Coming out of the MLB lockout, the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays were the clubs most frequently linked to Freddie Freeman during free agency. That grew to include the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox in recent days.
As Freeman remained among the top free agents, his market seemingly dwindled after the Braves acquired Matt Olson, Yankees re-signed Anthony Rizzo and Blue Jays completed a trade for Matt Chapman.
While the Dodgers continued to be the most logical fit for the 32-year-old, they had strong competition from the Rays, who reportedly offered Freeman his desired six-year contract length.
The Dodgers initially tried luring Freeman with a four-year contract and high average annual salary (AAV), but secured his commitment once they matched the Rays’ offer, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
He heavily considered the Rays, who were in it until the end with a six-year offer, according to sources. But once the Dodgers, who initially offered a four-year deal, matched the sixth year, returning home to Southern California played a key role in his decision, per sources.
Per multiple reports, Freeman signing with the Dodgers came with bypassing an opportunity to receive a more lucrative contract from another team. That presumably was from the Rays, who are believed to be the only other team to offer six years.
Freeman has been a model of consistency the past six seasons, with the stretch including winning National League MVP in 2020. The Southern California native has also strung together four consecutive All-Star campaigns and earned a Silver Slugger Award each of the past three years.
The Dodgers didn’t have a pressing need at first base, but signing Freeman helps fill the void created with Corey Seager joining the Texas Rangers on a 10-year, $325 million contract.
Dodgers didn’t pursue Olson before Freeman signing
When it became evident the Oakland Athletics would listen to offers for Olson, multiple teams tried acquiring him before the Braves were successful. The Dodgers, however, did not pursue the 27-year-old as they were focused on signing Freeman.
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