evil empire, but they win, prob should’ve won more, and should have the 2017 and 2020 titles. Stop trying to minimize their annoying success.
Mendoza Line 215
Sorry Pete.The MLB has been ruined for many years.Only money buys real happiness in this sport.
22brewcrew22
But indirectly yes they are. Alot of teams could have Homegrown talent but the difference is, small market teams can’t afford to keep all of their home grown talent where as the Dodgers can.
Pete'sView
Ma4170 — As a Giants fan, I hate that I have to agree with you.
Knucksie
Deep into tradition… with a universal DH, 7 inning doubleheaders, and a ghost runner in extra innings? Not nearly as deep as it used to be.
Doral Silverthorn
here i thought only Freeman and Taylor were signed as free agents in the starting 9…well, Kershaw. Everyone else was traded for or homegrown. Stop being jealous.
User 2079935927
And the A’s. Melvin said I don’t want anymore rebuilds.
User 2079935927
The Dodgers didn’t develop Turner. They either signed or traded for him.
haringbone
They lose players every year. Seager. Pederson and so on. They just care enough to re stock.
laswagn
It’s not just outspending, but out scouting and out developing too.
Pete'sView
CubsWin108 — The Dodgers did not develop Muncy, Taylor or either of the Turners. They acquired them and, for the first three I mentioned did a great job of bringing out their talent.
I’m a Giants fan and don’t claim that LA isn’t an extremely well run organization. It is.
I just don’t like the Dodgers ability to out-bid everyone on many of the best players in the league, whether it’s Betts, Freeman or whoever.
LA has more money than anyone (perhaps the Yankees are equal) because of their market size and their TV revenues.
I still believe MLB should have a floor and—if necessary—a CBT/cap. I want all teams to have an equal playing field.
THE downvoter
LASWAG, Maybe, big market fan, you should take off your rose colored glasses and understand factually what isngoing on. Obviously, you do not.
dodgerfan83
Maybe they can’t spend as much as the dodgers or Mets, but all the small market teams are getting $50 mill in tv money and 50 mill in revenue sharing. Any team that isn’t approaching a $100 million payroll isn’t trying, and that’s a fact.
giantsphan12
Bummer. Dodgers get Freddie, Giants got….wait….wait…wait…Joc. Pickings are getting slim
The man with a plan
Giving out a bad contract they will regret?
mj-2
Braves willing to pay Olson $21 mil for 8 years but can’t pay Freddie $26 mil for 6 years
Imagine being that cheap to let your franchise icon walk away
Cmurphy
There’s a several year age difference so productive years should probably figure into that calculation..
You Can Put It In The Books
There’s 4 prospects leaving so let’s not leave that out of the calculation.
bucsfan0004
Who cares about age? Freeman will be better than Olsen for the next 4 years. I guess the Braves are playing the long game planning for years 5-8.
Cmurphy
also true.
Buzz Saw
Not necessarily
Sid Bream Speed Demon
Freeman wasn’t even better this season.
Fred McGriff
@bucsfan0004 You’re probably right, but I haven’t got the same machine like you.
RunDMC
1 prospect will be gotten as comp from Freddie turning down QO, don’t forget.
48-team MLB
Not if they agree on an International Draft
bigb82000
You do realIze that with that extra money they were able to sign Eddie Rosario and Collin McHugh as well. The Braves probably would not have been able to sign either one if they would have signed Freeman. Also, I tend to remember the MASSIVE downhill slide of Pujols towards the end of his contract. Not saying it will happen with Freddie, but in the long run, Olson was a better fit for the Braves according to AA.
haringbone
And how about those 4 prospects? Bad decision in the Atl
HalosHeavenJJ
Olson is much younger
Zerbs63
Olsen also cost 4 top prospects
mj-2
Olson is also way more likely to decline at an earlier age.
Or do you all think players all just magically stop producing at the same age?
Olson has never even sniffed .300 and just got done having an awful 2020 covid season…. In his prime no less. But yeah he’s aces for sure in 7 years because he’ll only be 34 lol
Samuel
“Olson is also way more likely to decline at an earlier age.”
@ MJ;
Why?
Sid Bream Speed Demon
Two top prospects….
Excillon
Why are you even mentioning BA? Olson has just as much power, if not more. I mean the guy hit in OAKLAND, which consistently hovering in that park is no small feat. He’s younger, better D. OBP difference last season was negligible between the two.
I guarantee when the Braves win 2 more WS with Acuna, Albies, and Riley in the fold, AA will look like a genius.
myaccount2
@MJ- He is? Olson is the better defender and more athletic. Why is he going to decline at an earlier age?
cr4
And there 1st rounder from this year
cr4
Sorry their first rounder this year Ryan Cuisak
richardc
Three top prospects and a 1st Round pick…
Losing Joey Estes WILL HURT in a few years when people remember he was part of the Olson deal from Atlanta…
Alot of fans act like just because a player isn’t on a popular TOP100 list, he isn’t a good/great prospect..
All Joey Estes did was in his FIRST full professional season, set the league on fire dominating and showing a very mature approach for someone over 3 years younger than the average player at the same level…
Estes wasn’t a throw-in by no means, he was the best Braves young, up and coming pitching prospect…
Maybe people will recognize him after he has another great year and then he’s put on one of those dumb twenty different top100 lists…lol
atlbraves2010
I’d say 3….cusick should be a stud
ChicksDigTheLongBaII
“and just got done having an awful 2020 covid season”
No, Olson just got done having a career best 5.8 fWAR 2021 season.
bigb82000
You do know that 2021 was his best season. If you put Freeman and Olson’s stats next to each other, the only stat that Freeman won on was average. Olson had more HRs, RBIs, walked more, and struck out less. He also played for a team that had no batters really around him like Freeman had last year.
RunDMC
Never sniffed .300 – yet he still beat Freeman in WAR 2 of the last 3 seasons. And don’t forget 2021 saw a massive turnaround reducing K and increasing walks to almost a Freeman-level. While his OBP won’t be where Freeman’s is at – his SLG will make up for it, especially at Truist for 80+ games. In 2021, Olson’s OPS+ was 153 compared to Freeman’s 133 — and that’s not “sniffing .300” like Freeman did.
Power forgives all things.
haringbone
Guarantee!!!! Lol. Idiot.
candymaldonado
And two of those years on Olson’s contract are buyouts of arbitration years, so they were gonna be cheaper anyway.
That said, virtually a 100% chance Olson does better over the life of his contract than Freddie.
mj-2
100% chance huh? What happened in 2020 with him then?
In a best case scenario Olson is good for 4 of his 8 years. In a worst case scenario Freeman is only good for 4 of his 6.
It’s MY turn to throw around a guarantee that Freeman will be better over his contract. I imagine my guarantee will mean as much to you as yours does to me though. Absolutely zero. But thanks for your useless guarantee all the same.
candymaldonado
Boy you got big mad real quick. Sorry for daring to discuss the fact that players in their late 20s typically play better than guys in their mid 30s. You sad baby.
Kapler's Coconut Oil
@MJ Freeman being good 4 out of 6 years is his *best* case scenario not worst. There’s no way he carries that success into his age 37 and 38 season
Yankee Clipper
“ There’s no way he carries that success into his age 37 and 38 season”
I wouldn’t commit to that. It takes 20 minutes in a locker room with Nellie Cruz and he will be slashing like he was 27 again when he’s 38!
mj-2
@candy
“ Boy you got big mad real quick. Sorry for daring to discuss the fact that players in their late 20s typically play better than guys in their mid 30s. You sad baby.”
Missed this comment earlier but don’t worry I circle back
So guys in their 20s typically play better except when they don’t…. You mean like with Freeman compared to Olson?
Since Freeman has entered his 30s while Olson still in his 20s (2019-2021) Freeman has a WAR of 11.7 To Olson’s 9.7
Fangraphs also projects Freeman will be better in 2022 despite Olson being in his prime and Freeman being in his 30s.
None of this is my opinion which all of you have such a problem with apparently.
Let’s see if numbers staring you in the face change anything. Clear evidence that being younger in your prime doesn’t automatically mean he’s better than Freeman.
But go ahead and ignore because hurrr durr he’s younger so gud deal AA durrrrrrr
mj-2
@kapler
Freeman being good for 4 more years is now a best case scenario?
So what the worst case? He’s just gonna fall off a cliff after 1 year, or 2 years? He’s easily going to produce for 4 of those 6 years at a high level. That’s called worst case, sorry to break it to you. Or do you actually think he’s only got 2 years left in him right now? That’s the most idiotic thing ive heard yet if that’s what you’re trying to tell me.
No one thinks that at all.
fox471 Dave
Why not?
AmericanRedneck
No way? That’s a mighty definitive statement on something that’s wholly an unknown. There is precedent for guys raking at that age, though rare – I’d argue Freeman could be an outlier based on his floor and fitness level – but I wouldn’t attach a definitive assertion on something none of us truly know.
Might one say it’s highly unlikely he’ll be carrying “that success” into his age 37 and 38 season but the same could’ve been said about a guy like Nelson Cruz or Big Papi, they just kept raking beyond the arbitrary age point chosen – no way that’s possible either, huh?
Tomahawk Takeover
MJ, Freddie turned down basically the same AAV from the braves. If he wanted to be in ATL, he’d be there.
You Can Put It In The Books
Let’s wait and see all of the details / opt outs… but yes, I agree, he most likely wanted to be in LA all along.
paddyo furnichuh
@T takeover…..Maybe similar AVV but longer term. As has already been discussed many times, ATL didn’t offer 6 years.
mj-2
@Tomahawk Takeover
So by that theory the Braves should have been good offering him a 1 year $26 mil contract and if he “wanted to be there he’d be there”
Your post has 0 logic to it. Years matter which was Freddie’s entire point in the negotiations.
l9ydodger
Yep. Just like if Seager wanted to be in LA he’d be there.
Tomahawk Takeover
MJ, there’s a big difference in one yr vs five or six yrs. If one yr was all it took for him to leave, it’s obvious there wasn’t a very big desire to stay. He said he wanted to be the next Chipper but he lied. You’re looking to blame the FO but leaving is all on Freddie.
Samuel
What’s with the “cheap” epidemic around here? Every time a FO stays within their budget they’re “cheap.
Olsen is 4 years younger. He’s just started his prime. Freeman is at a point where he’s slowly coming out of his prime. Add in that Atlanta doesn’t have the revenue stream that LA does, and they want to have the money to field a sustainable contender for years by being able to retain their core players. What AA did was SMART.
I’m sorry to say this, but if posters around here keep throwing the “cheap” word around every time a FO doesn’t go beyond their budget to sign one player (and like all billion dollar business, FO’s estimate their budgets years in advance as their business plans are developed and modified) – then maybe it’s time some of us started throwing the “dumb” and “stupid” word back when we read these simplistic, juvenile comments.
You Can Put It In The Books
@Samuel w/ the big “sticks and stones will break my bones” energy.
Moneyballer
Samuel = Triggered!
mj-2
Ok forget the numbers and cheapness
How was it smart? When was Freddie’s last bad season? Oh wait… you can’t find one?
Interesting cause I only need to go back to 2020 to find a bad season from Olson. And wasn’t he in his prime in 2020 too? Yeah I think he was
Wow look at that! There’s actual evidence pointing to Olson dropping off whereas there’s 0 evidence of any Freeman drop off
All you have is speculation. At least I have something a little more solid than speculation when I look at Olson’s track record.
But tell me more how AA is so smart. He botched this 100% and more than willing to let time tell the tale for me.
Dustyslambchops23
If 2020 was a full year you’d have a point.
But it wasn’t so you don’t. Look at freeman’s start to the 2021 season, it was awful but he had the second half to make up for it, and did.
That’s why they play 162
Sid Bream Speed Demon
Dodgers fans will always act like 2020 was a real season.
mj-2
No I completely have a point you just refuse to concede that Olson was trash in 2020.
Once again you’re dealing in speculation. Speculation that Olson would have turned it around and ended up with a normal 2020. I’m dealing in reality, that he put up a god awful season.
Misfit0620
It was a real season.. you guys played the same season. I swear thay take is so weak!
Dustyslambchops23
Ha. Nice
Samuel
@ ML
BECAUSE BASEBALL IS NOT A ONE MAN SPORT!
A batter only hits once every 9 guys. He only fields a ball if it’s hit to him.
Keeping Freeman mean that the Braves will lose a player heading for FA in the future because they gave Freeman more money than Olsen.
Should they have Olson and a #1 and #2 starter in 2-3 year, or should they have Freeman and be moving a #3-4 guy to #1 or #2? Should they have a quality OF or lose him and get a stop gap?
The Braves sis the right and smart thing.
Samuel
Sorry for spelling errors. Clicked Enter twice.
Dustyslambchops23
Well you’re not really dealing with reality if you ignore the fact that Olson was amazing in 2021, in fact much better than Freeman and that 2020 was a small sample size.
Samuel
Freddie did what’s right for him. AA did what’s right for the Braves.
That’s the real / adult world.
There is no villain here.
mj-2
Even if you want to discredit Olsons 2020 ad a product of a shortened season, or doesn’t change the fact that he’s never once sniffed .300.
Guys like him fall off way earlier than guys like Freddie who know how to hit.
I didn’t see Chipper fall off a cliff 32-38. Ages 34-36 he was only throwing up 1.000+ ops seasons no big deal.
The fact some of you can’t think critically past age alone and take a look at the players themselves makes me think some of you must work in the Braves front office.
Matt Olson’s long swing is basically gonna end up making him Dan Uggla 2.0.
Uggla was great during ages 26-30. Why did he fall off at 31 and not last until 34 or 35? I thought age was the end all be all here. He was younger than Freeman when he started sucking… THAT CANT BE!!!!
mj-2
No it’s not a 1 man team but this is also a team that just raked in considerably more money thanks to Freeman leading them to a WS.
You act like they can’t pay Freeman and add a #1 or #2 starter (which by the way they show no indication of doing…. They didn’t even bother to upgrade from Rosario to Conforto for the outfield gap after they “saved” by bringing in Olson instead of Freeman but go ahead and keep thinking Olson + a #1 starter is what they’re doing… you live in denial my friend).
All of which leads me back to calling them cheap, which you have the problem with. If it looks cheap, smells cheap, and acts cheap… it is cheap.
Tomahawk Takeover
MJ, you sound like a whining middle schooler who just got dumped. If Freddie want to be a Brave, he’d be one. He didn’t and Atlanta still has an awesome team and more financial flexibility as well. You may wanna get those tissues in bulk.
Samuel
@ MJ;
Go back to your computer baseball game, spreadsheets and rotisserie baseball.
Then take your credentials and interview for a job at an MLB FO. Tell them you know for certain how 2 guys will be producing in 4-6-8 years. They might want to ask you to show some documentation of your past projections, so bring some with you.
Am sure you’ll be hired. Cause if you think people that have been working in FO’s for 20-40 years can do that accurately…….
mj-2
@Dusty
If by amazing you mean he barely cracked .900 ops for the first time in his career (.911) which is almost basically Freddie’s career average ops (.893) then you got me. Olson was amazing and “way” better than Freddie last year.
Go look up their production with RISP though for fun and let me know who you think was actually better afterward.
Freddie’s getting clutch hits in the playoffs to drive runners in when the pressure is on while Olson is striking out in clutch moments during the regular season. Can’t wait for the awesomeness that awaits Braves country in 2022 from our new 1B who is supposedly so much better.
candymaldonado
Go look up and down the 2020 stat sheets and you’ll find a ton of aberration years for a lot of good players. Guys who danced back and forth between being in and out of camps, being told to be ready for a season, then that it wasn’t gonna happen, all until they needed to be ready to go on short notice, and played just two months. It messed with a lot of guys. Shohei Ohtani, Javy Baez, Jose Altuve, JD Martinez, Nolan Arenado, Kyle Schwarber, Marcus Semien, Carlos Correa, Max Muncy, Ketel Marte etc etc etc. All varying degrees of bad or terrible on offense that year, all good hitters. Anyone taking that sample size seriously is lying to further an argument. And if *you* want to take it seriously, then I guess you’ve gotta explain why Freeman’s OPS declined by more than 200 points from 2020 to 2021. You hack.
mj-2
@samuel
You mean the same way you know how they’ll produce? You might as well re-read that post to yourself bro. We’re just on opposite ends of the argument on the production discussion.
What’s not debatable is the Braves went cheaper on their 1B. That’s a hard number. Let me say it again, louder for you.. they went CHEAP.
Dustyslambchops23
You’re cherry picking stats. I get it, it sucks when your fave player moves on.
It’s an emotional time, grieve the loss and then put on your big boy pants and move on.
mj-2
@candy
Fine call 2020 an aberration
Why did Dan Uggla fall off at age 30 though? Those of you clinging to this “but Olson will only be 35” narrative still won’t explain why you think Olson will age well.
I am at least trying to justify why I think he will fall off worse than Freddie and I’ve given comparisons.
You look at Olsons swing and it’s not designed to catch up to heat when starts to exit his prime years. Hes like Uggla.
Freddie is much more like Chipper. I’m not saying he is Chipper and will throw up 1.000+ ops years. But if we want to look at how they will age you can’t just say Freddie = 38 and Olson = 35 at the end. That’s so flawed it’s not even funny.
I’m the only one in here looking past the number and trying to draw comparison to the types of hitters they are with other hitters similar in the past and view how those guys held up.
Freddie will hold up longer than Olson. If you don’t think he will you’re just an idiot. It’s the closest thing of an opinion that’s not an opinion.
laswagn
Bet it was a real season to you when Atl was up 3-1
Dustyslambchops23
I think the most shocking thing is that you seem to think you know better than professional baseball execs.
AA is one of, it not the best GM in the sport, your emotion is blinding you in to thinking you figured out something no one else did. But the truth is you didn’t, it was a well thought out, calculated move by the braves FO. It def sucks but you don’t win games with nostalgia
DogDays2
Is it just me or do the guys that immaturely call people names here (like MJ) seem to be the ones that know nothing about baseball?
Maybe just a coincidence.
Oh Boy Here We Go
Why are you worried about 2020 but ignore 2017 2018 2019 2021 for Matt Olson? If you have to tell people you have a point MJ. You don’t have a point.
Oh Boy Here We Go
Dan Uggla fell off at age 33 MJ
30 OPS+ 131
31 OPS+ 107
32 OPS+ 98
33 OPS+ 85
Uggla fluxuated his entire career early on. Had huge differences between OPS+ before age 33. Some years higher some years lower. Fell completely off at 33. Not 30
DogDays2
Guy comparing Olson to Dan Uggla and he’s surprised nobody is taking him seriously..
User 3921286289
As always, we await developments.
fox471 Dave
Yeah and sid bream will always act as if he understands the game of baseball.
Cash Considerations
MJ – I agree with you on this.
Everyone else on here is so stupid.
Sure Olson is 4 years younger and had a better season in ‘21 according to WAR
But he had an awful 2020, this can not be forgotten. It brings into question the legitimacy of his bounce back year in ‘21, was it really a great season from a young player entering his prime? Doubtful.
We’ve all seen Moneyball, Brad Pitt was just using Olson’s ‘21 season as an brilliant foil to set up an over valued trade so that Freddie (the greatest player in the history of Baseball based on WAR and the fact players get better the older they are) would sign with the Dodgers.
You know where the Dodgers play?
LA.
Where does Brad Pitt live?
LA.
How many teams will Freddie play for now?
2.
How many letters are in LA?
2.
How many names does Brad Pitt have?
2.
It makes too much sense MJ! BRAD PITT RUINED THE BRAVES AS PART OF THE LIBERAL AGENDA
Q ANNON IS REAL BABY
AND MATT OLSON IS Q!
We figured it out guys.
Fred McGriff
@Bigmetsh8ter
How many games was 2020 season? You haven’t got a clue.
agrorolm
@MJ. Man take it easy. Already took your high blood pressure pills today?
GinaNCRaysFan
@DragBunt
Is it just me or do the guys that immaturely call people names here (like MJ) seem to be the ones that know nothing about baseball?
_____________________
Sure, it makes sense. You don’t often see people say, “Well you have to look beyond the surface stats and apply a normal aging curve if you want to assess a given player….BEYOTCHES!
bigb82000
You are an idiot MJ! There were multiple players who were not good in 2020, but completely turned it around in 2021. Your logic to just use that one year is ridiculously stupid. If that is the only argument you have, you have no argument.
RunDMC
I love this “sniffing .300” — did we revert 20 years when AVG was just as important as pitcher wins?
@MJ – you’re looking past 2020, but you’re also looking past 2021 for Olson in which he looked as if he turned a corner reducing his strikeouts and adding walks, which helped him to a 155 OPS+ (better than FF’s 133 with a .300 AVG).
In ATL’s lineup with more protection, you know Olson will be walked more than his career-high rates to get to the Ozunas, Rileys, Rosarios, etc. So in addition to his SLG, he’ll have a higher OBP which means he most likely could have his highest OPS if he continues his power…in a smaller Truist Park.
Dodgerbleu
I 100% would have preferred trading for and extending Olson over this Freeman signing. Pretty sure all 30 ball clubs would agree. Ninja move by AA.
Ducky Buckin Fent
I think his posts are: Journal Entries of a Grumpy Old Dude.
I love it! I so want the kids in my neighborhood to stay off my lawn too. Well…unless they are mowing it. But: I take notes.
Dan Rogers
Yeah. Let’s not take into account that Freddie will be 38 in 6 years and Olsen will be 35 in 8. That didn’t factor into the decision at all.
mj-2
@Dan
You’re way behind Dan. I already explained it above in many other posts. Go back and read before opening your mouth.
candymaldonado
I’m not sure you fully appreciate how remarkably annoying you are in this entire exchange with literally everyone who dares defy you.
mj-2
@candy
And yet you continue to exchange with me. Can’t be that annoying to want to keep coming back for more
DogDays2
MJ: your whole premise is ridiculous. If you want to say Freeman will outperform Olson, then fine but it’s at least debatable. People aren’t idiots for saying otherwise since you have no idea yourself.
And it has nothing to do with the Braves being cheap, they simply liked Olson better going forward and since they’re the ones wearing the rings…I’ll take their word for it, not yours.
Mickey777
Really surprised Freddie got “only” 162 million. Rumors were 6 for 175-180.
SoCalBrave
Freddie was asking for 6/180, but most prognostications had him at 6/160-165, the Braves offered him that same AVV but only for 5 years (140M)
The best23
Stupid decision by the brave I don’t getting
Lakers1
Imagine freeman played on team friendly 8 year contract with 18 per year avg and then when he needs to get paid, they get Olson. All while their owner posts record profits.
mj-2
@Lakers
Exactly. Someone gets it.
SoCalBrave
Their owner?
ChicksDigTheLongBaII
“when he needs to get paid”
Wants, not needs. That sixth year is all about ego; Freeman is already so rich he’ll never speed a dollar of what he earns that season.
Chucky D
It looks team friendly now but at the time it was a big contract. Freddie’s contract was 8/135 giving up 5 free agent years, Olsen’s 8/162 giving up 6 free agent years. Basically same contract, LakerBoi.
tstats
I think we all might be missing a point about FFs sixth year. The man is building a solid HOF resume. That final year could be make it or break it for him joining Chipper on the walls of the hall. Even if he is in LA rn, if Freeman makes the hall, there will be a Braves logo on that plaque
NashvilleJeff
@Chucky D. Spot on Chucky. When FF signed that deal, it was the largest pre arb contract ever given to a 1Bman in MLB history. It was a great deal for both FF and the Braves.
THE downvoter
Mj, maybe you and lakers1 should stop. Go reasearch who really owns the Braves.
Let me ask you this: do you two clowns rant and rave when a top exec leaves twitter to go to tik tok or similar? It is the exact same scenario. Exactly.
olereb
5 years younger, Dodgers will regret paying him his 5th and 6th year.
SoCalBrave
I don’t think so. He’ll probably DH on those 2 last years and be pretty good at it
fox471 Dave
Yep. Great pickup, particularly if Muncy needs more time to recover from his terrible injury.
larry48
Freddie will love LA weather, no 100+ degree temperatures with 85+ humidity. Atlanta weather sucks from June thru October.
Fred McGriff
@MJ
Freddie could have signed if he WANTED to sign with the Braves. Freddie made it about the money. Who’s “cheap”?
THE downvoter
MJ, maybe, for some odd reason, your team didnt consult you on their next move. Any reason why??
ChicksDigTheLongBaII
He was too busy out buying a Dodgers hat to answer when AA called?
dsett75
I agree, MJ….and they gave up a pile of prospects too, just to be able to be that cheap. Weird!
McGriff made a good point too though.
Chucky D
Braves offered higher AAV just over 5 years so let’s not act like they weren’t more than fair.
Olsen allows financial flexibility that FF’s deal wouldn’t. That extra $12-13M has already gotten another bullpen stud and solid OF. Braves don’t have an unlimited payroll ceiling…just a fact. So you have to look at more than player v player.
UKPhil
@MJ That’s what commitment to winning really looks like
seamaholic 2
Olson’s just as good and much, much younger.
Dodgerbleu
Olson is probably better at this point. If his gains in K% are real, he’s certainly better.
holycowdude
*Imagine being that business savvy to sign an equal as productive player that’s more than 4 years younger to set your franchise up for longterm future success. FTFY (and this is coming from a huge Braves AND Freeman fan)
olereb
You will see why in Freeman’s fifth and six year
Zerbs63
When Kershaw pitches they will have 4 MVPs on the field at once, pretty incredible when you think that there are organizations that have never had a single MVP.
tstats
Not that I’m disagreeing with your last statement but is that true? Not every team has an MVP yet?
I’m not sure if the rays have (don’t think) or the Nats/Blue jays (do think).
greenego23
Pujols, Miggy, and Votto are former MVPs also… not really saying much
Shatner
Thank Christ he didn’t end up with the Sox or Yanks
Dorothy_Mantooth
Good for Freddie in getting most of what he was looking for. He seemed to want $30M per season, but having to ‘settle’ for $27M is not too shabby, especially with that 6th year included. Tip of the cap to his agent too.
Also, tip of the cap to AA for setting a budget to re-sign Freddie and making the very hard decision not to bring him back. While they lost some good prospects, getting Matt Olson and locking him up for 8 years was really the only deal that could match and possibly improve their output at first base upon FF leaving. This is why AA is one of the top executives in all of baseball. It’s so hard not to bring back a franchise icon but Matt Olson is super talented, 4 years younger and a home-grown kid from Atlanta who is ecstatic about joining the team he rooted for throughout his childhood. He’s going to give them maximum effort every night and be proud to wear the Braves uniform. This was really a win-win for both players.
iverbure
Don’t care how good the player is, you don’t ever need to give a 32 year old a 6 year contract ever. If owners were smart they would publicly announce they don’t pay anyone past their age 38 season for their team. And keep lowering the age. If you wanna play for the team you sign one year deals at that age. This would give you maximum payroll flexibility and would guarantee you not being stuck with a albatross pujols or miggy deal.
olereb
Let’s look at the Dodgers when they still have to pay Freeman and Betts when they are in late 30s, who you going to trade them to
bhambrave
Atlanta?
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Where the f was al avila??????
Holy crap…he was SUPPOSED TO BE HELPING SAN DIEGO GET IN THE MIX!!!!!!
AL AVILA????
WHAT ARE YOU DOING AND WHY, WHY, WHY?????
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
I wish Freddie all the best, but will he get lost in that line up?
ajrodz1335
Crap
GaryWarriorsRedSox
You can say that again.
EliMorganFanClub
Really thought he would go to Toronto, but good for LA
Dustyslambchops23
It would have been nice offensively but defensively it never made sense for them to spend their money that way.
EliMorganFanClub
Very true. I was hoping for a “surprise” signing for him but I think Bryant to the Rockies fulfilled that for me
bleedpinstripes
Wait, there’s a Rockies fan ?
seamaholic 2
Top 5 in attendance most years. There’s a ton of them.
Baseball Purist
Rockies home attendance is very good. Better than most. They have a good fan base.
Dustyslambchops23
Great fan base but poorly run franchise unfortunately.
Rockies fans deserve better
YankeesBleacherCreature
@Baseball Purist This is true. As I’ve mentioned a bunch of times, they only need to stay relevant with some star power. Same applies to the Angels.
Citizen1
Sounds like Wrigley field and the cubs. Giant beer garden.
Kyatt 2
Lmao
brandons-3
Earlier today, I thought maybe the Mets or Phillies may take a run at him and figure out the defense/DH alignment later. I do think he’ll be a productive bat for at least the next four seasons.
Braves and Dodgers are the top two teams in the National League, for sure. Would be a juicy NLCS.
paddyo furnichuh
Hopefully the CO front office starts performing like their attendance warrants.
Shaditude
Nope. The owners are too cheap to pay Story or Keep Arenado, but they had no issue building a hotel in an old parking lot right next to the stadium for $365million. The Monforts don’t care about winning. And with the Rox dumb fans (I’m included). We continue to go to these games all the time, so why would they change their business plan..(fans really go to drink beer and be outside. 85% are on their phones or just gossiping up in the Roodtop bar area)
Ducky Buckin Fent
Been to Wrigley. That’s certainly one way to watch a ballgame.
TalkSomeSense
Totally agree- I was not big on Chapman all winter but now that I look more deeply the defense upgrade is big as is the $$ aspect. Leaves then a ton more financial flexibility in the years ahead. In 2 yrs they will now have Chapman, Gurriel Jr, Hernandez, Ryu, Grichuk coming off the books.
I wonder which of the first 3 they would look at extending.
Digdugler
Doesnt make sense with Vlad sadly.
mmyechoandbunnymen
After the Chapman trade, all signs pointed west.
SoCalBrave
Same here, I was thinking Jays for sure
dsett75
No cuz then they wudda been in the same position as the Tigers were when they had Fielder, Cabrera & V-Mart and had to play Cabrera at 3B (in Toronto’s case it would be Guerrero at 3B), and that wouldn’t end up being good.
Led Hoyer
300 million dollar payroll is stupid. If they don’t win they should be embarrassed
Misfit0620
You forget it’s a business for every dollar they spend, they make at least 20 back. So it’s a good investment. We draw 3 million ever year the highest in all baseball
Led Hoyer
It’s fine. I get it but it’s pretty stupid when one team can spend 150 million more than the average baseball franchise. They should win is all I am saying
californiaangels
Not denying that, but it is kinda unfortunate to see one team just laying that money out when there’s no real consequence.
Schmoopkins
I don’t understand this take at all. No team profits $5B a year or even brings in $5B a year in revenue (not sure what you were multiplying), not even close, not even the Dodgers. On top of that, the marginal revenue gained by added payroll for the Dodgers at this point is… probably a positive number, but the returns are for sure diminishing for where they are at on the win curve and the fact that, as you stated, the Dodgers draw the best in baseball already.
Adding Fred for $25MM will certainly not net another half a billion. But perhaps I read your comment too literally.
Digdugler
I agree with you, but that’s because you are in LA so its not really “fair”. I mean it is fair because all the owners can afford it but you get the point. But hey, lifes not fair, we know that. Don’t hate the player hate the game, ect.
pc01
“We” – Lol, I usually don’t mind that, I’m a fan too, obviously. But you aren’t the “we” that’s drawing anything. Stop.
Kewldood69
Don’t be sad because your team
Is ran by a cheap billionaire
Misfit0620
Right!? Since day one Guggenheim said they wanted to win. And they have. And not only do they spend in free agency but they build up the farm system as well. What else do you want from your team? Just make an effort
Led Hoyer
Not sad at all but this is one of the major flaws with baseball. There is zero consequences for stupidity.
Misfit0620
Stupidity on who’s part?
Led Hoyer
If you have to double every teams payroll to be competitive you have made massive mistakes. Let’s not act like they are winning every year. The farm is fine but nothing home grown has won them a championship. Blah. I am sure they will be great next year with that 300 million dollar payroll.
sdbaseballguy
Homegrown, Kershaw, Buehler, Urias, Jansen, May, Gonsolin. Smith, Lux, Bellinger, Barnes plus more but they’re lesser players. I’ve not included anyone acquired like Betts or Taylor or Muncy that they used homegrown talent to acquire.
bucsfan0004
An imminent Bauer suspension should take the payroll down to $260 for awhile, but your point is valid.
Cg141
He just just jealous that his team doesn’t spend to make sure they’re competitive . What the Dodgers do is rly smart. Their value as a franchise has increased substantially since they were bought .
Led Hoyer
That was a great story 3 years ago when they had a reasonable payroll and solid farm. Now it’s just stupid.
Fred McGriff
@bucsfan0004
On what grounds will he be suspended?
RunDMC
Ozuna actually got convicted of something, while Bauer’s case didn’t even go to trial — and Ozuna’s suspension was retroactive to time served, so he will play all of 2021 — and what makes you think that Bauer will be any worse?
I don’t doubt he’ll most likely miss some time, but I can’t imagine it’s more than a ~5 starts, if that.
seamaholic 2
The Dodgers owners (a hedge fund) are not putting one dime into that team, I can completely guarantee you that. If you or I owned the team the payroll would be no different (although we’d be a helluva lot richer). All teams get their operating budget from their operating revenue. The owner’s personal wealth has zero to do with it.
Misfit0620
Who ever is fitting the bill, the team goes and competes and puts a contender year in and year out
mmyechoandbunnymen
No no, the owners personal wealth has everything to do it. Ask the 2010s Tigers teams.
dsett75
Yep Myecho, Mike paid Prince Fielder out of his pocket….or at least was willing to when he signed him. Thank goodness for Texas, lol. Tigers still had to “chip in” $30 million (on a $254 million, 9 yr deal), but got Kinsler, who was awesome with us (Tigers).
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
My guess is 4/135…
Sid Bream Speed Demon
If he would take that he would still be a Brave. Think more like 4 and 175
prov356
I think 6/180. He wants the years and would take a lower AAV.
FSF
Are you kidding with the 4/175??? NO ONE’S giving him $44M per year, except maybe on a one year deal, and I doubt even that.
Sid Bream Speed Demon
Guess we shall see.
prov356
I agree with FSF. He can only play one position on defense, albeit well. But not for $44m AAV.
seamaholic 2
It won’t be $44, but I bet it’s $33-5. Something like 5/165.
prov356
Based on the last update at 1023, looks like even my prediction of $30m AAV is high. We’ll see. It will be 6 years for sure, otherwise he would have taken Atlanta’s 5 years.
KG25Baseball
LETS GO!
Rallyshirt
KG, dude thanks for your mods/roster work on
MLB ’05
Me and my bro played it well into 2013.
carlote
That’s KG from mvpmods? wow, that’s so cool
abcrazy4dodgers
Refreshreshrefresresh wash rinse repeat..l
48-team MLB
GARBAGE! He should have gone to one of the following teams…
Blue Jays
Mariners
Tigers
Rays
Rockies
Brewers
Diamondbacks
Angels
Twins
Rangers
Orioles
SPIDERS
You Can Put It In The Books
Ha.
goastros123
Guardians*
48-team MLB
@goastros123
I’m not calling them that. Ever.
goastros123
Are you a Cleveland fan?
48-team MLB
I’m an Atlanta fan…but that doesn’t make Cleveland’s new team name any less absurd.
Poster formerly known as . . .
Yeah, the Braves is a much less absurd name.
There have always been more Indians playing for Atlanta than ever played in Cleveland.
bleedpinstripes
He’s going to the team offering the most money like they all do. Get real!!
C-Daddy
Can’t trust Morosi.
Captain Judge99
@C-Daddy- can’t trust C-Daddy either.
❤️ MuteButton
It doesn’t matter, the Braves are still better than the Dodgers
tstats
That surely isn’t true…
fox471 Dave
Mute: now, that is truly funny.
puigpower
Looking forward to another series this year – it’s been fantastic to watch these two teams play and the Dodgers currently lead the series 2-1 since 2018.
abcrazy4dodgers
Wondering if Dodgers budge on years, or if Freddie just didn’t get the years anywhere else?
Dustyslambchops23
If he were going to settle it would have been with the braves.
It’s going to be a 5 year 158 deal with a 6 year option
Camden453
Freeman is a perfect fit for their process-oriented system
bluesteele
It’s the only real option. This makes too much sense. Sign already. LA will give more per year plus opt outs. They do very player friendly deals. Why isn’t this done yet?
bravesfan0618
Good, finally.
mynameispepe
the Dodgers sign everything that moves, the A’s have like a 2 million payroll committed for the 2023 season. Balanced sport, I’m glad there was a 3 month lockout to solve major issues like the shift.
fox471 Dave
Braves have a billionaire owner(s). Braves could spend, if they wanted.
seamaholic 2
The Braves are owned by a corporation based in Denver. They couldn’t give less of a crap whether that team wins or loses unless it affects the bottom line. Like all teams, they total up their revenue, subtract a profit, and spend the rest. The Dodgers spend more than anyone else because they make more than anyone else (well, except the Yankees).
DogDays2
Seamaholic2: Lol you guys are confusing the Braves with the Reds and A’s?
Don’t care if they win? Huh? They just did!
Jon429
Corporate ownership is quite different than a few rich guys with deep pockets willing to play in the red for a few seasons.
slowcurve
They did spend, they just spent their dollars more wisely. Picked up a much younger stud 1B in Olson, and had money left over for a big bullpen arm in McHugh and we’re able to bring back Rosario. I’m not mad at Freddie for playing hardball, but if the organization meant as much to him as he led on about, he’d still be a Brave. Props to AA for sticking to his guns and making the best baseball/business decision.
dodgerfan83
And it only also cost them 3 if their top 10 prospects. Gotta factor that into the cost
bleedpinstripes
They sign all the best that moves!! As evidenced by the squad. Grow up man.
mynameispepe
“grow up”… did I criticize the Dodgers? Did I say spending was bad? My point was the game is completely unbalanced, some teams spend $250 million a year, other teams spend $40 million and trade away stars. I think this is an huge issue with the game of baseball and should have a been a major talking point during the CBA discussions. I prefer to have a game where most teams are competitive. When I grow up I’ll try to be more explicit so you grown ups understand. smh
Inside Out
Every owner could do the same or close to.it but they are too greedy. Can’t change that so just enjoy the game and a team you respect and don’t blame owners who are willing to admit they are all rolling in cash.
mynameispepe
I didn’t blame the Dodgers or any other team, I simply pointed out what I believe is a huge issue with the MLB today.
The UnderCROWNd
I’m pretty sure millionaire ballplayers living in CA keep just over 43% of their salary once mandatory taxes are taken out. If these players were smart, they’d go to some of these teams:
Pirates (3.07%)
Phillies (3.07%)
Tigers (4.25%)
Rockies (4.55%)
Reds (4.80%)
Indians (4.80%)
Cubs (4.95%)
White Sox (4.95%)
Red Sox (5.00%)
Those are some of the lowest state taxes…
Dustyslambchops23
You only pay your home state income tax for home games. So the difference is significant but only on 50% of your salary
nando390
No one wants to live in those crap towns
tercera_base
Wouldn’t Florida teams make this list? Had always heard their lack of income tax mentioned as a factor playing games in-state? Granted, that’s roughly half the schedule, but?
Dustyslambchops23
Florida has no state tax.
But both florida teams aren’t handing out money to free agents so doesn’t really matter
tercera_base
Ah, yeah. Understood. I believe Tampa could, and that’d be a bold as hell move.. but nobody wants to see that.
User 4245925809
No state income tax combined with lower sales tax than multiple states which have 1, like CA. Son was there visiting over the winter, said LA was 9.5% sales believe it was stacked on top of state income tax. Ridiculous.
mmyechoandbunnymen
Math isn’t your strong suit ~ Angeleno.
StPeteStingRays
The Rays offered Freeman 6/140 before the lockout.
Dustyslambchops23
Lol where did you get from. I don’t believe that
StPeteStingRays
Here’s the link:
draysbay.com/2022/3/16/22980803/freddie-freeman-ml…
math
@StPete that article doesn’t say anything about an offer before the lockout.
Dustyslambchops23
Wish it was true but doesn’t seem like a credible source.
californiaangels
Ok, so he’s left with 75 million dollars, guess he will find another job :/
math
@californiaangels, he just needs to start making his own coffee at home and not go out for brunch as often
jjd002
Texas with no state income tax…. But property taxes are unreal.
YourDreamGM
Lol poor dumb players aren’t smart enough to factor taxes into their decision. Feel bad for them. Me big dummy smack ball hard but don’t know nothing about no taxes.
Hello, Newman
Yes, because as a Tiger’s fan I know.. any smart American would chose to live Detroit Metro over LA. Even if they are from California..
steelehere83
That’s looking at taxes in a vacuum. What’s the additional income opportunities in those cities compared to Los Angeles with Hollywood being in the Dodgers backyard? What’s the weather like? What’s the entertainment like? How tough is the local media on your team?
nando390
Dodgers lineup is ridiculous
Jordan 5
Going to say 5/155 with a team option for year 6
BrewMan22
Absolute dogwater. Dodgers would have to trade one of their key position players. Otherwise, makes zero sense.
abcrazy4dodgers
Elaborate?
fox471 Dave
Yes, please explain.
YourDreamGM
Because Muncy obviously can’t play 2b or dh.
getrealgone2
Pssh he’s gonna end up settling for what the Braves offered him in the first place. Haha
hoof hearted
Like Bryant? What an overpay.
mario crosby
Of course. That new CBA is great for about six teams in baseball.
Dustyslambchops23
No one and nothing is stopping other teams from spending.
Simm
Maybe you don’t understand baseball finances. The dodgers tv contract pays about 10x great then a team like the padres.
Easy to about pirates and what not but no team has the money coming in at the dodgers level other then maybe the Yankees. Not even sure that true any longer.
Dustyslambchops23
It’s egg before the chicken
Ever think that teams like the dodgers and Yankees have such high tv deals and attendance is because they have a strong brand and continue to invest in it?
There is a reason the Mets franchise value is almost 3x less than the Yankees. It’s brand and marketing.
YourDreamGM
@Dustyslambchops23 Demographics. Population and income. Also people all ready rooted for the Yankees. All those world series and hall of famers much more appealing than a awful expansion team. You are somewhat right in that the Mets never had sustainable winning to gain ground. And Yankees haven’t given them that opportunity either.
Dustyslambchops23
Absolutely. I’m not arguing that demographics and population don’t factor in, but it’s not everything.
BeforeMcCourt
Simm, the Padres have a top 5, maybe top 3 TV deal. Pick another team
Cg141
Yes but the Dodger tv contract brings in a lot of money because they have been consistently good for a very long time and have a huge fan base that watches the game. They have been competitive pretty much since Kershaw came up.
steelehere83
Padres have a deal that runs through 2031. It’s the 23rd best TV deal in baseball not a top 5 deal.
Padres problem is that San Diego is a glorified suburb of Los Angeles. It’s why two of its three professional sports teams (Clippers, Chargers) now reside in Los Angeles.
blogs.fangraphs.com/lets-update-the-estimated-loca…
LordD99
@mario, almost all teams can spend. They elect not to.
Yankee Clipper
So, Mario, you say money does buy championships then? And the Rays are not effective in their budget baseball, correct?
photoguy11579
Nats are still in it…
BraveLil'Toaster
“Where does it hurt?”
Pretty much around the big bloody spot…
Let me know when you see,
A RadioShack.
mmyechoandbunnymen
What do you get when combine a bungee cord with an owl?
BraveLil'Toaster
My ass…
Bleeding, making me the victor!
prov356
Good. The Dodgers will be a force in the west as usual especially with the Padres losing Tatis for half the season. I’d rather see the Padres get Freeman but I’m fine with him landing in LA.
Yankee Clipper
Yeah, each time they lose a few big names they don’t mind replacing them, that’s for sure. I wish Hal would head out west for some lessons in being competitive…..
LordD99
The Dodgers have become what the Yankees used to be when it comes to committing dollars. Hal will spend, but he’s constantly focused on the luxury tax, ensuring he can get back under. That impacts the quality of decisions and players signed. No surprise that Donaldson and Rizzo are off the books in two years max.
mmyechoandbunnymen
Eh don’t worry, the Padres already signed one of the better first basemen in MLB a couple years ago, right? I mean, at least at the time, right?
prov356
They’ve been trying to dump Hosmer for 2 seasons now. Can’t be good for Hosmer’s morale.
Jesus2
Please keep your wife in her clown place and stay on west coast…
6 years is an INSULT to fans…a retirement player without CONSEQUENCES for poor play
Yankee Clipper
Color me surprised….. yawn.
prov356
Hey Clipper! I’m just glad your Yanks passed on him!
Yankee Clipper
Yeah, I think it was a smarter play, although I really like Freeman.
goastros123
Anti-climatic.
Yankee Clipper
Right? Hey, goastros, when is Correa signing, man? It’s been silent on his progress….
shane
This is weird…
BeansforJesus
$150? If that’s true then he grossly misjudged his targets for both years and total$ In what was initially reported.
Almost makes me go back an question the Olson deal…almost.
junkmale
Apologies to Dodgers fans on this website, but I lived in the LA area for nearly a decade. Dodgers fans are annoying as hell and bandwagoners to the extreme. They don’t deserve this.
prov356
What an odd comment from a guy with your screen name and icon.
junkmale
My icon is just a Jeff Rosenstock flag. So either seeing the name satan in text upsets you, or the idea of LGBTQ-support upsets you. Either way, you’re a square.
prov356
I never said I was upset. That’s your assumption. Just said it was odd.
jjd002
I would bet my bottom dollar he has his pronouns in his social media profiles.
mattwild1
preach
abcrazy4dodgers
Grew up in SoCal and moved out of state in early nineties. Butt is superglued to this high-milage bandwagon since the seventies. So Judge Judy, do me and my extremely crazy compadres not deserve this?
BeansforJesus
@abc if you are such a devout fan, then why even acknowledge the comment? He obviously wasn’t talking about you. You don’t need to white knight for an entire fan base.
junkmale
Now we got satan and jesus involved. To the Dodgers fan: If you’ve been into them since the 70s, you’re definitely not in the age range I’m ragging on.
Mario93
@secretsatan we believe in Jesus around these parts, pal.
BeansforJesus
Thanks.
BeforeMcCourt
Because when you make a really general comment about a city with millions of people, you deserve to be called out @Beans
vivalosdoyers
Or maybe you’re what’s wrong with LA? Well you get what you vote for
BeansforJesus
@viva I bet I can guess your political affiliation based on making a jesus fudging baseball signing article political.
“Baseball fans that formerly lived in LA disliking dodger fans must mean they are liberals. Time to eat some more paint chips”
mmyechoandbunnymen
I mean… I’ve been to 22/30 MLB stadiums. This is most fans in general.
sdbaseballguy
They’re drawn 3+ million for 40+ straight years. They’re hardly Bandwagon fans. That’s a ridiculous comment.
norcalblue
Sir, with all due respect your generalization about millions of people in Los Angeles, throughout California, the U.S. and the world is offensive and inaccurate. Fans everywhere can be ignorant, passionate, tribalistic. Your comment actually demonstrates that you may very well be a fan who at times lacks grace, compassion and respect for others. There are Dodger fans everywhere who have all of the qualities that I just referenced and many more. Please stop. Stop this silly tribalistic generalizing about people who happen to root for a baseball team. I’m sure you’re really better than this, please reflect a little bit on what you just wrote and try not to go there again on this website or any other place.
toptimrubies
Where in LA?
hoof hearted
Stinkin Dodgers
You Can Put It In The Books
4 / 152M, opt out after year 2.
BeansforJesus
That’s the most insane contract prediction I have ever seen. You really think anyone is paying a 32 y/o first basemen over $35mil annually?
Dustyslambchops23
Yes
BeansforJesus
No
TradeAcuna
Somebody hurry and swoop in. Don’t let the Dodgers get Freeman!
YankeesBleacherCreature
Your move Marlins.
You Can Put It In The Books
Nobody wants to play in front of 2,500 fans.
Captain Judge99
@You Can Put It In The Books- they actually play in front of 2,500 fans? I figured it was less than that.
slowcurve
I bet the 90’s pop group LFO would love to play in front of that many fans, but they can’t, because 2/3 of them are dead.
Paleobros
🙁
Dojomaster
6/31mil
Captain Judge99
Hey Freddie is from California. Just let him go home. I’m okay with Rizzo back at lst.
junkmale
And he grew up an Angels fan. Clearly this man has no taste.
vivalosdoyers
Says the guy with a satan/ rainbow flag
Yanksfan75
6yrs 156 plus 7th option?
VonPurpleHayes
Seemed inevitable after the Olson move.
Camden453
It’s been done for weeks probably they’re just waiting for Bryant to sign. Then they start rolling it out prime time PDT
ChunkyMonkey
Dodgers’ ownership is phenomenal.
casorgreener
Having and spending more
Money than everyone else doesn’t make you phenomenal in my eyes but to each their own
ChunkyMonkey
They greatly invest in the franchise on every level. Don’t be bitter because your team’s owners aren’t willing to do what they should for the fans.
casorgreener
I’m an Astros fan, I’m not bitter at all
ChunkyMonkey
They greatly invest in the franchise on every level. Don’t be bitter because your team’s owners aren’t willing to do what they should for the fans.
Simm
Maybe true but their market provides the money to do so at a higher rate then most.
Yankee Clipper
C monkey: It’s not just that though. They do spend a lot because they have a lot. But, they spend in the right places. Contrast LAD, for example, with some of the recent Yankees teams and you see the stark differences in positions, lineup construction/diversity, etc. LAD does spend a lot, but they also do it correctly.
Camden453
So Correa announcement is coming tomorrow night or Friday
Yankee Clipper
He signs with Houston 5/$100M….. lol.
candymaldonado
Lol he’s getting Matt Olson type money after all this.
You Can Put It In The Books
So the Dodgers gave him the 6th year. Good on them.
Braves offered Freeman 5/135. $27M/yr
Braves signed Olson 8/168. $21M/yr
Dodgers get Freemen for 6/160. $26.7M/yr
LordD99
So the Braves wouldn’t pay 6/160 for their franchise player, hating the idea so much that they also traded always four prospects to make sure they couldn’t keep him? Strange times.
getrealgone2
Everyone thinks Freeman wanted to come back to Atlanta. I don’t buy that.
yeah, sure!
@getreal yeah, heard! He grew up in Orange, I imagine he might have wanted to play his home games at home (on top of the other incentives).
casorgreener
Because the Braves owners are smart. All that money spent by LA for 1 championship in a shortened season. They are successful no doubt but I’d rather be the Astros or Rays. Similar results for $100m less
Go Stros!
bluesteele
And you care about the money why? This is always a dumb argument.
casorgreener
Because most teams don’t have an unlimited budget. How is that so hard to understand?
logo69
For the declining years of their franchise player. If Freddie wasn’t going to be 38 by the end of the deal, the Braves don’t hesitate to throw him the contract. See Matt Olson for proof.
Yankee Clipper
Yeah, I’m a bit confused. Now, in the Braves’ defense, Olson is younger, in his prime years, & better on defense, so those years will (likely) be at least as productive as Freddie’s next 6.
However, they also traded two really good prospects away, one reported to be an outstanding defensive catcher, and those don’t seem to easy to come by nowadays. Objectively, I would’ve given Freeman the sixth year and kept the career Braves player, franchise icon, team leader around. But that’s also easy for me to say…..
LordD99
He is younger, but Freeman is more of a proven hitter. Freeman is also showing no signs of decline; indeed, his process and pitch selection is improving. This is not like when Albert Pujols left the Cards but was already showing regression. Freeman is showing no signs of regression.
I don’t doubt that Olson is good, but Freeman’s contract as reported takes him through his age 37 season. Olson’s takes him through age 35 season. We already know Freeman can hit at a high level in his 30s. Olson may not. Based on their hitting skills, I think there’s a better chance Freeman is more productive at 37 than Olson will be at 35. Olson just had his career year and it’s one I don’t suspect he’ll repeat. He’ll be good, but within three or four seasons, we’ll all be wondering why we ever thought Olson was going to be as good as Freeman. Freeman is building a HOF resume.
I don’t dislike the Olson signing. I dislike the fact the Braves traded away their franchise player and tossed in four prospects too when it’s not clear at all this is an upgrade. Could be a downgrade.
LordD99
*not traded.*. Let leave.
802Ghost
6/160 and he couldn’t take the Braves’ 5 year offer?
Sucks it came to that. But, let’s go Olson.
Poppin' Balls
At first glance it appears that Freeman’s camp overplayed their hand, although he did get more than the 150 million he was originally seeking.
vivalosdoyers
Much better deal for the dodgers than what Seagar got. Freemam in his prime for 3-4 years is well worth it. Will be great as a DH as he ages
alwaysgo4two
I’ll take Olson’s deal over this one considering length and age. First baseman don’t age well into their late 30s.
casorgreener
This is a bad deal. He won’t be worth the money after 2 years BUT LA has the money so why not?!
TommyLasutton
hot take
mrshyguy99
If it goes down they can hide max at dh and have solid defense all around
getrealgone2
I still prefer Olson.
TrillionaireTeamOperator
You gotta wonder how Freeman actually feels about this deal- 6 years/$160M…. he gets his 6th year but the AAV is super low and it’s still nowhere near the $200M he was aiming for.
I am sure ATL would have gone to 6 years/$160M if that’s actually what Freeman had asked for.
I think they offered 5 years/$135M in part to make it abundantly clear that they weren’t gonna go anywhere near $200M.
If Freddie had asked for 6 years/$180M, I am sure ATL would’ve met him in the middle and offered him 6 years/$160M…..possibly even 6 years/$168M…. if you catch my drift….
I bet Freeman is actually losing out on money by not being more flexible and creative with his Atlanta negotiations, even if it’s just $8M or so.
You Can Put It In The Books
Freeman ultimately lost some money, but the Braves lost their franchise player, 4 prospects, and the same total dollars.
FSF
And if any of those prospects work out well, I smell regret in Atlanta’s future.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Can you stop talking like my accountant for one time??? I’m aware you’re a NYY fan and you articulate your thoughts well even though I disagree with them mostly. Quit being so rigid.
TrillionaireTeamOperator
Me? I barely pay attention to other posters in these comment sections. If we disagree… shrug. I didn’t think I come off as ‘rigid’. I tend to be pretty open minded about monster contracts.
SoCalBrave
Freeman wasn’t seeking $200M. It was reported he asked for 6/180 and that was obviously aiming high. I believe that Freeman got exactly what he wanted, but I wonder if he would have taken 6/150 from the Braves.
sdbaseballguy
1. Turner
2. Betts
3. Freeman
4. Turner
5. Muncy
6. Smith
7. Bellinger
8. Pollack
9. Taylor/Lux
Ridiculous
Yankee Clipper
Yeah, and a couple of those guys could bounce back also. If they do…..even more sick. But, I love it. I love LAD going out and showing their fans they’re going for the throat. They’re going for it all, no holds barred. It’s a good time to be a Dodgers fan. They had the best SS in MLB playing 2B last year…. That’s saying something.
FSF
Very true. The Dodgers are ponying up and putting the money back into the club year after year. They should applauded for that.
logo69
Really really really good lineup lol. That top 3 is ridiculous
Brew88
They are the Gold Bar Standard
mister guy
Bs how do they get turner to bat twice in the order lol
Sanpedroian
Trea Turner and Justin Turner
fox471 Dave
Really had to explain it to mister guy? Pathetic.
StreakingBlue
Wow what a lineup! Now Dodgers need another starter, and then extend Trea Turner. Then it will settle itself on closer role.
Brew88
Bauer?
Yankee Clipper
Brew88: I don’t think you’re allowed to say his name….. out loud, ya know?
Brew88
I only thought it, and then somehow typed it. My bad
fox471 Dave
Like Voldemort, I guess.
Ya'll a bunch of salty crybabies
You….know….who……
mlbdodgerfan2015
I’d think that Muncy should hit ahead of J Turner. Smith may also move ahead. Hoping Bellinger bounces back. Taylor can play CF when Bellinger rests against lefties. Taylor can also plays 3B when J Turner DHs. I wonder how 3B PT gets divided.
mlbdodgerfan2015
I’d go T Turner, Freeman, Betts, Muncy, Smith, J Turner, Bellinger, Taylor, Pollock. That gets your best four hitters the most ABs in the course of any given game. Smith has had better OPS than J Turner the last two seasons.
BleedingBlue162232
Betts is most comfortable batting leadoff (the numbers show he performs better too) and Trea Turner doesn’t care, so Betts will bat leadoff when he plays. If everyone is healthy on April 8, the starting lineup against a RHP should be:
1. Betts RF
2. Freeman 1B
3. T Turner SS
4. Muncy 2B
5. J Turner 3B/DH
6. Smith C
7. Taylor LF/3B
8. Pollock LF/DH
9. Bellinger CF
Based on reports, it doesn’t sound like Muncy will be 100% ready though, so the lineup without him would be:
1. Betts RF
2. Freeman 1B
3. T Turner SS
4. J Turner 3B
5. Smith C
6. Taylor 2B
7. Rios DH
8. Pollock LF
9. Bellinger CF
Of course, this is just my opinion and the lineup possibilities are endless…definitely been the best 10 years of my 35-year Dodgers fandom!
Pete'sView
Great for Dodger fans. But is it good for baseball?
splodem
And the Giants signed Joc Pederson. Great.
prov356
So…the Angels signed Matt Duffy. We just got serious.
californiaangels
Don’t forget Kurt Suzuki is back 😉
Pete'sView
splodem — This is the first time I’ve ever questioned Farhan and Harris. Signing Joc makes absolutely no sense unless there’s a trade coming that clears out the roster.
BleedingBlue162232
Dodgers have a good supply of hard-throwing RHPs in the bullpen…Joc loves smashing those types of pitchers. He’s also super clutch in the postseason, as both Dodgers and Braves fans can confirm.
He’ll probably be somewhat of a platoon player, which the Giants were VERY good at utilizing last season.
towinagain
Yeah well we have Hosmer so there haha ugh. In all seriousness good signing by the Dodgers. As a Padres fan,there’s always 2023 or 24 or never.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Well done, Dodgers! I’m going to enjoy watching you guys.
DarrenDreifortsContract
He will lose his power in a few seasons but seems like the type of player who will still be able to hit for average and drive in runs at an old age.
Jimbob 57
Padres should trade Hosmer, Myers & Darvish then sign Correa move Tatis to Outfield and trade Abrams for young pitching from Marlins or Rays
fox471 Dave
Uh, jimbob, the padres have been trying to trade Hosmer and Myers for years. No takers.
Vegasnightlife
@Jim The padres should stand pat and keep their prospects now that Suzuki, Freeman, Rizzo, Olson are gone from the market. I hope they don’t feel desperate and do something stupid in trading their top prospects. After the year, Myers will come off the books with a 1mil buyout and Hosmer would only have 3 yrs left and 39mil. With Tatis gone for 3 months there’s no reason to trade your future.
fred-3
Some of you guys take sports way too seriously
Mario93
I’d serve a life sentence for my Blue Jays.
DogDays2
True. They are much better off being someone like you and telling complete strangers how to act….
YankeesBleacherCreature
@Fred HERESY!
Kyatt 2
Let’s GO DODGERS is all I have to Say!
formegn hardgin
Commenting “BRAVES ARE CHEAP” when seeing where this lands is idiotic. This is not where it would’ve landed if they stayed in the bidding. Dodgers had high chip stack. Use logic folks.
LordD99
Liberty Media is cheap.
AndyMeyer
Braves get Matt Olson and $5 million (if freeman does get the 6/160) in savings by giving up 4 prospects plus their franchise cornerstone
They got spooked by LA and had to do what they had to do. Getting Matt Olson was a great move but letting it get this far with Freeman was beyond ridiculous. He should’ve been locked up years ago. Basically saying hey thanks for helping us to a World Series, now get lost
weekapaug09 2
I think Freddie (or his agent) was convinced he could get 6/$180. Atlanta and the Yankees were doing that so they moved on which dropped his market. At this point, I bet he wishes he accepted the original Braves offer and just fully became the next Chipper.
Jimbob 57
If Padres made these moves they would have money left to sign Correa and Conforto or. Castellanos
Mario93
Dodgers are like the cool guy in class that wants to steal everybody’s girlfriend.. what arseholes, Freeman should’ve been a Blue Jay.
ryanpw
Man I love the people talking about how his wife is “gross”. some random weirdo commenting on MLBTraderumors that a millionaires wife isn’t hot enough for him…gotta love it
TommyLasutton
ah yes, the HYPOCRISY rears its ugly head again. “Wow! they’re really going for it” when another team spends massive money. But cries of “IT’S NOT FAIR” when it’s the Dodgers . Swear all of baseball is licking Steve Cohen’s nipples for spending. Yet the Dodgers do it and it’s “ruining the game.” Yall are ridiculous lol
Mario93
Nothing wrong with picking on the cool kids in class, when we were young they always picked on us. Right guys?
YourDreamGM
Seems to me the Dodgers are always stealing the Spot light. Don’t sign or trade for anyone then boom a mega move to cap their off season or trade deadline.
vivalosdoyers
Done deal!
RobM
The Dodgers are such an incredibly well-run organization, and they’re willing to back it up with the resources. The two go together.
bassmaster
the whole Dodgers buy everything complaint is wholly inaccurate but don’t let that stop you
they signed Pollock, Bauer and Betts after trading top talent for him
rest of the team is home grown or castoffs other teams gave up on
the farm is so strong everyone wants their prospects
and the FO is so shrewd it makes it all work
no the team didn’t steal the best players in the league like the spankees do
atm the entire rotation came up through their farm system
stop crying cause your team can’t figure it out
RobM
The *buy cry* crowd are simply jealous because their teams don’t put the resources in to win that the Dodgers do, even when they can. I’ll take them every day of the week over the Pirates, Royals and Reds of the world. Not every team has their resources, but teams often spend poorly, many teams underspend (there are no poor MLB teams), and we also see teams that spend less and win too. They’re to be admired. Fans of those teams are lucky. In the world of sports entertainment, they entertain by consistently trying to win.
Darryl Rhubarb
You guys are a couple of talking heads
Brew88
Your argument isn’t clear. Trea Turner and Freddie Freeman are castoffs no one else wanted? What about Scherzer what was he? Homegrown? Price?
vivalosdoyers
Muncy, Turner, Taylor, etc.
Pete'sView
vivalosdoyers — I think this is where the Dodgers have been so effective. And they’ve developed Smith, Seager, Lux, Bellinger. It’s a well run organization. Still, it’s hard to watch them out-money everyone else. That can’t be good for baseball.
bassmaster
we traded top prospects or we don’t get those guys
Brew88
Huh? What prospects were traded to get Freddie?
doxiedevil
It’s just a business to owners and players. .
justdadamaja
Freeman has made 120M in the past 12 years.
If he signs a 150M deal for 8 years, he would have made 280M over 20 years.
Matt Olsen has made 6M over the past 6 years.
Matt is due to make 170M more over the next 8 years.
He would have made 176M over 14 years.
Fair to say that Freddie Freeman making over 100M MORE than Matt Olson says ALOT about their value.
Freddie is a borderline HOF.. 11 years in the majors and he’s been a MVP candidate for 7 of them
Matt had a couple of good years.
californiaangels
They put people in the HOF for their earnings… better make way for Chris Davis and Vernon Wells
YankeesBleacherCreature
Jacoby Ellsbury ain’t no slouch either. Wait… he was.
Brew88
Josh Hamilton
BaseballClassic1985
Thank God for Freddie. That extra few million he took from the Dodgers will help keep his family off of govt cheese in retirement!
differentbears
Let’s gooooooo!
Camden453
Braves couldn’t go 1 more year for Freeman instead trade Pache, two first round prospects, and another prospect
One of the rare times they botch something
TradeAcuna
Couple that with the fact they are salivating over Olson who has done nothing in his career (yet) to even think he will match Freeman’s production. One great year and he is already an easy replacement? Lets throw money his way?
Dusty Baker's tooth pick.
He Will Get a standing ovation when the dodgers come to town.
Camden453
Being a 1B just doesn’t pay as much
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Al AVILA REALLY KNOWS HOWMTO SCREW.THINGS.UP!
THE FGUY WAS TOTALLY SET UP.AND SCORED ABSOLUTELY ZERO
ZERO
MarlinsWin2022
lol, Kris Bryant got more than Freeman. Never saw it coming.
mrshyguy99
Freeman took that to be on a winning team, kris took that to pat his stats and never win anything
MarlinsWin2022
Saying “Freeman took that to be on a winning team” implies there was a team offering Freeman more than what he received from the Dodgers, and it doesn’t seem like that’s the case. What also-ran was offering Freeman more?
You Can Put It In The Books
Pretty simple actually – the Rockies overpaid. They’re poorly run and the Braves/Dodgers are very well run.
DogDays2
Um it’s the Rockies, they have to overpay.
vivalosdoyers
Dodgers just took their toughest competitor’s best player. Addition by subtraction. All for an extra year?
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I am a Cubs and Didgers fan
But in Atlanta’s defense, had Atlanta signed Freeman, then the Dodgers might have traded for Olson.
Aerok
Good for Freddie. I feel like he was worth more but I’m glad to see he still going to be competing for another championship.
Regardless of who he plays for, I will forever cheer for him.
laswagn
Scary thing is; I dont think the Dodgers are done adding players
vivalosdoyers
Prob sign Pujols and call it a day. Will likely trade for pitching via Lux or farm with their abundance of talent.
fox471 Dave
Nope, Dodgers will keep Lux. If Turner leaves after this year, Lux will be the SS.
RobM
People can complain all they want about the Dodgers “buying” players, but they let an impact homegrown bat in Corey Seager leave. He signed for $325M with the Rangers. They signed an equally impactful and healthier bat in Freddie Freeman for half of Seager’s deal, and now they simply slide Turner over to SS.
The Dodgers are smart.
Chief Two Hands
Yeah but people just love to hate Los Angeles. For the record, that’s fine by me. L.A. can take the hate.
Wilmer the Thrillmer
Braves last known offer was 5 years 138mil $27.6mil AAV
Dodgers signed him for 6 years 162 mil, 27mil AAV
I’m sure Braves would have gone 5/150 so it seems that Freddie held out for one more year at 12 mil.
I’m dissapointed that Freddie felt like he needed to squeeze that extra year out. Maybe he wanted to move back to California all along. Who knows?
RobM
It’s being reported that the Braves last offer was 5/140, but getting that 6th year was key to Freeman. Shouldn’t you be more annoyed that the Braves wouldn’t find an additional $20M for the sixth year for their franchise player? Keep in mind those four prospects traded away are worth well more than $20 million in assigned value, and it’s a lost opportunity to trade them to fill other needs.
I’m simply not seeing how the Braves couldn’t close this deal for their fans.
Wilmer the Thrillmer
I personally think the Braves offer was more than fair. FF turns 33 later this season.
Datashark
Somewhere out there Gavin Lux is going WHAT ABOUT ME – Muncy at 2b but I think they have muncy at DH more of the time and have lux at 2B
math
Chris Taylor can play 2B as well. Lux will see time in CF, but he is at the point where he has to start proving it consistently at the plate
bassmaster
cheapest insurance policy in the meantime
mrshyguy99
Good chance we see max mostly at DH
Rsox
Or at 3B with Justin Turner at DH
Brew88
Who is the better fielder at 1b? They might rotate Freeman on DH at times.
vivalosdoyers
You don’t pay that money for a DH until he starts falling off defensively. He is now the face of the franchise and an elite defender
Brew88
Face? Forgetting Kershaw, Mookie etc…? I think he will DH at times, especially as he ages and also to give Muncy reps at 1st.
Chief Two Hands
I think the point for the Dodgers is that they have options.
fox471 Dave
Still not sure Muncy will be ready to go by April 7. He is still not taking batting practice. Another reason the Dodgers went heavy after Freeman, IMO.
MikeD26
The thing is not spend money just because but, when you see a team that’s a few pieces away from being a legit WS contender and they don’t go for it ,that’s when you call them cheap, ( Tampa, Milwaukee) both teams can spend 50 more millions this year and become a top 5 favorite to win the WS but, they won’t.
MikeD26
Pit, Baltimore, could be taking bad contracts and getting good prospects back and that would be good for baseball, they will get out of the rebuild earlier and a team like SD ( Hosmer) Mets ( cano) will have more money to make the team better today, win, win for fans.
bennygb07
“Cheap”….yes, are all owners are business owners trying to make a profit? Of course…do you know what the TV deal pays towards payroll for LAD and milwaukee?? The dodgers get $239MM per season from Spectrum, The Brewers get $28MM per season from Bally’s Sports. Yes, the Dodgers will pay into revenue sharing and their penalty for being into the luxury tax…but it’s like half the teams are playing in an entirely different league.
MikeD26
They don’t need to go to 200M , they can go to 160M.
russ5tide
Not to hate in Freddie but just watching him at time last season you could tell he was struggling at some thing he had never struggled with earlier on in his career. It may not show in his stats but even he admitted at times that he was stumped and would go through spurts of frustration which is what all players who start declining start to do. We’re these signs that he was declining? No idea, we won’t know until we see what he can do next season but I watched every single braves game last season and could see for myself that he wasn’t the one carrying the teams weight most of the season like in years past. Freddie is a hell of a guy and a great player. As a Braves fan I’m gonna miss him. But now that he is with the enemy I will hate having to root against him.
There were some signs that Freddie may be declining and I think in some ways he might even know that and would admit if being honest. Maybe it’s why he held out for as much money as possible because he knew this was going to be it. Than again he might win MVP next season who knows
richardc
This contract and this decision is what he was struggling with last season. If you watched Freddie at ST and the beginning of last season, being bombarded with contract questions, he was rarely smiling, he wasn’t having fun, and he wasn’t being himself.
He was even half-assing his Freddie Hugs..lol Seriously though, any and everyone could tell his contract negotiations were stressing him out and bogging him down.
Once he just learned to let it go, and once he started smimong and having fun again slowly but surely he turned it cold streaks at the plate right around. From then on he was the Freeman we all knew and loved both on ajd off the field..
Freddie took the lack of progress personally at first, and he let that affect his on tue field performance. He wouldn’t ever admit it, even when he was straight up blatantly asked about it in interviews, but that is just how Freddie rolls. He wasn’t going to make any excuses for hisself..He is always a class act, and always takes responsibility for his performance and actions, for better or worse…
Even when he was going really well, he would always talk about the atbats or defensive plays of someone else on the team. He’d always say compliment the hitters around him and thank them for providing him with protection. He would thank his Dad for helping him make adjustments or their hitting coach Kevin Seitzer..
You’d be hard pressed to find such a humble human being coupled with star abilities and charisma..
Here is ONE FINAL HUG to you Freddie Freeman!! Wish you nothing but success and the best, unless you’re playing against the Braves. Then and only then, will I ever be rooting against you..lol
bennygb07
LOL…so many things here. First, thanks Spectrum and 13M people in metro LA for that tv deal…and a big hang up on the CBA was a minimum floor for the small market teams….geezus.
Second…this AAV is lower than the one the Rox gave KB earlier today. YIKES…
brucebochyisthemarlboroman
Freddie did what was best for Freddie and his family. ATL did what they thought was best for them. Olson is a solid ballplayer. I don’t blame either side for any of it. That said as a Phillies fan I’m glad he’s out of our division and comes back and torches the hell out of the Braves for years.
Bjoe
Rich get richer. Disgusting.
math
Would you have said this if they signed Seager for 10/350?
TucsonRon
It’s official Freddie to LA 6 years at $162…
Cohens_Wallet
Sick Dodgers lineup.
Unclenolanrules
Dodgers will still choke in the playoffs.
fox471 Dave
Sad little puppy you are, uncle.
Yep it is
Not sure about the articles “ Star Studded Pitching Staff”
mmyechoandbunnymen
Freeman is one of the most overrated players… crap… uhhh… He’s a future HoFer!!!! ~ Dodgers fan
puigpower
None of my friends have ever uttered that. In fact, we’ve all rooted for Freddie and we were happy for him to win. Genuine good guy and great player deserves a ring.
Tero
So AA wouldn’t pay Freddie and traded for/ signed Olson instead. Seems like just last season the Braves were missing some key players and AA tried to replace them with “lesser” players. 2 of them won postseason MVP’s and I’m still waiting on Soler’s HR to land. Braves fans should accept the fact that AA seems to know what he’s doing.
formegn hardgin
Absolutely agree, Also AA said very clearly…they couldn’t afford to wait. And dodgers just would’ve kept outbidding…
Matt_Angel_Bronco_Laker
Teams are still allowed to sign free agents?
Signed, an Angel fan.
Fred McGriff
I’ve got nothing but respect for Freeman as a player. But it’s clear he made it about money, and in this regard, he lost a little bit of that respect, not as a player, but as a human being. I’ll always support him as a player and hope he does well, just not against Atlanta.
richardc
The Braves did make him a very fair offer, he just wasn’t signing anywhere until he got that 6th year.
Freddie stuck to his guns, for better or worse, and as a man, I admire the heck out of him for it. As a Braves fan, I will never forget he left over 1 year and 12mil …
There is honestly a big part of me that feels Freddie really wanted to move back to LA to end his career, and by the Braves not giving him that 6th year that was his “excuse” to leave. Not that he needed one, but I think it meant alot to him to leave the Braves and their fans on good terms…
No Salary Cap For You! (Come Back One Year)
Dodgers win offseason again?
MLB Top 100 Commenter
No, Rangers won the offseason. Dodgers will win the regular season. Dodgers and Altlanta will be front-runners to meet in NL playoffs
Let’s see what happens with Correa and Story before I pick front-runners for AL.
SoCalBrave
My only problem with the Braves is that if they were willing to offer 5/140, why wouldn’t they try 6/150?
That lowers the AVV from 28 to 25 per year and if Freddie declined that, then you could say you tried your best.
Good luck Freddie! The Dodger fans don’t deserve you, but we will always love you
richardc
I heard they offered as high as 5years and 150 mil, but they absolutely refused the 6th year. Liberty Media has to okay the big money deals, and they would not okay a 6 year deal for Freeman, not at those rates. If they really offered 5/150, and Freeman turned it down for 6/162, then I think either Freddie wanted as much money as possible regardless who gave it to him, or he really just wanted to go back to LA and the 6th year and extra 12 mil was just the cherry on top.
richardc
Good lord almighty, Dodgers fans should be sending Terry McGuirk and Liberty Media thank you cards!!
I dont blame AA, he shouldn’t even be forced to have to make budget decisions on their decade long franchise icon and all-star…
That lineup and even their bench is just STUPID AMAZING!!
Trea Turner
Mookie Betts
Freddie Freeman
Max Muncy
Justin Turner
Will Smith
Chris Taylor
Cody Bellinger
AJ Pollock
Their bench: Austin Barnes, Edwin Rios, Gavin Lux, and Matt Beatty…
Plus, heck, knowing the Dodgers they’ll probably have another super stud or two position player just waiting in the wings that’ll get called up when they have an injury or two…
I’m just beyond envious and jealous how well the Dodgers organization is ran. They’ve built up their primary core from their farm system, through nailing picks and trades, and then they aren’t afraid also to spend money to fill in their needs to complete their roster and add depth!!!
I know that doesn’t seem like that difficult of a concept, but the Dodgers do it better than anyone else. The Rays might be the one exception, but they are unable to attract a crowd and thus dont spend enough to make the jump from really good to great. Then, they also have to rebuild every so many years and start over quickly…
I would absolutely LOOOOOVE to see what the Braves and AA could really do if they had a different owner. They’re ran strictly as a business for a profit, nothing more, and it is times like these where you remember just why that really sucks sometimes!!!
TalkSomeSense
Rich
I totally agree for teams with financial clout the Dodgers are the model to follow. Several years ago when SD were going nuts with trades and FA signings many fair weather Jays fans were crying for the Jays to do the same. It takes a few years and patience to develop a good young core and the development infrastructure to build a sustained winner. Build the homegrown core then use FA $$ and prospect capital to supplement it. Jays Mid 80s-Early 90s did just that and have 2 WS to show for it.
richardc
Oh yeah, and I understand, as a fan, it may be difficult to sit through a rebuild, but like you alluded to, building a sustainable contending roster takes time and patience.
The best comparison I can give is like a person that is trying to lose weight. The faster you lose it, the faster you’re right back to where you started. If you take your time, get your diet right, exercise, and lose a little here and there over time, you’re alot more likely to keep those good habits and maintain that weight loss..lol haha
Trying to fast track success only really works in sports like basketball, where one or two players can completely turn around a franchise, but EVEN STILL, the franchise’s that are able to sustain more than a 1 or 2 year run are built through patience and timely free agent acquisitions…
Look at the Jay’s and White Sox now, they both took the time to build up their prospects and MiL systems, they had alot of their young players grow up through their systems together building a new foundation for success, and now they are dealing those rewards. Now, they can fill in their roster holes by spending some money, or by making some trades from their MiL depth, but for teams without a big budget it is all about balance..
Like the Cubs, and the mistakes they made building up to get their championship. They weren’t sustainable because they could not develop enough pitching internally. So, they had to trade too much of their MiL depth away, and by the time their core came up for big paydays they couldnt afford to pay them, because of all the money they spent acquiring pitchers, and basically they were stuck forced to rebuild and retool…
It isn’t easy, especially for markets that put alot of pressure on their teams to Win and win titles..That’s why I was so happy that AA and Coppy were patient not trading away a bunch of prospects when the Braves were rebuilding, or when they first started to rebuild. They could have tried to keep that moderately competitive Braves team going and traded away some top prospects like Albies and Acuna at the time, but they knew they’d only be digging that franchise into a hole of neverending mediocrity…And thank god they didn’t trade away those two prospects at the time. Even then they weren’t sure fire All-Stars, but they let them develop, and they certainly rewarded them for keeping them around.
Pete'sView
I also think this is the method by which Farhan and Harris are guided in San Francisco, though admittedly they have more money. Not everyone can throw money around like the Dodgers and Yankees.
Scotty Bravo
So one year was the deciding factor that he left his home team and fans for. If he wanted to be a Brave and represent with his championship team he could have for the same money minus one year. I’m a HUGE Braves fan and have been forever. Good luck Freddie the ATL will miss you but it’s now known your true motivation. $$$ #ATLWSCHAMPIONS
Mario93
Extra year means another 25-30 million. Whatever he’ll get that last year. Boatload of money though
math
Alternatively… one year was the deciding factor that his home team let him walk for. If they wanted him to be a Brave and represent with his championship team they could have for the same money plus one year. Good luck ATL, Freddie will miss you but it’s now known your true motivation. $$$
BleedingBlue162232
First let me say that despite understanding how much Freddie Freeman helps the Dodgers’ chances of winning the WS for years to come, I truly wanted him to stay in Atlanta, just like I always want Kershaw, Jansen, (wanted Seager, but not for 300+ mil), Buehler — and all our homegrown players to be Dodgers for life.
However, only one of those players playing in another uniform, would cause me to never forgive the current ownership and management…Kershaw of course.
That guy for the Braves and their fans was Freeman, hands down.
So the real question is why in the absolute hell, would the Braves let Freeman walk over 1 year and 22 mil??? That 22 mil would have probably been covered just from the Freeman merchandise sales over the next 6 years alone. If I were a Braves fan, I would be so mad at AA and ownership right now…unbelievable fail on their part.
That’s my opinion anyway
BraveLil'Toaster
They don’t have 22m to burn & be able to compete against the DODGERS at the same time lol.
From a franchise perspective ATL got better even though that hurts to say.
With Freddie ATL likely doesn’t get Rosario or McHugh & would have to fill holes internally. Also would hamstring the payroll in future years being that ATL doesn’t have a mega TV deal to foot the bill.
Filling holes internally with unproven prospects is exactly how you lose to a team like LA when it matters most.
Having Lux in CF hurt LA last year for instance. Great player with a lot of upside but wasn’t ready for the bright lights of the WS in a fairly new position.
smuzqwpdmx
Dodgers Outbid Rays! There’s a headline shocker.
richardc
I just realized this, the Dodgers could have three, different former MVP’s on their roster from the past 3 years, but then also any one of their #’s1-4 hitters could legitimately be the 2022 NL MVP and no one would be surprised whatsoever..(Not to mention, they could also have the Cy Young Award winner in Walker Buehler)
Trea Turner
Mookie Betts
Freddie Freeman
Max Muncy
Has there EVER been a more dominant foursome, all in their prime,to start off a lineup!?!
Not like the rest of their lineup isn’t absurdly good as well, like I posted previously, but good lord what a starting one through four!!
Pacman
Not to pry, but………
Acuna
Albies
Olson
Riley
Its not about what you have done in the past, but what you gonna do……oh, the cost for Braves in 2022 for these four will be 39 Million. The Cost for the Dodgers will be 81 million. Thanks for playing…….
Randomuser4567
I’ll take the Dodgers over the Braves, especially until I see how long it takes Acuna to come back 100%
NashvilleJeff
@Randomuser. How long will it take for Muncy to come back from his elbow injury? Braves GM (AA) said that Acuna should be available to DH by April 21st. Muncy can’t even swing a bat yet. Dodgers “top 4” is just a “top 3” in the comparisons above.
RubexCube1
They actually have 4 former MVPs on their roster. Kershaw, Freeman, Bellinger, Betts
bravesfan
Braves could have and should have done this. The regression risk really isn’t much different for Olsen
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Gavin Lux to A’s for a starting pitcher (or two)? Or do folks think that Lux can defensively handle ss if they do not re-sign Trea at end of season?
fox471 Dave
Yes, he can handle SS, if Turner moves on.
mlbdodgerfan2015
I’ll take the under on Lux. He hasn’t shown that he can hit enough or field enough at SS. It’s going to be really interesting to see what the Dodgers do at SS in 2023. They didn’t want to pay Seager and I’m sure they don’t want to pay T Turner. Best case is if Lux has a breakthrough season but that seems like a fantasy right now.
I’m not sure how much trade value Lux has right now. I’d rather have him become a utility guy and hope that his hitting improves.
braves fan 138
Ya Freddie messed up by not taking the Braves offer which was definitely a fair deal, I’m just saying every player who have made these type of decisions for money over legacy always regret it when they retire.
mlbdodgerfan2015
First, do we really know if Braves officially offered $140mm over five seasons? Second, I don’t think he’s hurting his legacy by joining the hometown Dodgers. He’s going to have a great chance to win another WS. Lastly, really? So, ARod is regretting making all that money? Harper? Cole? Something tells me, no. We fans think all players should do x, y and z, but that’s easy to say when it’s their life that we are talking about and not ours. I’m pretty sure that the ones criticizing such moves would do differently than what they say if they were in the same situation.
beyou02215
I don’t begrudge the Dodgers for signings like this. True, they have a clear competitive advantage in that they are able to sign multiple star players, but there is also risk in these signings. Paying a lot of money to a 32.5 year old 1B, even one (currently) as good as Freeman, is a risk, as was signing Betts to that monster deal, etc. But, having said that, signings like this is why I root for teams like the Rays.
Luke Strong
I wish him success in LA. That team is going to be very good.
Pete'sView
Understatement.
OldSaltUSNR
It must be nice to clear $1B over expenses, year in and year out. Between their marque, historic brand, and owning Chavez Ravine lock, stock, and Dodger dog, they are pretty well positioned to never take a loss. I don’t think the Dodgers owners have ever had a cash call.
I don’t begrudge the Dodgers their success, as they are a legitimately great organization, at every level. And, teams spending less, can beat them. Maybe even, at some future date, the SD Padres.
But, it’s tough fielding teams against that kind of line up. Roberts can make a whole lot of mistakes, and the Dodgers can sustain serious injuries, and still play above .600 ball.
Congrats to the Dodgers, and …
….. GO PADRES!
Brew88
One has to wonder though, with the huge financial advantage that they do have, why they haven’t won a full-season WS in 34 years. Winning isn’t everything though and those are some great players to watch.
BleedingBlue162232
Well, the Dodgers were owned and run by idiots from the late 90’s, until the current ownership took over in 2012. So that covers about half of those 34 years. Obviously, the last 10 years they have been great overall, but found some road blocks in the postseason — better teams 2013-2016, cheaters ( 2017 WS), a better team (2018 WS), a team on a magical run (2019), won the WS (2020), and again a team on a magical run (2021)….another perspective for the 5 seasons is to say that the Dodgers either won the WS or lost to the team that won the WS.
The other part of the equation during the “idiots” era, was they were generally terrible at all other parts of franchise building. They didn’t upgrade Dodger Stadium, they didn’t generally draft well domestically or sign well internationally and they were not very good at player development.
The irony is that during that awful time in Dodgers history, we (the real Dodgers fans, not the dumb bandwagon fans that we don’t like either) were frustrated because there really was no reason for it to happen, other than ownership caring only about profits and not about winning — much like many fan bases complain about currently.
Fast forward to current ownership and management, where they spent the money to upgrade the stadium and fan experience, put the right people in place to draft well domestically, sign well internationally, and develop those players well — plus be willing to spend some of the abundant financial resources — you end up with the current juggernaut the Dodgers are — yet now many other baseball fans hate the Dodgers because ownership and management are doing exactly what those same people wish their own teams would do, lol.
However, all that guarantees is that every year for the last 5 years and many foreseeable future years, the Dodgers will be considered the favorite or one of the favorites to win the WS and almost guaranteed to be in the postseason. Yet, the WS is won every year by the team that is playing the best in October — which we all know can be literally any team that makes the postseason.
Mendoza Line 215
Blue- I do not doubt that what you say is true,and you are clearly proud of the team that you root for,but remember that income In baseball is the basis for winning the WS almost all of the time.
Money is king in MLB.
Large market teams have won 59% of the annual WS since 1991,but comprise only 26.7% of the total number of teams.Middle market teams have won 38% of the time,while comprising 46.7% of the teams.The large market teams have almost 3x the chance of even the best run middle market teams.
The small market teams chances of winning a WS based on a data base of 29 are basically irrelevant.
It is great to crow about your team.But rest assured that team wealth is by far the most important attribute to winning a WS.
Doral Silverthorn
Hey Nori Nakamura was a huge signing! The original #99. And you know you loved the Hee Seop Choi/Dioner Navarro era!
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
I knew it wouldn’t be the Red Sox. Not Chaim Bloom’s style to sign a big free agent like this.
steelehere83
The biggest problem with the Freddie Freeman signing for Dodger fans is that he probably won’t be able to keep Dave Roberts from over managing his bullpen during the playoffs.
Amanda
fun poll question-
what team is now closer to a world series, mets or dodgers?
Chief Two Hands
Mets always find a way to lose
Pete'sView
Depends on how DeGrom and the rest of the Mets rotation hold up.
sax332n86
This deal worries me, as a Dodger fan. Yes, Freeman’s bat makes up for the loss of Seager this year, and likely exceeds it, given how injury prone Seager is. However, you just paid a premium salary for a guy on the wrong side of 30, one that plays a non-premium defensive position. Trea Turner will be a free agent after the season, and if he plays anything like he did last year, he’s going to expect massive money. Letting Seager walk this year was tolerable only because Turner is now plugged in as the every day short stop. If LA opens 2023 with Gavin Lux trying to nail down short stop, and Turner elsewhere, I’m going to seriously wonder if this deal is one of the main reasons why. It isn’t too many years down the road before Buehler and Urias are going to start getting paid as well.
puigpower
Have some faith brother. Lux is a player. Friedman has a plan!
Brew88
Your concerns imply that LA spending has a cap. As we’ve seen it really doesn’t.
mlbdodgerfan2015
There is a limit and we’re starting to see it. This past off-season it was losing Seager. When T Turner, Buehler, Bellinger (assuming bounce back), Smith, Urias, all hit free agency. Can’t keep them all. Dodgers need some of these prospects to turn over into MLB starters. Elite young players help so much from a roster construction viewpoint. They are so cheap and yet so productive. That’s why the Dodgers have been so good for so long. Besides Smith they haven’t developed a field position player in a while. Rios is not proven. Ruiz was dealt. Some pitching prospects with good upside but there isn’t a can’t miss guy in the farm right now that will play the field. Busch? Cartaya? Vargas? Still question marks.
Pete'sView
sax332n86 — As a Dodger fan, I wouldn’t worry too much. As a Giants fan, I worry a lot.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Fair comments, and can certainly see your points. I love having Freeman in 2022, but yeah, at some point the contract could be under water. I’m not sure if the Dodgers extend Trea Turner because Trea Turner may command even more than Seager if he has another crazy year in 2022. Unless Lux shows a lot of improvement with the glove and bat I don’t see how the Dodgers open 2023 with Lux. I think they’re hoping for that but I just don’t see it. Always possible of course. I think a good chance that the starting SS for the Dodgers in 2023 is not on their roster right now, either via trade or free agency. We’ll see.
Albert Belle's corked bat
Obviously, it wasn’t enough but I wonder what the Rays’ offered Freeman.
bravesnation nc
Olson just needs to produce and not try to be Freddie Freeman and the Braves will be fine. Across the board he improved in every category. 22 of his 39 homers came off LH pitching and he bats from the left side. Gold Glove Defense as well. Get chipper in his ear and if he starts to take those hits the other way BA will increase. End of the day, The GA boy went home and the Cali boy did the same. Will deeply Miss FF but now he is the enemy. My Braves FF Jerseys are already in the back of the closet time for Acuna and Company to wreck havoc. Chop On Braves Country!!!!!
BleedingBlue162232
Either you haven’t watched Olson swing a bat or you don’t understand how his swing style affects his ability (lack thereof) to consistently or even intentionally really, hit the ball the other way.
Same issue Bellinger has, save for the first 2 months of the 2019 season. I’d expect if they try to change Olson’s swing or approach, he will go through some of the same struggles Bellinger has (though injuries played the bigger role last season) been going through.
Sometimes it’s better to let them keep doing it, the way they have been for years.
purplesteve6
Andruw Jones was right. The fact that Freddie Freeman is not a Brave is on Freddie Freeman. His legacy was for sale and he sold it. All reports were that the Braves offered 5/$140 and he takes 6/$162 from the Dodgers?! So he was holding out for an extra year and $22 million?!
I get it $22 million is a lot of money, but this completely discounts that he would have been on the market after 5 years and could conceivably commanded $22 for that year anyway (or more!). So, it was the GUARANTEE he needed. Lets say he only got $15 million in that 6th year when he hit FA. That $7 million is the price of his legacy. The statues, the retired numbers, King of Atlanta, beloved forever, and possibly a first ballot hall of famer.
To say that the team should have met this is debatable at best. Freddie and everybody else knew that the Braves weren’t going to compete with the Dodgers in a bidding war.
If Freddie wanted to be in Atlanta, he would be there.
Best Screenname Ever
Completely right purplesteve. Entirely on this guy that he’s not a Brave. I hope he feels a sense of letdown after all this, because he’s going from where he was Freddie Freeman to a place where he’ll be nobody after a few games.
JoeBrady
Same with Betts. The deal that the RS offered him was better than what the LAD gave him. It’s okay for fans to acknowledge that sometimes players just want to leave.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Explain to me how $300mm over 10 years is better than $365 million over 12 years?
bravesnation nc
Purple Steve, I wrote in another post. This is what happens when you Talk out of both sides of your mouth. Said this is where you want to be but you wanted that last year. I get it he secured that 6th year. But the AAV for 5 yrs would have been more. It takes 2 to negotiate.
Say Hey Now Kid
Braves could have ponied up that amount
_Soulrocker_
I’m all honesty I hope this blows up in the dodgers face. I’m so sick and tired of this monopoly by the big markets. Then when the little guy does good it’s treated like a fluke. Smh.
BleedzBlue
We’ll brew your tears into Dodger beers! Cheers!
66TheNumberOfTheBest
Ahhh….the top players are signing with the largest market teams.
And 18 (sorry, 12 team playoffs now) 16 teams will be eliminated on Opening Day.
All is right with the baseball world once again.
Joseph Gonzalez
Congrats on freeman dodger fans ! Deep down I knew my team wouldn’t sign him even before the Rizzo resign as the judge extension talks were about to happen
VegasSDfan
I don’t have a problem with paying a guy, but I would be cautious with someone thats 32, as numbers tail off fast at 32.
Decline year number one will start in 2022
DarrenDreifortsContract
162-0 season confirmed!
Mystery Team
I hope that the Mets, Dodgers, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Red Sox buy up all the good players so it can give all you whiners on here something to really complain about. Just because your favorite teams are too cheap to spend don’t go pissing and moaning about other teams spending their profits on players. It isn’t the Yankees or Mets or Dodgers fault that the Reds and A’s don’t want to spend. To those fans I say maybe you should go to more games and support your team instead of sitting home and whining about how the Reds owner is the worst or the A’s owner is a thief for pocketing his revenue sharing. Have any of you taken notice to how empty those team’s ballparks are? Nothing like spending millions to operate a stadium so 5000 fans can come out and enjoy the games. What a bunch of cry babies already.
Pete'sView
Mystery Team — I guess you throw out the fact that many MLB markets are considerably smaller than those you mention and do not have the mega-dlollar TV revenues.
BeeVeeTee
The Dodgers’ estimated payroll and tax bill for the 2022 season is going to be $345,248,727.00. This all depends on what the MLB is going to do with Trevor Bauer, which I think was one big witch hunt. If the MLB decides to suspend Bauer the Dodgers better hope Freeman can go out there and pitch as well. I am not sold on the Dodgers’ pitching rotation if Bauer is not suspended and still pitching for them.
Best Screenname Ever
Our man thinks punching the crap out of a woman (ALLEGEDLY) is a witch-hunt.
casorgreener
Well if she’s asking for it…lot of freaky women out there when you have money. Not my cup of tea but to each their own…ALLEGEDLY
bhambrave
One of the young ladies allegedly came back for more, so it’s not as black and white as you seem to think.
flamingbagofpoop
Just let them virtue signal, critical thinking isn’t in their programming.
bucsfan0004
She came back and they agreed on a ‘safe’ word. In the first 15 seconds, Bauer choked her unconscious and beat her up. Class act.
Cosmo2
So beating the crap out of a woman is ok if you have her permission?
BleedzBlue
look, he may not be the most likeable cooter shooter out there but the DA found no criminal action worth charging. if you want to convict him in the court of public opinion you do you.
Cosmo2
It’s possible to do something terrible yet not be convicted. Do you wait for a court of law to make a ruling before you’re allowed to make a basic judgement?
Pete'sView
BeeVeeTee — “Witch hunt?” Wow!
BleedzBlue
with such a strong reaction, i take it you believe he should lose everything and never pitch again? what’s the standard for such punishment? he may be a conflicted weirdo with questionable personal judgment but that does not make him a criminal. had a judge issued a restraining order or the DA chose to pursue charges… different conversation.
Cosmo2
His behavior is such that I would prefer he never be allowed to play again
angt222
Freddie gets his bag. Although Atlanta certainly pushed him closer to LA.
JoeBrady
He took one extra year, for an additional $22M, to leave Atlanta and go to LA. And that’s fine. But don’t pretend this had anything to do with Atlanta.
BrewMan22
Can someone please tell me how this makes sense? Yes, the Dodgers have the money, but they already have Max Muncy. At 2nd base they already have Chris Taylor. At 3rd base they have Justin Turner. If they want to move Chris Taylor to centerfield, they already have Cody Bellinger. Are Taylor and Bellinger going to share time?
BleedzBlue
DH – That’s how. You can now effectively rest your fielders and still have elite offensive production. Flexibility is something the Dodgers have valued and used with great results.
greenego23
Muncy/JTurner are probably good for half a season each given how beat up they are. Bellinger a big question mark and Mookie isn’t the spring chicken MVP he was in Beantown. I get why they did it as a Braves fan. Freddie gives them stability and is an amazing player that they’ll love, but let’s not act like he makes them Murderer’s Row all of a sudden. He’s an upgrade from Seager, but Trea is FA next year and they have alot of age. Also… love Will Smith at C, but he’s gonna play 75% of the time and Lux isn’t the stud everyone thought. Above average offense, but let’s reel it in a bit.
Pete'sView
I dunno. Looks like a “Murderer’s Row” to me.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Freeman will get most of 1B and Muncy will get most of 2B. DH will allow the Dodgers to give regulars rest. I suspect J Turner will get a good chunk of that time. Taylor can play every position except P/C/1B, same for Lux but from the left side and obviously not as good results. As good as Taylor is he is more valuable when you factor is his versatility versus as just being an everyday player.
dodgersdan
Probable lineup is something like:
Trea Turner SS
Mookie Betts RF
Freddie Freeman 1B
Justin Turner 3B
Max Muncy 2B
Will Smith C
A.J. Pollock DH
Cody Bellinger CF
Chris Taylor LF
Taylor can also sub for Justin Turner at 3B or Max Muncy at 2B for them to get time at DH.
AnotherBravesFan
Hopefully history repeats itself for when the dodgers signed Andruw Jones.
BleedzBlue
Wow, save some of that salt for the nasty food they serve at Suntrust
mlbnyyfan
Everyone used to complain the Yankees signing up everyone but no one complains now about the Dodgers becoming Evil Empire West.
Pete'sView
mlbnyyfan — Of course we do.
mlbdodgerfan2015
At some point even the Dodgers won’t be able to spend at these levels. I suspect that the clock is ticking. More of the younger players are becoming free agents in the next year or two, and this will be second year in a row the Dodgers go over the limit. They need to quickly find cheaper options in the minors. Seems like there are some pitching options coming up soon but the bats have been elusive.
bhambrave
@BleedzBlue: I agree with your sentiment about the OP, but have you ever eaten at Truist? It’s pretty good food, overall.
BleedzBlue
many times. as a dodgers fan that’s relocated east… the best baseball to watch is in atl. love the stadium… food is very meh.
JoeBrady
The good part is that Boras’ trusted writers no longer have to pretend that the Red Sox are interested in Freeman. I seriously, seriously doubt there was any interest.
bravesnation nc
Funny how people say Braves pushed him to the Dodgers. The offer from the Braves was more than fair. Factoring the difference in taxes and other financial factors Braves offer wasn’t that different except the extra yr. LA bailed him out. No other team would have went that Length at that money. Braves had the strongest 5 yr deal on the table and were willing to go above the 27 AAV through age 36. Andruw Jones and baseball writers said the same thing if he wanted to remain a Brave he would have. When the Braves traded for Olson then locked him up for 8yrs that’s when it hit home. AA did what was best for the Org and the other 24 guys in that clubhouse to keep them competitive just like he has done since he got there.
User 1580013680
Bring it home Freddie!!!
bhambrave
Seeing how close the deals were and how little Freddie signed for, I’m disappointed the Braves and Freddie couldn’t work something out, not just because I wanted Freddie back, but also because I didn’t want them to lose Langeliers. That’s really going to hurt down the road, I think.
Poster formerly known as . . .
You can call him Freddie, but he wasn’t free, man.
Poster formerly known as . . .
I’m thinking this might make it easier for the Yankees to pass on extending Judge.
Rocker49
So sad to see him go to Los Karens, an organization and fans that cry and complain daily.
Poster formerly known as . . .
You do realize that you just . . .
never mind.
fox471 Dave
Such a silly and sad comment. We Angelenos realize that watching success of another team year after year after year must be debilitating for folks like you. You have our deepest sympathies. Oh, by the way, the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl. Sorry …..again.
Mickey Steverman
This just makes me absolutely sick. Sick that they can justify “needing” Freddie Freeman and spend like this. Yes other teams spend a lot but the Dodgers are so over the top it makes me wonder what all that CBA bickering was really about. The worst part is the Rays never had a chance, nor did anyone else it seems. In the end the Dodgers just flex their wallet and that’s that. So they lose Seager and maybe there’s some hope they come back to earth a little, but then the Braves get cheap and it works out for LA. I like Freeman (hard not to), but I don’t think anyone should be rooting for him now. This is borderline collusion.
BleedzBlue
lighten up francis. for every player the dodgers target they lose out on many more. FF is a good guy and i think he deserved the money regardless of where he went. so the dodgers are bad because they offered 6 years but the poor braves are good because they stopped at 5. plenty of teams “could” and i’m sure they tried. la just won this time.
JoeBrady
1-The Braves didn’t get cheap. Their offer was very similar to the LAD.
2-No idea what the collusion remark was for.
3-The Rays (and RS) were never in on FF. He was just using them and the Braves to get the best deal.
Mickey Steverman
Do people really think what the Dodgers are doing is okay? Do they really need him? You can’t tell me that roster wasn’t already more than capable of winning the World Series.
BraveLil'Toaster
MLB wanted to lower the luxury tax limit for examples exactly like this. PA stuffed it so teams like L.A. can cherry pick the best of the best.
Everyone wanted players to get paid & it’s big market teams like LA & NY that are happy to oblige them.
Contract turns into a pumpkin? They could literally care less because money is no object.
Hell, the Dodgers TV deal alone pays them all they need.
mlbdodgerfan2015
By definition yes the Dodgers needed Freeman. Last year’s team did not win the World Series and lost a key player in Seager and lost other pieces too, and likely means Jansen is gone.
The starting pitching also has question marks. How dare they try to improve their team! What’s wrong with Friedman?
Clif
What’s wrong with it…. The Dodgers have to buy their world series in order to get in. The Dodgers spend over $300 million a year, while small market teams are lucky if they can spend $120 without going in the hole. I would love to see the Dodgers payroll at around $140. a year to see what kind of team they really are. But no…….They won’t! They will continue to out spend most teams, and steal players that were developed on other teams. That is who the Dodgers are. They don’t believe in playing on the same field as most other teams have to play on. 2/3 of the teams in baseball cannot compete with the spending of the Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Yankees, Astros, to mention a few. Every other sport has a salary cap, and baseball needs one also.
JoeBrady
Mickey Steverman4 hours ago
Do people really think what the Dodgers are doing is okay?
===================================
I am. They’ll pay the tax.
FWIW, I’m a RS fanatic, and folks use to say that about the Yankees all the time. But the only time the Yankees were really good were when they developed the Core Four.
Which is basically what the Dodgers are They aren’t purists, but most of the expense is related to the players they developed.
Thought of another way, if free agency wasn’t a real thing, they would have Seager instead of Freeman. Is that a big deal?
Rsox
@JoeBrady
Agreed. The Rays were never serious beyond maybe due diligence. And i don’t think the Red Sox or the Yankees for that matter were ever really in, they are just spectres for agents to throw out to scare other teams
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
The MLB is broken
BraveLil'Toaster
The rich get richer
C’est la vie
dodgerfan
Well this is a heck of a headline to wake up to….welcome Freddie Freeman
BraveLil'Toaster
Don’t act surprised lol
Clif
This is why small market teams like the Twins, Brewers, and Royals fans hate teams like the Dodgers. I saw one comment from a Dodger Fan named Lakers, said that the Dodgers also have a lot of home grown talent. No Kidding…… Every team can make that claim! . The big difference, is that 80 to 90% of small market teams are made up of home grown talent, or cheap free agents. They cannot afford
Clif
This is why small market teams like the Twins, Brewers, and Royals fans hate teams like the Dodgers. I saw one comment from a Dodger Fan named Lakers, said that the Dodgers also have a lot of home grown talent. No Kidding…… Every team can make that claim! . The big difference, is that 80 to 90% of small market teams are made up of home grown talent, or cheap free agents. They cannot afford these players. Imagine the Brewers with Betts, Scherzer, Freeman….With the pitching staff the Brewers have, they would be world series favorites. However, small market teams cannot afford to outbid teams like the Dodgers. Small market teams are lucky if they can afford to have more than one large contract on their team. Baseball needs a salary cap to make it fair across the board. I am glad my team is not from a large market, because I would know that they just bought themself a ring, and really didn’t earn it. When teams like the Twins can only afford around $100 million, and the Dodgers can spend over $300 million….How is that fair! A salary cap is needed now!
braves fan 138
100% agree the dodgers have lot of home grown talent that said they also can go get a Bauer and Freeman and even trade them for more prospects and then say they are home grown
Clif
Here is a thought for Baseball….. Create two leagues, and two world series. Teams that spend over 160 million a year are in one league, and teams that spend under 160 million are in another league. Let the Yankees, Dodgers, Astros, Philly, Mets, Red sox play in one league. That would be about 10 teams playing against each other all the time. The second league would consist of 20 teams. I wonder how fans from those teams that spend over 160 million would feel about playing the same teams all the time. That they would have to compete everyday against other teams that spend as much as they do. At least there would be parity in baseball, and it would make it fair for everyone by playing on the same playing field in terms of money spent.
proof2006
You have it backwards the mlb needs a salary floor to force teams to spend an appropriate amount.
Clif
A lot of teams do spend what they can, and it still does not compare to the top 10 teams that spend almost $300 million a year like the Dodgers. The Brewers are a good example…. Two years ago they spent around $120 million, and were barely able to get by without going in the hole. If small market teams spent money like large market teams…..They wouldn’t be around very long. Is there 3 or 4 teams out there that spend less than they could….Yes! There are a few teams spending around 70 or 80 million that could spend more, and not go in the hole. However, most of those teams cannot spend over $120 million. Even if they spend $120…. How is that fair compared to the Dodgers spending over $300. It is like comparing apples to oranges. If you are a fan from a large market team, I hope you are happy that your team has to buy a world series in order to get one.
BleedzBlue
let’s take out 2020 (for obvious reasons)… from 2010-2019 only once did a team with the highest payroll win the world series. Boston in 2018. Only three times were the winners in the top 5. KC / ***Houston*** both won (**cheated**) ranked 17. just because you care about winning doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to do it. does money buy you a better shot? yep. and i can buy a faster car by writing a bigger check. ain’t money great?
proof2006
Let’s use the twins as an example. Their payroll is only $15mm more than what they get from the ESPN deal. You’re ok with teams just pocketing that money? Between local and national tv contracts every team receives at least $100mm.
Chief Two Hands
Ffs, Clif grow up and stop whining. Also, stop liking your own comments…that’s even more pathetic.
Ya'll a bunch of salty crybabies
CRY!
puigpower
Dodgers lost two draft picks signing Freeman. Paying a huge amount of tax. Still willing to do it because they are committed to winning.
Compare the Dodgers to the Padres or Giants. Compare the Rays to the Rockies. You can see the differences clear as day. It’s not a money thing.
Polish Hammer
Good thing the labor negotiations led to a fair a level playing field for all teams.
Pacman
Dear Freddie,
As a lifetime Braves fans, I hate to see you go. But like many that went on before you, life will move on for the Braves and also its fans. I already have my calendar circled for the Dodger series and I will be there to applaud you for the class act you were in your time in Atlanta. For that I say Thank You!!!
However, as I truly reflect on the past few days, I have come to believe you received bad advice somewhere. It became evident in conversations with Chipper and “Druw” that you would have the opportunity to be a Brave if you wanted to. I believe you chose not to be. Freddie, you see, you will make nearly $300 million dollars in your lifetime plus any endorsement deals. How much is enough? These are astronomical numbers that only a few can really understand. To be honest, I’m not sure you truly understand them…….My daughter put it in perspective last night when she pointed out to me that you would make more money in one game this year than her family would in the next two years combined, yet she lacks nothing. Jealousy??? Hardly!! Just reality that you chose money over everything else.
In conclusion, enjoy your time in LA and what will likely be another Championship or two, but please, don’t consider yourself a Brave when, and if, it comes time to select a logo for Cooperstown. Though you will forever be remembered in Atlanta by most, I’m just afraid most of Braves country will remember you for selling out…..
JoeBrady
Maybe Freddie just wanted to go to LA. That stuff happens.
IjustloveBaseball
Kind of what I’m thinking. Freeman’s a SoCal guy, so I’m wondering if once he knew the Dodgers were going to make an effort in bringing him aboard, maybe it became an uphill battle for the Braves.
puigpower
Did you listen to his press conference? He was very clear that the Braves had no communication. Didn’t even tell him about the trade. Two calls all off-season.
CrikesAlready
AJ Preller is so screwed. He abandoned developing minor league talent at a discount for dumping tons of money into aging and injured players.
He doesn’t have Dodger money and he is being annihilated when it comes to free agents and even developing minor Leaguers. In a way, I hope Freddie Freeman is in competition for a triple crown and makes the Padres look like even more pathetic losers. AJ must go.
JoeBrady
Every trade he’s ever made gave up young talent and added payroll. You can do that once or twice, but not every trade.
Hard to walk with four balls
I hope the Dodgers lose all 162 games until Trevor Bauer is released and then they can go on a hundred year drought.
joblo
Wow, just wow.
Thornton Mellon
The discussion above with Freeman and Olson reminds me that WAR is an imperfect metric and over-magnifies position. I think you can overvalue the glove, and that a superior offensive player provides more value to a team than does the value saved with the glove.
A few examples:
1. The Yankees had the worst defensive shortstop in the history of MLB in terms of “runs saved” yet still kept Jeter at the position throughout his career AND re-routed a superior offensive and defensive SS in A-Rod to play 3B. That didn’t prevent the Yankees from winning.
2. Cal Ripken posted 2 years of 10 WAR. His offensive #’s in the 80s were excellent for a SS, but did he really do more for the offense and helping the team win overall than did Eddie Murray, who played 1B and had less WAR as a result? Murray batted 4th behind Ripken to protect him from being walked to death.
3. There are hundreds of examples of poor fielding teams who go on to the playoffs and WS, but many examples of good fielding teams which fell short. I think Freeman got 6 years not because he’s a few runs above average defensively with his glove but because he can put up .295 and 30 HR each year.
Speaking of Murray – BR’s equivalent of Freeman – Murray produced a 159 OPS+ and led MLB in batting average in his age 34 season for LA, while having 2 other above average seasons. Certainly the Dodgers would be perfectly happy with that kind of output from Freeman on the back 9 of his career.
BraveLil'Toaster
Then there are teams like the recent Phillies. Usually have the firepower but consistently shoot themselves in the foot with errors.
I still subscribe to great pitching & good defense being the best way to win. Obviously the offense has to chip in also but I don’t think it has to be murderer’s row to get the win.
You can look at the WS winners that aren’t in the top 5 in spending for examples there. Sometimes timely offense is enough.
I can’t say I still don’t want Freddie back because I do…
But Olson is younger, cheaper, equal or better defense, & has more power.
It allows the Braves to fill holes. They don’t have Dodger money to spread around.
Freddie could be in ATL now w/ a 5 yr deal @ the same AAV & worry about the 6th year when it got to that.
The 6th year was more important than being a Brave…
Here’s to signing McHugh, Rosario, & hopefully Soler!
getrealgone2
He never wanted to play in Atlanta unless the Braves were going to pay him a premium to stay. He wanted the opposite of a hometown discount. I say adios, Fred.
bhambrave
So long, Freddie. It was great while it lasted.
Old York
Time to join the Dodger bandwagon.
User 2079935927
They had Pujols for the better part of last year. You would think they wouldn’t hand out a contract like this to a player on the wrong side of 32. They’re going to regret the last 3 years of it.
ChiSoxCity
The Dodgers payroll was $231MM BEFORE this deal. How is that good for baseball when one team is allowed to spend more than 3 teams combined? Either do something about a salary floor for owner investment, or adopt a salary cap that promotes competition. The NL West is a dumpster fire.
Best Screenname Ever
It’s good for Boras and we’re all supposed to clap our hands because the union ‘won’.
proof2006
And the twins spend less than they receive in revenue sharing and ESPN money.
Dodgerbleu
Do you mean how is it good for baseball when teams are allowed to pay 1/5 the salary of other teams, as the Pirates are compared to the Dodgers and Mets?
What is better, telling the top teams to stop spending, or telling the bottom team to start? The whole lockout was centered around the matter, so we know what MLPBA thinks on the matter.
Mech986TRtt
Tell the F’in bottom dweller and spending teams to quit being cheap, treating their fans like dirt (or vice-versa) and try to put a winning product out on the field. And if your fan base won’t support you, then move your team to a city or town that will. Tired of teams spending less than the revenue share they get, that’s just standing around for a handout with putting out a AA or AAA product. Agree, put a salary floor out there of at least 100-120M every year or lose 15-25% of your revenue share for a sub .375 team.
If you’re not incentivized to win, then what the h3ll are you doing being the owner of an MLB franchise? If you’re not competitive 5 yea in a row (at least 3rd in division at least once in 5 years, then your franchise should be given/sold to someone else who will make/spend force the team to become competitive.
Best Screenname Ever
Talk about a misplayed hand. Freeman tried to strong arm the Braves for $200MM, it didn’t work and all it meant in the end was he got the same amount in real value over 1 more year, with lots of bad feelings all around.
Ya'll a bunch of salty crybabies
S. A. L. T. Y. That is all.
bravesnation nc
Unbelievable. Great contract for him and his family in the future deferred amount. I can not blame a father and husband for that ever.
getrealgone2
Fred’s agent tried to play tough. AA said go screw. Went with Olson. AA is legit. Freddie comes out looking disingenuous. He lied about getting contracts during the season. His ego got hurt because the Braves didn’t immediately give him some insane contract. AA is one of the best damn GMs in baseball.
Wilmer the Thrillmer
In my opinion, the fact that Freddie deferred so much of his contract that it actually brought down the value of his contact to $140mil (which is about what Atlanta offered for 5 years), tells me that Freddie wanted to end his career back in his home state and where he actually lives.
He was in many ways the greatest Atlanta Brave ever with his upbeat personality, great relationship with the fans and media and his great hitting and fielding. Many would argue that Chipper is the greatest (no argument here) or that Henry Aaron was (his prime was in Milwaukee).
I feel for Braves fans because it feels like they lost their friend, but he could not have left on a better note and I wouldn’t be too hard on AA and the Braves front office. No first baseman from age 32 to 38 should make this much money.
I think Freddie will continue to be excellent for another few years and the last 2 or 3 years he’ll lose mobility in the field and his offense will trend towards average. But at least he’ll always be one of the great personalities in the game and a great influence in the clubhouse.
This contract reminds me of the Adrian Gonzales contract. Gonzales was a perennial Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and truly an outstanding player and good guy but he fell off a cliff after his 34th birthday. He had a mediocre year in his age 34 season then was terrible after that.
Freddie had another great year in 2021 but his wRC+ in 2021 was the lowest since 2015. You look for trends.
Bottom line Olson goes home to Georgia and Freeman goes home to California. Olson will be the better player for the next 6 years. Maybe not in 2022, but overall without a doubt.
TradeAcuna
Their lineup is the best sure, but their pitching is not.
wifflemeister
“brings the real present value of the contract closer to $140MM.”
Which is exactly what the Braves offered for 5 years.
It is too late at this point but If I were Freeman, I would be hunting a new agent.
Wildcard51
Lol, that was my thoughts too. Instead of making 28 a year it’s going to be closer to 17. I’m sure we’ll never know the whole story, but it certainly seems either his bluff was called by the Braves or he never intended to come back. This certainly doesn’t seem like the “massive” offer that LA was said to have presented before things came to a quick conclusion.
justme1
Chipper told off on Freddie . Buster Onley Article is awesome. Doesn’t make Freddy look good. I believe chipper over Freddie
bravesnation nc
I just read that Olney piece and Chipper told the straight truth behind ALL of it. It was about going back home to Cali. The Braves would have given him same amount. His agents had big market team in their sights the whole time for one last “Big Payday”. SMH. Chipper was bothered clearly on how Freddie’s side handled it. They tried to bluff the Braves it didn’t work and the Dodgers bailed him out on the years but overall not on the money. Legacy lost over stupidity!!!!!!!
wifflemeister
I read the Olney article. What I came away with was that Freeman trusted his agent (Excel Sports Mgmt) who tried to play hardball without understanding the rules. Freeman’s behavior was exactly what I would expect from him-trust those you believe in to have your best interests at heart. It is unfortunate that Excel just wanted to get in a chest-thumping, testosterone fueled poo fight.
They really put AA in a situation where he did what he had to do. It hurt Freeman and could have hurt the Braves if not for AA being the best GM in MLB.
Excel Sports Management fubared this deal. They are the only ones here that should be blamed.
Chief Two Hands
That is comical all around..”best gm in baseball?” Be realistic.
Mendoza Line 215
Chief-Not if the definition of such is the GM of the last World Championship team.
wifflemeister
I said it. You read it. It must be true. It’s on the internet!
bravesnation nc
Dodgers bailed him and his agents out. They tried shopping to big market teams “Yankees, Red Sox” and they all balked at agents demands. Tampa Bay tried a overpay because they have too. I get getting your player the best deal, but it wasn’t the best deal! Over the years”32 years as a Braves fan”Reading articles on the Braves I’ve noticed when Chipper speaks about what’s going on with the club he doesn’t pull any punches. If it’s jacked up it’s jacked up. 1st ballot HOFamer who is going tell him about what is going on with the club. Even more of a reason to stack this team and kick they’re a** this year.
RobM
It was quite clear listening to Freddie’s answers that the Braves really never stepped forward and he was a bit surprised. He said, he never thought he would leave the Braves. He heard about the Olson trade while at the gym. The Braves never called him or showed much interest. I thought his most “interesting” comment related to AA’s tears. He had no comment. His voice implied it might have been a “Broadcast News” moment and the tears weren’t real.
marcfrombrooklyn
I don’t understand the purpose of the deferrals. Freddie gets the equivalent of $140 million over six years rather than $162 million but the Dodgers pay a CBT based on the annual average value of $27 million, not $23 1/3 million. That costs the Dodgers almost $3 million in CBT in 2022 alone compared to a true $140 million non-deferred contract and almost certainly more over the duration of the contract. The Dodgers don’t have cashflow issues. If anything, a longer term for similar money would cut the AAV and cost the team less in CBT payments and pay Freddie the same or better..
LCNow
Think agency screwed over Freddy. Three teams were never considered including Braves. Agency set only on 6th year only. Dodgers were last in play and overplayed for Freddy. Then they put Freddy on a long layaway plan and in reality Freddy loses out on interest he loses while waiting til 2040 on his money. Agents misplayed Freddy’s contract. Feel Bad for Freddy.
ATL95
Freddie didn’t really care if he ended back in ATL. He only cared about that 6th year, that he had been holding out for over a year. His agents miscalculated the Braves desperation with their absurd ultimatum offers that were way over what he ended up with from the Dodgers. I’ll miss his energy and leadership. His production though, has been replaced. Now, if wanted, they may be able to extend Dansby,
LordD99
So is that $57MM deferred, or over 1/3 the contract, which lowers the value by MLB luxury tax calculations, and the Braves still couldn’t afford him? You can tell by Freddie’s words he was unhappy with the Braves, who didn’t even call him.
Holy Cow!
The deferred money does not lower the CBT calc. Freeman’s AAV of $27MM is the hit for the CBT. And since the Dodgers were already over the threshold, they will be paying quite a bit of tax due to signing Freeman. Maybe this was the LAD rationale for the deferrals when negotiating the contract
acmeants
A bit of sour grapes from Freddie but he could have made up his mind sooner. AA saw the handwriting on the wall and had to get a first baseman, so he made a deal or be shut out. The lockout did not help matters. C’est la vie. Let’s give Freddie a big ovation and welcome when the Dodgers come to town.
socalblake
I’ll buy his jersey. Political but not political. Kinda like vamos Brandono.