Coming off their first World Series championship since 1995, it was widely expected the Atlanta Braves and franchise icon Freddie Freeman would quickly work out a new contract in free agency. That never transpired, however, as the sides reportedly disagreed over the inclusion of a sixth year on a potential deal.
With business having resumed now that a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is in place, teams are scurrying to round out their roster before Opening Day. The Braves seemingly closed the book on a potential reunion with Freeman by acquiring All-Star first baseman Matt Olson from the Oakland Athletics.
Atlanta gave up four of their top 14 prospects to acquire Olson and have since signed him to an eight-year, $168 million contract extension that runs through the 2029 season.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Dodgers were not involved in trade talks for Olsen as they remained focused on signing Freeman:
#Dodgers were not in on Matt Olson trade talks. #Yankees were and made an offer, but sensed that Oakland was laser focused on a deal with the Braves. No wonder. One AL exec (not from NYY): “The A’s made an incredible deal.”
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 14, 2022
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. Some believed they would potentially look to acquire Olson once the A’s began to dismantle their roster.
L.A. reportedly offered Freeman a four-year contract with a high annual average — which was a similar deal they proposed to Bryce Harper when he was a free agent — but ultimately came to terms on a six-year deal.
“I would love to see Freddie Freeman in a Dodger uniform. Who wouldn’t? He’s a heck of a ballplayer,” manager Dave Roberts answered last week when asked about the Dodgers’ potential interest in Freeman.
Freeman gets six years from Dodgers
Although teams began to drop out over the past few days, Freeman wound up securing his desired six-year contract anyhow. The $162 million guarantee is below what most projected, but the All-Star first baseman gets a chance to play for his hometown team.
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