Atlanta Braves should offer Freddie Freeman an extension now

Let’s Try This on for Size

Let’s lock up Freeman through his age 38 season.  A first baseman should be able to last that long:  I’d have many more qualms about Yelich running about in the outfield by that age, but that’s why this is different.

Here’s a humbly-submitted offer, then… it’s not my money to spend, but this would seem to be a solid investment:

• 2021:  tear up the existing contract for that season and add $4 million to it… $25 million.  That’s his ‘age 31’ season.
• 2022-2027:  6 more years at the same $25 million rate.  That takes him through age 38 (in September of 2027).
• 2028:  team option for $20 million; $4 million buyout.

Value… $4 million of new money in 2021, then $150 million over the next 6 seasons.  The option buyout makes this a $158 million guarantee with the possibility of $174 million additional dollars overall.

The press might characterize it as a 7-year, $179/$195 million contract by taking all of 2021 into account… whatever.

Regardless, like the idea of not allowing ‘lame duck’ managers and even General Managers to become ‘a topic’ that distracts from baseball, this is something that should not be allowed to linger beyond this season.

Better to remove all doubt if all parties are up for it… particularly if you’re still trying to figure out how these newly increased payroll dollars will be spent from this day forward.

So yes:  the Atlanta Braves should make an extension offer to Freddie Freeman… and if it’s anything in the zip code of these outlined terms, he should take it.