MLB Rumors: Dodgers, Yankees, Braves Interested In NL MVP Free Agent
Arguably the best position player in MLB free agency is still unsigned just hours before Thursday’s expected lockout. While the likes of Corey Seager, Max Scherzer and Marcus Semien have all inked lucrative contracts with new teams, Freddie Freeman remains on the open market.
Freeman has spent his entire career with the Atlanta Braves, and it’s long been assumed that the first baseman would remain with the 2021 World Series champions. The two sides have not yet worked out a deal, opening the door for another team to lure the veteran away from Atlanta.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are interested in Freeman, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports. The Boston Red Sox could also be a fit for Freeman, according to Morosi.
Freddie Freeman is the superstar free agent to watch today. While many have expected him to return to Atlanta, the Yankees and Dodgers are among the teams with interest, as @JonHeyman has noted. Freeman also could fit the Red Sox. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 1, 2021
Word is Freeman had been seeking about $180M for 6 years. Seems reasonable to me. If that’s it, Braves should just pay him.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 30, 2021
Both Los Angeles and New York have money to spend, considering they’ve been quiet this offseason. The Dodgers watched Seager and Scherzer leave in free agency. The Yankees have yet to add a major-league player via free agency or a trade.
Seager’s departure could allow the Dodgers to shift around their infielders and create an opening for Freeman at first base. The Yankees have yet to re-sign first baseman Anthony Rizzo, whom New York acquired at the trade deadline.
Boston has been relatively quiet and could benefit from adding an everyday first baseman, as well.
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that Freeman is seeking a six-year, $180 million contract. Freeman had previously rejected Atlanta’s five-year, $135 million offer, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Freeman is among MLB’s most consistent and underrated players. The 32-year-old hit .300/.393/.503 with 31 home runs and a league-high 120 runs scored in the 2021 regular season. Freeman posted a 1.045 OPS in 16 playoff games, leading the Braves to their first championship in 26 years.
Braves have checked in on A’s star 1B Matt Olson, presumably as a contingency plan in case Freddie Freeman leaves via free agency. Most still have a hard time envisioning Freeman in any other uniform but Braves want to be prepared.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 1, 2021
Freeman won the 2020 NL MVP award. The five-time All-Star has finished in the top-10 in MVP voting in four straight years and six times total since 2013.
In 12 MLB seasons, Freeman is hitting .295/.384/.509 with 271 home runs.
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