While many consider the Los Angeles Dodgers the favorites to sign free agent superstar Freddie Freeman, multiple other suitors have remained involved in negotiations.
The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays appear to have moved on based on their respective deals over the past two days, but the Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays reportedly are still in the picture for Freeman.
It is unlikely any of those teams would be able to outbid the Dodgers, as the Padres and Red Sox would reportedly need to cut payroll to make a deal happen. Furthermore, the Rays have never gone too far past a $100 million payroll.
However, despite their limited budget, the Rays are making a concerted effort to sign the 2020 National League MVP, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
Word going around is Rays are being aggressive in Freddie Freeman talks. Hard to believe they are in at all on a free agent superstar to begin with. If they can outbid the Dodgers and Red Sox and everyone else, that would be something.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 16, 2022
While the Rays might not be able to outbid the Dodgers, they could potentially convince Freeman to join on a six-year contract, which is what he has been looking for.
The Dodgers so far have reportedly tried to sign Freeman on a shorter-term, high average annual value deal. The latest indication was L.A. offered a contract for four years.
Teams may have also begun to receive clarity over the Freeman negotiations as a flurry of moves have taken place over the last few days, including Kyle Schwarber signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Blue Jays trading for Matt Chapman, and the Yankees re-signing Anthony Rizzo.
Dodgers players hopeful for Freeman
Shortly after Corey Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers, multiple Dodgers players relayed their interest in Freeman. More recently, Max Muncy volunteered to switch to second base, and Cody Bellinger and Clayton Kershaw have been among those to speak highly of Freeman from Spring Training camp at Camelback Ranch.
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