After Freddie Freeman helped lead the Atlanta Braves to their first World Series title since 1995, the general assumption was the two parties would quickly agree to a new contract in free agency.
However, Freeman was not among the top free agents to sign before the MLB lockout began in December. That was followed by reports the Braves were unwilling to include a sixth year in their contract offer.
Freeman remaining on the open market fueled speculation he could potentially wind up signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Yankees.
Alex Wood did sign prior to free agency coming to a halt, agreeing to a two-year, $25 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. Considering he is remaining in the National League West, Wood expressed a preference that Freeman doesn’t join the division, which Justin Turner disagreed with.
#DislikeButton ð€£ð€£ð€£ https://t.co/ZoJhmyEjNM
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) February 21, 2022
The notion that the Dodgers would pursue Freeman seemingly became more likely when Corey Seager signed a 10-year contract with the Texas Rangers.
Freeman is not a direct replacement for Seager at shortstop — that instead is Trea Turner — but being a left-handed hitter does further help balance the Dodgers’ lineup.
Braves manager Brian Snitker recently acknowledged the possibility of Freeman signing elsewhere when the lockout ends and said the club would have to keep going if their worst-case scenario becomes a reality.
Freeman to entertain contract offers
In addition to Snitker speaking with uncertainty surrounding Freeman’s future, Braves legend Chipper Jones suggested a split was certainly plausible.
Jones relayed Freeman harbored some frustration with the Braves over contract negotiations and would entertain offers from other teams.
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