The biggest topic surrounding the Atlanta Braves this off-season is the Freddie Freeman contract situation.
The Atlanta Braves biggest challenge this off-season revolves around Freddie Freeman.
There was some news about Freeman coming from Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Reportedly, Freddie turned down a five-year $135M offer and is seeking something closer to a six-year $200M deal.
"Free agent Freddie Freeman was on the mind of every team seeking a first baseman, with Freeman rejecting Atlanta’s five-year, $135 million offer, and seeking closer to a six-year, $200 million deal. Yet, you couldn’t find a soul who believes Freeman won’t be returning to Atlanta."
It is important to note this is just a report. Alex Anthopolous in his time with the Braves has famously worked in the dark on nearly every deal he has made in his tenure in Atlanta. The majority of the Braves moves are reported by the team before any reporters get wind of them.
However, if we are to look at the reported numbers here, they do make some sense.
Paul Goldschmidt got a five-year $130M offer from the St. Louis Cardinals going into his age 32 season. That contract has been referenced as a potential starting point for the Braves and negotiations with Freeman.
It makes sense as they are comparable players and Freeman is going into his age 32 season as well. A five-year $135M offer makes sense as a starting offer from the Braves.
However, Freddie reportedly wants another year and $65M more. The difference in AAV is $27M and $33.3M.
This will be Freddie Freeman’s last big contract, so it is justifiable that Freeman would want more guaranteed money and longevity.
It is still early in the off-season, but with the threat of a lockout due to CBA negotiations, there is a lot of uncertainty to when free agency will begin to ramp up.
It would benefit the team to work out a deal sooner rather than later. If this drags out, and the unfortunate scenario of Freeman leaving happens, there won’t be many backup options available.
If that situation were to arise, Sam Peebles looked at those other options to replace Freeman here.
I do think most people believe that Freeman will return to the Braves at this moment. If Freeman does prefer more guaranteed money, and the Braves want to keep AAV down, then they could even discuss the idea of deferred money.
If there is one thing to remember, it is that Freddie Freeman does not owe the Atlanta Braves a hometown discount. Hopefully, both sides can find a common middle ground to work out a new deal.
Hopefully, a deal gets done soon and we see number 5 playing first base for the Braves for the remainder of the championship window.