No. 1 Atlanta Braves 2022 Free Agent: Freddie Freeman
You knew who this was going to be before you clicked on the button for the next page. Obviously, the heart and soul of our team for the past decade has been Freddie Freeman. He assumed the role of Chipper Jones and has stated that he wants to return to Atlanta to finish his career.
That is music to fans’ ears because he has quite a bit of career left in him at just 32-years-old.
Take a moment and listen to the latest song Freeman released in an interview prior to yesterday’s Game 3 victory over the Astros.
"“I haven’t envisioned playing anywhere else because I haven’t gotten to that point yet,” Freeman said before Friday night’s game. “I’ve put on this uniform since 2007. I got to put on a Braves uniform with the Gulf Coast League team. It’s all I’ve ever known.”"
It is certainly unusual to see a player being so vocal about his desire to re-sign with a team heading into his free agency.
How will Freddie Freeman’s value be affected by stating his intentions to return to the Braves?
Some say he is damaging his negotiating power by consistently making his preference to return to Atlanta known. However, if other teams would like to acquire the services of one of the greatest hitters to step foot on a baseball field, they know that he’d prefer not to with them.
It’s going to take a big chunk of change to change Freddie’s mind.
Hopefully, the Braves will make him an offer that satisfies his value and there won’t be a bidding war. If the war starts, the battlefield could get bloody.
Let’s win this World Series and hope Freddie Freeman and Alex Anthopoulos spend a lot of time together this winter enjoying their championship and having strategic planning sessions on how to do it again in 2022.
Top 5 Atlanta Braves Impending Free Agents at End of 2021 Season
- Freddie Freeman
- Eddie Rosario
- Jorge Soler
- Drew Smyly
- Ehire Adrianza
Who will the Braves Re-Sign Outside of Freddie Freeman?
With Christian Pache and Drew Waters still waiting in the wings… or on the wings, flying around the outfield because they have wings… (I’m not good at metaphors) There will be a lot to consider with two valuable outfielders potentially exiting in free agency.
Things to consider when re-signing free agents
Ronald Acuna Jr. will make his return. Duvall has an affordable option. We don’t know what is going to happen with Marcell Ozuna. It is easy to write him off but his felony charges have been dropped and we still don’t really know what happened yet.
There will be many factors to consider on top of that. Will we have a DH? What will our budget be? How much will we have to pay Freddie Freeman?
Who do you think the Braves should re-sign? Will Freeman end his career in a Braves uniform? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.