Prior to the MLB lockout, there was a frenzy of activity that saw multiple stars change teams and many other players receive a new contract, including Los Angeles Dodgers free agents Corey Seager, Max Scherzer and Chris Taylor.
One name still left on the market, however, is long-time Atlanta Braves star Freddie Freeman, who should be one of the most popular names once a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is in place.
While it has been assumed he would eventually return to Atlanta, Freeman reportedly grew impatient because the defending World Series champions didn’t offer him a contract. That has led to some doubt that he will return and opened the door for other teams to make a play for the first baseman.
The possibility of losing a franchise legend isn’t something Braves manager Brian Snitker would like to deal with, but he recognizes it is a realistic possibility and says the club would just have to keep going if their worst-case scenario does become a reality, via Jeff Schultz of the Athletic:
“Right now, I know we can’t sign him. I might feel (worse) if it was a normal offseason. So we’ll see. I hope we have him, but I don’t know what’s going to happen. I have no idea where guys are going to end up. Those GMs aren’t even talking to agents or anybody, but I guarantee you they’re up there with their lieutenants, plotting strategy for when the dam breaks.
“We lost Ronald Acuña and kept going. We lost (Jorge) Soler for an extended period, but you keep playing. Do you like that? No. But you keep going. Do I want Freddie back? Absolutely. Why wouldn’t I? But it may not happen. It’s the way business is. But I’m not freaking out about it right now. Last year, we lost Player A, and we kept going. We lost player B, C, D, E, F, and we just kept going. It’s what we do.”
The Dodgers have already been connected to the Southern California native and he would be a logical fit to replace the production lost when Seager joined the Texas Rangers.
L.A. could use Freeman at first base while Max Muncy plays second base, or either of the two could become the team’s designated hitter as the position is likely coming to the National League this season.
Multiple prominent Dodgers players are said to be in favor of signing the former MVP.
Yankees to pursue Freeman
If the Dodgers do make a push to sign Freeman, they wouldn’t be without strong competition as the New York Yankees are also interested in his services.
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