Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Featured > MLB Free Agency Rumors: Dodgers Matching Rays’ 6-Year Contract Offer ‘Played Key Role’ In Freddie Freeman Decision
FeaturedRumors

MLB Free Agency Rumors: Dodgers Matching Rays’ 6-Year Contract Offer ‘Played Key Role’ In Freddie Freeman Decision

Matt Borelli
April 7, 2022
3 Min Read
Freddie Freeman, 2022 Spring Training
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

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.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Freddie FreemanLos Angeles DodgersTampa Bay Rays
ByMatt Borelli
Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

James Outman, 2024 Spring Training
FeaturedGame CentralSpring Training

Spring Training Recap: Gavin Lux, Miguel Vargas & James Outman Shine In Dodgers’ Split-Squad Win Against Brewers

March 2, 2024
March 2, 2024
Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, Justin Turner, Walker Buehler, 2020 Spring Training
Dodgers NewsFeaturedSpring Training

Revised 2021 Dodgers Spring Training Schedule Eliminates Split-Squad Games, Brings More Night Starts

February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021
Joc Pederson, 2020 Spring Training
FeaturedVideo

Dodgers Summer Camp Highlights: Joc Pederson, Chris Taylor Hit Home Runs

July 11, 2020
July 11, 2020
Adam-liberatore
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Adam Liberatore, Hyun-Jin Ryu Have Successful Elbow Surgeries

October 5, 2016
March 28, 2017

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어