The Braves have extended a pair of veterans in the past few weeks, inking catcher Travis d’Arnaud to a second two-year, $16MM contract and extending right-hander Charlie Morton on a new one-year deal worth $20MM (plus a $20MM club option for the 2023 season). Atlanta fans, of course, are eagerly awaiting a more sizable investment in cornerstone slugger Freddie Freeman, the reigning National League MVP. While the two sides have talked, however, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets that a gap remains, making Freeman increasingly likely to reach the open market at the end of the season, although both parties still hope to ultimately come to an agreement.
That a “gap” exists between the two parties effectively goes without saying. (He’d be signed by now without one.) Still, most Braves fans have been eagerly awaiting a deal, particularly with a pair of recent extensions now on the books, so even the possibility of Freeman actually reaching the market is unsettling. Freeman reaching the free-agent market certainly doesn’t make his departure a foregone conclusion. Talks with other clubs would only increase his leverage in negotiations with the Braves, potentially helping his cause on an eventual new contract.
Freeman, who’ll turn 32 on Sunday, is playing out the final season of an eight-year, $135MM contract extension that, at the time, was an enormous deal relative to contracts signed by peers with similar service time. The Braves were effectively paying full market value for Freeman despite him being years from the open market, and yet it’s still turned out to be a major bargain for the five-time All-Star. Freeman got out to a “slow” start (by his standards, anyway), but he’s absolutely dominated since mid-June. Over the past three calendar months (admittedly, an arbitrary cutoff point), Freeman is hitting .341/.417/.554 with 16 home runs, 15 doubles and a triple in 348 plate appearances.
On the whole, Freeman is hitting .293/.388/.505 with 29 big flies this season. It’s a step down from last season’s ludicrous .341/.462/.640 batting line through all 60 games but is nevertheless exceptional production. That he’ll turn 32 is surely a concern for the Braves, but as has been pointed out here and many other places in the past, it was just two years ago that fellow All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt inked a five-year, $130MM contract extension with the Cardinals that kicked off in his own age-32 season.
That contract is surely a point of comparison for Freeman and his reps at Excel Sports Management. Given last season’s MVP nod and a recent track record that’s even more productive than the excellent run Goldschmidt had leading into his own extension, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Freeman’s camp is looking to top that mark.
From a payroll vantage point, there’s no real difficulty fitting Freeman onto the long-term books. The Braves signed both Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies to wildly team-friendly contracts, and they’ll see veterans Drew Smyly and Chris Martin come off the books in 2022, trimming $18MM in guarantees.
Much of those savings will be reallocated to arbitration raises for next year’s class, but it should also be pointed out that the Braves don’t have too many large raises to give out. Dansby Swanson will surely get a big bump from this year’s $6MM salary, but their only other particularly sizable raises will go to lefty Max Fried and third baseman Austin Riley. Fried is due a raise on this year’s $3.5MM salary, while Riley will be arbitration-eligible for the first time. Not including arbitration raises (but including option buyouts), the Braves currently have about $84MM committed to next year’s payroll, per Roster Resource’s Jason Martinez.
Given their current payroll of about $145MM, a new deal for Freeman is more than manageable. Ostensibly, this very situation is where the early extensions inked by Acuna and Albies ought to pay dividends. Having both stars locked up long-term on below-market deals ought to allow the Braves to pay to keep a player like Freeman, who is nearing franchise icon status, for the bulk (or entirety) of his remaining career.
Of course, the Braves have other long-term prospects to consider. Swanson will be a free agent next winter, and Riley is looking increasingly like a player who could be a foundational piece in his own right. At some point, a hard decision or two will need to be made, but it’d be nothing short of stunning to see Freeman actually depart, even if he does reach the open market.
6@26 is the most I would go.
I think if Freeman really wanted to be a brave for life he would already be signed. I think 6 years is too young when he would be 38-39 on the last year of contract
He may want to me a brave but not accept far below market value like other recent brave extensions have
I agree with johnrealtime.
He’s getting 5/150 at least.
6 years for a 32 year old 1b??? Ummm no.
2 years 72 million. Option language for a 3rd year player option at 38 million if he plays a certain amount of games or PAs.
If he moves on there’s plenty of 1b every year in free agency. This year is no different. Matt Olson from the A’s will probably be available as well.
he’d reject that in 2 seconds.
a team will give him 5/150 at least. he’s going to cash in on this one. years and $. that’s why he hasn’t signed yet.
It’s an interesting prospect. It’s kind of betting on himself. He won’t get near a $36m AAV on any deal, so getting that for two years might allow him to then take a 4/$80m deal. That would still be more then 6/$150.
In a way, betting on yourself could be the way to go for this crop of young extension stars. Think of it- $2/72, then maybe he signs a 1yr $25m at 35, then a 1 yr $17.5m w/$17.5m option $2,5m buyout at 36, then maybe a $12m w/ $12m option $3m buyout at 38. That could get him through age 40 and pay over $150m for the end of his career. Look how Nelson Cruz has extended his career by the perception that 1-2 year deals sill do it. I Remember thinking in Texas he was an ‘out of baseball by 35m guys? He fooled me.
there’s plenty of 1b? maybe, but there’s only 1 Freddie. With the DH’s inevitable arrival in the NL, there’s no problem giving Freeman a 5 or 6 yr deal.
Agree 100% SoCalBrave. Freeman is an MVP level player, as well as the current face of the franchise. I’d give him 6yrs and 180m without pause.
MVP level player in a 60 game season, not so much this year. Freeman is good, but man do people here over rate him.
Lol overrated your comment is overrated
Did you think that was clever when you hit the post button?
Then you, sir, will not be signing Mr. Freeman
6 at 26m is effectively 5 at 31.2m—5/156m, really, since a 37 yo Freeman won’t be a starter.
For a 4-win 1Bman who is nothing special around the bag? No thanks. Let him walk.
JackS- Even as a Phillies fan, I think your comment is ridiculous and stupid.
@Philliesphan: Mets fan chiming in to agree with you. Freeman’s awesome and should be a Brave for life. Letting him walk would be a terrible idea.
Last six years averaged 5.2 WAR per 150 games. That’s elite performance. He’s a future HoF who might play his entire career with Atlanta, which is worth a few extra dollars.
OK…but you’re not paying him for the last 6 years, you’re paying him for the next 6 years.
If freeman is nothing special around the bag, I don’t think there is even one elite defensive first baseman in the game
Nothing special around the bag……what? have you watched him play 1st base at all? He’s easily one of the best defensive first basemen in the league, but let’s just pretend he’s just average at 1st for a sec…..Freeman is one of the best hitters in the game, can hit to all sides of the field, has an excellent eye, natural power, hits for average, and brings a incredible humble, passionate, and positive attitude to the baseball diamond that isn’t seen in todays game. Freeman’s attitude alone is enough to sign him to a deal that let’s him finish his career as a Brave without even considering his offensive talents. With the DH coming to the NL very soon….this is an absolute no brainer that the Braves need to get this deal done.
#reliefchipper – Agreed, but I had to laugh while reading your comment. Reminded me of Frank Costanza complaining to George Steinbrenner;
‘What the hell did you trade Jay Buhner for? He had 30 home runs, and over 100 RBIs last year. He’s got a rocket for an arm. You don’t know what the hell you’re doin’!’
LMAO!!!!! My comment did have that vibe to it didn’t it!? LOL
Nothing special around the bag? Right……
@JackStrawB- do you even watch games? That’s an awful, awful take.
You might be watching a different team.
Braves got Albies and Acuna on massive team friendly deals just to go cheap when it’s time to pay Freddie.
Amk1920; we don’t know what Freeman’s camp is asking for money wise; in my opinion Austin Riley is the guy the Braves need to lock up long term
The Braves are usually so tight lipped when it comes to their negotiations but this one linked out almost makes you wonder if the Braves are trying to either make Freeman sign a team friendly contract with this leak or if they plan to let him walk and are leaving this so fans don’t blame them.
Or this is just Heyman being Heyman. He essentially opined nothing – that the sides have a gap, there’s a distinct possibility that he leaves, but somehow also that a deal will get done. Heyman is just pissing in the wind here
Agreed. All those things are true at the same time. it’s not saying anything new.
What leak? This is just Jon “Cap’n Obvious” Heyman doing what he does best, make generic statements sound like inside information.
This is very likely a leak by his agent to put pressure on the team to pay more. Which might mean that they are actually close to a deal and trying to squeeze out an extra 5-10 mil.
100% a Brave leak
They’re negotiating thru the media
If Aaron Judge could fix his gap then the Braves and Freddie Freeman can fix theirs, by golly.
This is a day or two old and is likely Freeman’s agent tossing out some buzz as the Braves have proven to be tight-lipped on deals. Both sides have shown a willingness to get a deal done and the Braves are tying up their extensions now to make this easier to do. Picking up Duvall’s option is also likely to be considered. Sign the man and make him the next Chipper Jones!
Duvall has a mutual option – if he continues this production (even if he doesn’t, probably) he will take the $3 million buyout. Maybe they resign him anyway, & I hope they do because he’s a well-rounded player, but at this point ‘option’ is a misnomer in his case.
Yeah, mutual options are generally little more than an accounting measure. I’d imagine Duvall’s camp will also decline or at least attempt to work out a new deal before the decision is due.
He’ll be a 33 yo LFer who doesn’t get on base, having his first good season since 2016, in an environment where CJ Cron has to go year to year, town to town.
The Braves aren’t bringing him back.
Duvall’s main problem is his batting average, and he’s slightly below average in walks.. (Interestingly, he’s hitting .296/.345/.660 with men on base, and only .168/.230/.361 with the bases empty). He has good power, plays great defense and can play all three outfield positions. Why wouldn’t the Braves bring him back?
It’s not about batting average it’s not about home runs it’s all about RBIs the more you have the better the baseball player you are.
My bet is both Freeman and Duvall will be Braves on opening day 2022 (if there isn’t a strike or lockout).
@FredMcGriff for the HOF, thank you for being the voice of reason. Look & watch peoples faces as they play ball. Freeman loves what he does & so does his family. When Duvall was traded & he came over, you could see joy on his face. It’s not always about the paycheck. Braves have Aaron, Chipper, & they will have Freeman, because they are a class organization..
If there is a lockout or a strike, I may be done. There’s too much money in Baseball as it stands. Any more & the cheating goes higher.
@james: Thats a little simplistic. If one player has 300 abs with men on base and drives in 100 and another player has 150 abs and drives in 90, which is the better hitter with men on base? Everything else being equal, I’d say the second guy.
@bham If you look at your RBI stats You will notice that Duvall is right up there with all the big boys and that he doesnt have a ton of ab’s more than the other guys and if you select 2 outs as your split he is clutch But your point is well taken!
Wow that is such 1988 thinking
Without a doubt the Braves are going pick up Adam Duvall contract as it is a mutual option that pays 7 million if picked up or 3 million buy out if not picked up. So 4 million for a 30 plus home run 100’rbi season with great defensive. Only knock is his batting average.
Although the I believe Duvall with decline his party is the mutual option and go look for more years and money
I wonder how much Ozuna’s uncertainty is affecting the team?
Ozuna should never play again for the Braves. Never.
What would they do with his contract!? Ozuna isn’t as bad offense as others. Braves aren’t going release Ozuna and a lot of bad contacts out there to swap with him. If he could return to form of past he would be a asset
@Benjamin: Maybe the Braves could trade him to the Astros. The Astros have shown in the past that they aren’t averse to acquiring low-character types.
@Benjamin. His actions were as bad or worse than most. He threatened to kill his wife and violently threw her around in a fit of rage. He clearly seems to have violated the DV policy.
@bhambrave. We have previously visited this issue, you and ai
I. If the Braves retain Ozuna does that mean they aren’t adverse to have low-character “types” on their team? Curious.
It’s a tough decision for them because of their investment/commitment. I would hope they’d jettison him, but that’s a lot of money to just throw away. Houston actually traded FOR Roberto Osuna on purpose. Apples and oranges.
bham. No it’s not a tough decision. He is an abuser. He agreed to enter a 3-6 month domestic abuse program.
“Ozuna has been on the 10-day injured list since May 28 after fracturing the middle and ring fingers in his left hand. He has not appeared in a game since bring arrested on May 29 after police responded to a domestic disturbance at his residence. Court filings at the time indicated that the responding officers saw Ozuna place his hands around his wife’s neck, throw her against a wall and strike her with the cast that was on his hand.
Felony charges originally brought against Ozuna were dropped in early August, but prosecutors moved forward with a pair of misdemeanor charges. This week, Ozuna agreed to enter into a three-to-six month domestic violence intervention program that could see those charges dropped if he completes all the required measures.
The joint Domestic Violence policy authorizes MLB to impose discipline in the absence of criminal charges. Even if both misdemeanor charges against Ozuna are ultimately dropped, he could still face a suspension depending upon the results of the league’s investigation.”
Threatened her life.
Put his hands around her neck.
Threw her against the wall.
Hit her with a cast on his arm.
Piece of garbage.
@dodger1958, I actually agree with you Ozuna should never play again for the Braves. Never.
As I mentioned above, the Braves have class players like Aaron, C.Jones, Smoltz, on & on..(Freeman?). Many teams have swallowed bad contracts, C.Davis, Fowler, Hamilton etc. If the Ozuna stain shows up again, it should be WIPED clean.
@Dodger: You’re entitled to your opinion. It’s not your money, after all.
@bham. Money is not the issue. Organizational integrity is. Liberty Media is a huge, multi billion dollar entity. Very little difference between retaining an abuser and signing one; money is money. Moral compass is a moral compass.
As you noted about the Astros it is about the willingness to retain “low character types”. He isn’t any less of a low character type than Osuna because they might have to eat millions (which Liberty Media could easily do).
Ideologically, I agree with you. It’s easy to be ideologically pure when you don’t have a stake. Kind of like Rush Limbaugh or Don Lemon.
Nah poor analogy. This is about a huge multi billion dollar corporate owner doing doing what is right, which, will in no way, meaningfully impact their bottom line. This has nothing to do with “ideology”. This has nothing to do with being “pure”. I can explain this to you, but I cannot make you understand it.
As Curly said, plenty of teams suck up bad contracts. This is the time for the organization to show that they are not willing to employ wife beating, low-character types.
So you still refuse to say whether the Braves should or should not retain Ozuna when it is now clear that he engaged in DV. Gotcha.
Why? Because of all the evidence you’ve seen of what he may have done?
You missed the part where it is now proven that what the police stated is actually false. Yes this information is out there freely for anyone to see. I’m sure he did have an argument with his wife beyond that I’ll wait and see what actually comes of the evidence. Charges being dropped due to police providing false information. Is not a reason to flog the guy.
He’s probably looking for 5-6 years at $30 million + per year, that’s a hard pass and they should move on if that’s the case. While he is a productive player currently, teams (the smart ones anyway) are becoming increasingly more aware that paying players high salaries into their mid-upper 30’s isn’t the smartest allocation of assets. Even top tier HOF players like Pujols and Cabrera have aged terribly and those are transcendental talents. The long contracts of the 2000’s are over (unless you’re in early mid-20’s like a Tatis, Trout, etc.) but the players have yet to accept that fact. Look at all the players the Cubs traded. They (Baez, Rizzo, et al.) thought they should get paid for what they’ve done in the past, not what they will provide in the future and the Cubs wisely sent them packing. They’re in for a surprise this off-season when they aren’t receiving long term offers. Again, Freeman is great and should get a 3-4 year offer at the most at $25-$27 million per, anything more than that and they should move on. Obviously this will be addressed with all players this off-season when CBA expires because players, rightfully, want to get paid earlier in their careers and will need to negotiate and give something up in return with the owners.
I like Freeman but I agree that I don’t think he is great long term as he ages. I would let him walk and if I was AA trade for Athletics Matt Olson. Olson would be the left handed first baseman with 30 home run 100 rbi power to hit in front of Riley. Atlanta has the prospects to do it and Oakland by all reports will have a fire sale this off season
Yes Freeman is a fan favorite and a great guy but at some point business needs to be business.
in 2 years, you’d be faced with the exact same scenario with Olson, just with a decimated Farm system and your current franchise icon having walked. Not to mention locking up Olson at age 29 in 2024 could be way more expensive than locking up Freddie now. You’d really blow up your farm, incur the PR hit, and have a more expensive version of the same decision in 2 years, just to have the next 2 years of difference between Olson and Freeman?
At a certain point Atlanta has to take some prospects and go get somebody that could help the team a proven star. So many prospects fail in the majors. I can think of several Braves prospects that were highly rated but failed in the majors.
If Freeman can’t be signed reasonable than the Braves would have to find a middle of the order bat. As a back up plan to Freeman Olson would be perfect. Especially with everyone knowing that Oakland will have to sell major league pieces this off season to rebuild
Use your prospects to strengthen a weakness. Don’t create a weakness and then fix it with prospects. That’s how you ruin your franchise.
Yes, I’m sure the A’s are just waiting to send Matt Olson to the Braves for virtually whatever the Braves offer. They are going to want a major league ready SS. Probably more. Keep dreaming tho.
He’ll be in the MVP voting this year, @Benjamin101677, you’re clueless
Have you heard of a guy called Nelson Cruz? Not everyone ages terribly, and I don’t believe Freeman will age badly on the diamond. We’re not talking about a player who’s game is built upon speed.
Pujols also isn’t a great comp. Whatever he is listed at, he is most certainly older than it.
Wrong @Appalachian_Outlaw = Freeman has stolen 8 bases this year, and still is a great fielder. How is Cruz on the field? OOPS, ain’t there. He’s stolen 3 bases this year, but his stone glove is not in the discussion, is it? Keep your crappy DH
So you have cited exactly one player as your defense to “not all players age terribly”?? Clearly this is your first time defending an argument so I’ll let you pass on that. And secondly, no one ever said that “all players age terribly”. Of course throughout the history of baseball you will find exceptions to the rule, but that is all they are, exceptions. Outliers to the normal aging curve and as a business owner you wouldn’t be in business long if you are always betting on the outliers. But I’m sure you already know that.
AO, how many guys do you think excelled at the level Cruz is post 40, in his entire career? Like 5? And how many retired in that time? 1000? Maybe more?
Do not use the exception as the rule. It’s just bad logic
This’ll get done or I’ll eat my hat. Spoilers: I don’t have a hat, but Freeman will spend his prime in Atlanta.
Well, except for his already having had his prime in Atlanta and now looking to survive as long as possible during his decline phase, sure.
Honestly there’s an argument to be made that Freeman is still ascending. If you extrapolate his 2020 numbers, it would amount to a better year than he had in 2019, which was clearly his best full season. For 2021, 5 less HRs and 20 less RBIs, while replicating career triple slash lines, with less Ks and more BBs does not exactly scream decline phase. I agree that his next contract will not be his prime years, but according to the numbers his prime is happening right now.
I agree with everything leebos said. Freeman has been improving year to year. I don’t think we’ve seen his best yet, which is scary because he’s already MVP caliber.
He’s only 32 (which, as a Mets fan, seems incredible because he’s been crushing us seemingly forever). ‘Decline phase’ might not even happen for 3-4 more years. He’s in his prime and putting up some of his best seasons right now. Plus he’s been a lifelong Brave. They should sign him for 5-6 years.
Decline phases that start at 35-36 are far from the norm. This isn’t the steroid era.
If you look at his wRC+ you can make a solid argument that he’s already declining, unless you put a ton of stock in his 60 games babip outlier year from 2020.
Assuming the NL adopts the DH, they could plug him there during the later years of the contract. I imagine he wants a contract that will be his final contract.
DH spot is used to keep players fresh not have a corpse of a legend occupying it for his last 4 years in the show. For every David Ortiz success story there’s 10 pujols or Cabrera type situations that killed teams.
How long have people been saying that about the NL anyway?
@Iverbure: Why do you hate Freddie Freeman?
he’s a Mets fan in disguise! lol
Mets fans should have nothing but respect for Freeman, imo. Dude has been great and not really any attitude issues or hateable qualities. I know I respect him and wish he’d been a Cub or a Diamondback or some other non-NL East team.
Cabrera is not killing the Tigers by any means. Look at his numbers with runners in scoring position! Overpaid? Certainly! Still the leader on the team. Still clutch!
Name me ten then. I can name you ten times it’s worked out, too.
Jon Heyman. ‘Nuf said.
5 years for $140 million, would top Goldschmidt’s contract and almost assuredly be acceptable to Freeman’s camp. Of course we don’t know the actual numbers that either side exchanged.
I’d like to see the Braves offer him 5/$140M with two option years.
There are too many cases of bad long term contracts for first basemen for a team to foolishly give Freeman more than 5 years. A 5 year deal with an AAV in the $27-$30 mil range is probably what he gets. Maybe even just a 4 year deal with a slightly higher AAV
5 yrs 27 AAV. Team has to get this done. It’s more than just what he does both sides of the ball. Look how he handled that whole Soto situation. Only Freeman can do that for the club. No issues off the field and is a ambassador for the team. Love Acuna, Albee’s, Riley, Swanson and core guys. But they are not Freddie Freeman. Heart and soul of the team.
5 yrs 28 AAV, with two option years.
Player or team options? I’m assuming you mean team.
Yes, team options.
Absolutely no way a 37 year old superstar talent is letting his age 37 and 38 free agency decision to be controlled by a team without being guaranteed decent money on that decision
I feel like after enduring a painful rebuild, being an All-Star, Silver Slugger, and MVP, he’s not nearing franchise icon status. He IS a franchise icon. I’d like to see him be a Brave for life and I’m hopeful a deal comes together. In the event it doesn’t work out, watching Freddie Freeman has been an absolute privilege and he’s done everything with class and professionalism and I wish him and his family nothing but the best.
This will be an interesting outcome. The Braves are smart in that they pay their young talent above market (which the team still gets over value) so they don’t have to rely on bad long-term contracts to older players. They did this with Freddie (as the article states), as well as Acuna and Albies.
Now they have a decision whether to extend their home grown player into what most of us know will be a bad contract. From the player perspective, you’ve already got paid and are around a very talented team. What is your motivation going forward? Chase more money? Get that extra year? Does another team offer a better chance at a ring? Not many opportunities exist like that in Atlanta.
Very interesting to see how this plays out…
Huh? The entire reason the Braves have been able to bring in free agents to fill weak spots year after year is because they have insanely cheap deals with Acuna and Albies. They’re so player unfriendly that you wonder how long before those guys — Acuna especially — become unhappy and demand a new deal, or a trade.
They certainly do NOT pay their young talent above market. Quite the opposite. They’re paying those guys a tiny fraction of what they’d be worth on the market, and delaying their free agency and arbitration, which both would otherwise already be in, by years.
I don’t think Acuna will demand a new deal; I think he plays the game like a kid with lots of fun. Although many people have come back from knee issues nobody knows what Acuna will be like when he come back.
I’m not sure you understood my point. The Braves had Acuna, as an example, under control for 6 more years when he was 21. They didn’t have to sign him to a long term contract. But they did. No he didn’t get free agent money, but again, that wouldn’t have come until 6 years later. The club takes a risk for extending a large amount of money to a 21 year old and the player forgoes free agent value (but still gets a large contract). The White Sox did this with Eloy Jimenez and obviously many examples out there (Trout, etc).
If Freddie leaves Atlanta, I think it’s more likely to be over family than money.
Great guy, great player, but this is a defining moment for the Braves. A big, long contract would be an anchor over their neck and they can’t do it.
It’s not like he’s Eric Hosmer or something.
Give him a 5 year 140M, front load it, with a 20M player option for a 6th
I see Freeman going to the Yankees.
6/170 first 2 at 35 per, next 2 at 30 per, next 2 at 20. Or a more gradual decrease. Something in that framework is fair for both sides. FF isn’t gonna turn into a fat, no hitting, heap like Pujols or Cabrera.
The reality is, whether he signs or not, the team will never win a WS. I rather not be selfish and allow him to walk to get a ring in an organization that cares about winning.
What are you talking about? They were up 3 games to 1 on the Dodgers last year with a depleted starting pitching rotation and depth injury issues. They are on the verge of winning the division this year and have experienced bad luck and severe injury issues all year long which include losing our top pitcher and one of the best players in the game for the full year and half a year. Can you even comprehend how good the Atlanta Braves would be at full strength and this with the fraction of what the Dodgers and Yankees spend to buy off every big free agent in baseball? The Braves will win at least one world series in the next 4 years and might win more if they can stay healthy. I feel like you’re definitely a Mets fan. You for sure troll like one.
“ with the fraction of what the Dodgers and Yankees spend to buy off every big free agent in baseball?”
What a lazy assertion about the dodgers that is absolutely false. The dodgers didn’t sign a top FA until they had already won a title. And he ain’t helping this year
“ The Braves will win at least one world series in the next 4 years”
Okay bro. Guaranteeing a title when they’re not the best team on paper in their league, or close to it, let alone MLB.. while they don’t have an elite farm system and don’t have the ability to massively increase payroll is… brash let’s say
Let me know when they start giving out rings to the best team on paper.
Then they collapsed and lost to the Dodgers. Congrats, keep playing your what-if game. The reality is, the organization is flawed and will continue to be a reality until they will win, which objective ppl know will never happen. Letting Freeman walk will only reinforce this.
Still feel this way?
Ian you are the epitome of stupidity.
Freeman is the best first baseman in the game and the heart and soul of the Braves. A number of posters have comped the deal Goldschmidt got–5 years and $130 million. Goldschmidt was a year older, 33, when he got his deal so I believe Freeman deserves 6 guaranteed years. The AAV on Goldschmidt’s deal is $26 million, so I would give Freddie an AAV of $27 million (he’s better). That comes to 6 years and $162 million. For 2022-2023, Freeman’s salary would be $32.5 million per year and he would be the highest paid first baseman in the game, topping Miguel Cabrera’s $32 million salary for each of those two years. For 2024-2025, his salary would be $27.5 million per year, and for 2026-2027 his salary would be $22 million per year. I would also add two club options for 2028-2029 of $19 million per year, bringing the total possible value of the deal to 8 years and $200 million. Some would say this is an overpay, but in a system where Anthony Rendon gets 7 years and $245 million and Francisco Lindor gets 10 years and $341 million I think Freeman would be a bargain at this price.
I agree with this take. Freeman’s value to the Braves far exceeds his production on the field and is easily worth that price. I realize AA doesn’t like giving out big contracts to players over 30, but this has got to be the exception to that rule. If he lets Freddie walk I can see this costing the Braves more than just wins. The PR fallout will be brutal.
Freddie deserves more money than the Braves can pay. I don’t see Liberty Media giving the contract examples mentioned. It would not keep them competitive as he would account for too much of the budgets going forward.
7 for 160 with a 10mil club option 5 mil buy out. Full NTC. Option and Buy out double if top 10 MVP finish in year 7 or 1200PA between Year 6 & 7. Nice and tidy guaranteed 300 mil career earnings.
A Freeman extension is actually pretty complicated. To those who aren’t Braves fans they think you just pick a number that you won’t go higher than and be done with it. Of course that doesn’t actually ever happen that way or we wouldn’t have long drawn out contract negotiations.
If there were fans out there that would get this it would be Cardinal fans. There’s more involved than just Molina and Wainwright’s raw production stats. Freeman is the Braves most beloved player to his fellow Braves players as well as the fans. The outcry from Braves fans would be loud indeed if the Braves FO doesn’t extend him.
If you evaluate Freeman only by his on field production, you know you will have to pay the man. He’s still swinging an MVP level bat though his days of gold glove defense has passed. He’s still a major league level glove but if you are evaluating him, he makes his money with his bat.
But Freeman means more to the team and the fans than what he does with the bat. That’s why this is more difficult than just paying the man for his raw stats.
Go get the Canadian-Californian, Farhan! Bring him home to the west coast!
I would ask for 4 yrs/$140M or 5 years/$135M and I’d offer that, too. If he wants 6 years he’s not getting $180-195M for that. Maybe he’d get $186M over 6 but it’d be heavily front loaded with like a $6-10M 6th year.
He’s asking for Greinke money. Braves are probably offering 5/100. He’s going to the market, at least
Can the Braves stop being the worse with contract negotiations. Filthy rich organization and you would think they don’t have a dime to their name…
??. They re-upped Travis and Charlie.
Yes, to 1-2 year deals that are very freaking team friendly. I’m essentially saying they need to let go of these ridiculous crazy good team friendly deals every once in a while and sign a mvp superstar lvl player like Freeman to the money be deserves and for a player friendly contract. Give him trade veto rights, and plenty of years under the deal. Give him a lot of money, give him anything. $200 mil contract isn’t that bad
I agree. Pay this man. These 1-2 year deal are sending a message to top notch free agents to not even look at Atlanta as an option come free agency. You continue to do this and some of your own young players will start to see that and assume they just need to get to free agency and not sign pre-arb team friendly security deals that Acuña and Albies both signed. You are sending a message to players and agents (whether you intend to or not) that you don’t believe in investing in them long term and I don’t think that’s a very good look when your trying to build a team year in year out. May get away with it for awhile but at some point you have to show players your willing to invest in them. Especially if your asking the players to invest in the team!
@bravesfan. They are reportedly owners of over 40 Billion in Assets and have a net equity value of over 19 Billion. The were able to maneuver the city/county/state to pay for a substantial portion of their stadium. They can afford to pay as much as they need to secure the face of their franchise. Most any team would be fortunate to have Freddy play for then at market value.
The gap has to be in the amount of years the Braves are offering vs. the amount Freddy’s agents are seeking. It will get done. Makes too much sense for both sides.
Freeman is worth as little as $26M and as much as $35M per season. So he’s worth $30.5M per season. Seems like people think he’s worth between a 4 and 6 year commitment at this point. So he’s worth a 5 year commitment. 5/$30.5M = $152.5M over 5 years. Just get it done, Braves. You need that career franchise player. He’s this generation’s Chipper Jones.
5 yrs. 150 mill.
Just do it. He’s a brave. Don’t let this get ugly.
32 years old. Time to say Freddy $80 mill at 4 take it or leave it.
Then you might as well not make him an offer. No reason to insult the man
I’d say 6 yrs/$180 mil with an option yr. Freeman at 1B will age better than guys like Harper and Tatis, Jr., who play all out and probably will be done by 37 or 38. Think Jackie Robinson.
I won’t argue contractual specifics because (1) I resent today’s athlete and celebrity pay scales, and (2) while I admire Freddie, as a fan I don’t know him well enough to judge all the intangibles which may boost his value.
The Albies and Acuna extensions demonstrate that Braves management is farsighted and will assess value, age, position, and salary with dispassionate frugality. After what we’ve seen with Acuna and the deadline acquisitons this year we know that this management has the smarts to cover for the loss of any one player. But they do make mistakes. If closer personal scrutiny had nixed the Ozuna signing, we’d now be offering Freddie more.
If Freddie Freeman values the special qualities of the Braves’ fan base and The Braves Way — things not found in the coastal, big money cities — he will accept the team’s best offer. I hope he will be to this generation of Braves what Chipper Jones was to the last: a Hall of Fame talent beloved in the South who frustrates Mets’ fans with how he plays and what he stands for.
No doubt Freddie deserves an elite deal but this organization doesn’t do that. If he wants a max contract he’ll have to get it elsewhere
6 years 180. At that rate, all the braves would mostly need to do is market freeman, freeman jersey sales would cover a chunk of it. Sure there are other 1b free agents (Rizzo).but freeman is a brave.
I think you pay these home grown talents that are generational type players almost whatever it takes to keep them around. I’m not saying hurt the teams future for 10 years to come but to give him 6 years at more than 10 million a year is entirely reasonable for what he has done for this franchise after Chipper Retired. I know no World Series but without him imagine where the Braves would have been. He is a great guy. A guy who leads by example and is everything you want in your young players. His is on his way to the HOF. Pay the man for god sakes.
Yes there have been some small signs of regression but not much. You expect some regression after MVP year and it was also only a 60 game season which hasn’t been done before so that’s not entirely easy tn gauge. I don’t care if you lock him up until he is 40. We can’t risk losing him and having no solid 1B in the system to replace him. I get not paying a guy like Donaldson etc. but Freddie is homegrown that matters! I left think that’s what is wrong with him this year. As much as he says it’s not in his mind you know it has to be. Lock him up and let him focus on the rest of his career!
I agree. Pay this man. These 1-2 year deal are sending a message to top notch free agents to not even look at Atlanta as an option come free agency. You continue to do this and some of your own young players will start to see that and assume they just need to get to free agency and not sign pre-arb team friendly security deals that Acuña and Albies both signed. You are sending a message to players and agents (whether you intend to or not) that you don’t believe in investing in them long term and I don’t think that’s a very good look when your trying to build a team year in year out. May get away with it for awhile but at some point you have to show players your willing to invest in them. Especially if your asking the players to invest in the team!
I think it is reasonable to say that the amount will be north of $200 million. The number of years and whether they are guaranteed will be open ended. The idea that the Braves will have the option of signing Freeman for less seems like fantasy.
So Toukki can be sent on his way. Not capable to pitching 5 innings or more. Why is he still in the roration?
What they need to do after this deal is redo ozzies contract. Obviously will never happen but he deserves a raise. Hell you can double it and it’ll still be cheap!!