“You couldn’t find a soul who believes [Freddie] Freeman won’t be returning to Atlanta,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale writes about the general consensus around the GM Meetings this week. Despite this widespread expectation that Freeman and the Braves will eventually work out a new contract, that certainty can’t be at a full 100 percent, considering that the two sides weren’t able to agree to an extension before Freeman reached free agency.
Nightengale also provides some numbers in regards to the negotiations, as Freeman and his representatives are looking for a deal in the range of six years and $200MM. That is a sizeable bump over one Atlanta offer that Freeman has already turned down, with the Braves offering $135MM over a five-year pact. Details weren’t provided on when exactly this five-year/$135MM offer was floated, whether it was a recent offer on the Braves’ part or if it came earlier in the year. Reports from back in September already indicated that some type of “gap” existed between the two sides in contract talks, and a $65MM difference would certainly qualify.
Paul Goldschmidt’s five-year, $130MM extension with the Cardinals prior to the 2019 season has long been cited as a potential comp for a new Freeman contract, since both deals involved star first baseman entering their age-32 seasons, and both players are even represented by the same agency (Excel Sports Management). This comparison point clearly stood out for the Braves, considering their offer to Freeman was only slightly above the Goldschmidt deal.
However, a case could certainly be made that Freeman is worth more than just a $5MM bump, for starters due to the simple fact that the Goldschmidt extension is over two years’ old. Freeman also has a longer track record as an Atlanta icon (whereas the Cardinals had just acquired Goldschmidt from the Diamondbacks a few months’ prior) and Freeman just won the NL MVP Award in the abbreviated 2020 season. If the Braves’ offer came very recently, it seems like even more of an undervalue, considering Freeman had another big year in 2021 and then an enormous performance in the playoffs to help the Braves win the World Series.
Beyond just the dollar figure, the sixth year stands out as a potential sticking point. Committing over $32MM in average annual value to a first base-only player into his age-37 season carries its share of risk, especially for a Braves team that operates within a fairly limited payroll. Roster Resource estimates that Atlanta finished the 2021 season with $145MM in payroll expenditures, which would represent the highest number since Liberty Media bought the franchise in 2007.
Alex Anthopoulos has already said that the team will raise payroll coming off their World Series triumph, and the president of baseball operations made a point of mentioning the mutual interest between both the Braves and Freeman in continuing their relationship: “We’ve made it clear we want him to stay. He wants to stay.” Looking at Atlanta’s current payroll, however, the Braves already have over $141MM committed for 2022. Even factoring in some or most of Marcell Ozuna’s $16MM salary being reduced by suspension, Liberty Media would have to go way beyond their historical comfort zone ccommodate something in the range of a $30MM salary for Freeman, not to mention any other additions the Braves would need to fill any other roster holes.
Freeman ranked third on MLBTR’s list of the winter’s top 50 free agents, and while our prediction didn’t quite hit the $200MM threshold, Freeman is projected for a six-year, $180MM contract. Freeman has proven to be enough of an elite talent that such a deal is likely to be out there for him somewhere on the open market, so the Braves may now face a bidding war to keep their longtime star in the fold.
Pay him. The revenue will continue to rise.
Freeman having an “enormous performance” in the playoffs isn’t really accurate. He had a pretty mediocre postseason actually. Not saying he wasn’t a contributor, but we all know who carried this team in October. The pitching, Soler, and Rosario.
If the Braves don’t end up forking I’ve the cash I could see a sort of free agent swap where Freeman goes to the Giants and Brandon Belt signs with the Braves. Freeman is from southern California and the Giants have money to spend. Belt is more in the Braves price range. I think 6 years is too long for Freeman. Not many first baseman are great until they are 38 years old. I think Freeman will still end up a Brave but they should probably raise their offer to 5 years and $150M them hold firm. The biggest problem for the Braves is they just traded both of their top 2 first base prospects so they don’t ha e any depth there. They could always sign a shortstop or 3rd baseman and move Riley to first and possibly Swanson to third.
Good thing we have Wash and anything better than Scott Hatteberg.
True that ATL could have Belt for fewer years and less money, but they’ll have to also have a solid plan B for the inevitable 2 months or so Belt will be on the IL each season.
Coincidentally just finished moneyball, good timing comment lol
Mets Missed. if the Dodgers lose Seeger I could see him coming to the LAD. Muncy to second. Turner back to SS. LA is actually in Southern CA.
Mediocre postseason? What are you talking about? Freddie Freeman hit 304/420/625 in the 2021 playoffs with 5 HR in 16 games. That’s elite.
What Ted and DakotaJoe said. Plus who in their right mind would take arguably the best infield defense in 2021 and shuffle everyone around to new infield positions just to save a few bucks by not re-signing Freddie. Plus plus everyone seems to be forgetting that the DH is coming to the NL and Freeman will continue to be an above average producer at the plate for the duration of any contract he signs.
For anyone saying his postseason wasn’t mediocre, 3 of his 5 HRs meant absolutely nothing.
1 HR in the 8th inning well on their way to clinching the WS. 1 HR in garbage time getting routed by LAD. And another tack on HR that didn’t mean much in a game they won against LAD.
The only 2 HRs that had an impact was his HR against Hader and his HR against the Astros to put them back up in Game 5 after blowing the 4-0 lead (even though they went on to lose… this HR still actually mattered from a timing perspective).
If you watched the games instead of reading a stat line, then I’m sorry to tell you it was mediocre.
It’s not an insult. I’m a Braves fan and a Freeman fan. Like I said he contributed, but he was hardly a monster force. Anyone with a brain knows who led this team to a championship. It wasn’t Freeman. I’m just bring real. Not sure why it’s hard for some of you to swallow. Maybe try watching the games instead of regurgitating a stat line. He had very few big hits.
Apparently the postseason only consists of the WS to some people
Yeah that comment about him being average in the Postseason was so uninformed that I just ignored it.. The Braves might not have even made it past the Brewers if it weren’t for Freeman.
Freeman’s playoff numbers were .304/.420/.625. I would hardly call that mediocre.
Freddie had a wRC+ of 169, an OPS well over 1.000, hit over .300 and was on base over 40% of the time. That’s huge no matter how you look at it.
?? Dude had a 1.045 ops in the playoffs what are you talking about mediocre
Pay him, you got the savings on the contracts for Acuna and Albies. Braves fan base would not forgive them for lowballing the face of the franchise. They should be able to do something in the middle of the two reported figures.
Lowballing?!!! That’s hardly what an offer greater than Goldschmidt’s is. He has more value to Atlanta, than any other team. Look at what Cron got paid. Solid 1B aren’t at the high end of the pay scale. You don’t pay SS prices for a 1B. No one is going to offer more than Atlanta. Replace him with Rizzo, and use the extra cash elsewhere.
“No one is going to offer more [to Freeman] than Atlanta.”
That could be true, but I can’t imagine ATL being the highest bidder, regardless of the World Series euphoria, 2022 season ticket purchases and all the love. In the end, ATL: will offer what it can and maybe a little slightly more, then collect a draft pick if he doesn’t like it. Just like MIN outbid ATL for Donaldson, there will be some team desperate to turn a corner and will put value not only perceived change Freeman represents, but addt marketing dollars/ticket sales that would be attached to someone of his caliber, especially if he’s a hometown kid (going to LAD, LAA). Replace him with Rizzo? No, please no. Go after Matt Olson or let Wash teach Kevan Smith. It’s not that hard.
It’s incredibly hard.
Thank you for taking the setup.
@run. I seen you mention Hatteberg in a previous comment then Wash (Ron Washington?) and the released free agent Kevan Smith in another. Are you implying the Braves should Moneyball it sign Kevan Smith on the cheap to have Ron Washington teach him to play 1st base?
Freeman is the sole reason the Braves won the World Series. When Freeman was batting .230 the first half of the season, the Braves were an afterthought. When he caught fire for the last 100 games, he carried the team to a championship. Without Freeman… nice little team, but no WS.
I wouldn’t say he’s the “sole” reason but a very big part for sure. Freddie can’t win that on his own.
@busfan No one is talking about the regular season bud.
Seriously take 5 seconds to rank who meant the most to the run in October. We can even limit it to just the offense to make this easier. Not sure why people are taking such an issue with this
I’ll go first
Rosario
Soler
Riley
Freeman
He’s literally middle of the pack in performance from his own teams offense.
This is ignoring the pitching side of things where Fried, Anderson, Smith, and Matzek all meant more too.
Is this still inaccurate? Freeman didn’t have a monstrous impact on the postseason. Go ahead and say it. I promise you’ll still be a Braves fan tomorrow.
I would also argue that Dansbys two homers in the WS puts him in front of Freddie as far as making offensive contributions in the playoffs. That being said, resign Freeman for the love of all things good.
I think you’re missing the point a little. Freddie was a very steady figure in this lineup throughout all of October. Without Freddie I could argue the Braves don’t make it out of the first round. Having said that, baseball success is heavily reliant on the next man stepping up whenever one is struggling. In the first series Freddie and Joc carried the Braves Offensively. In the 2nd series, Rosario and Riley carried the Braves. In the World series, it was Soler and Dansby. When one or two players started to cool, one or two got hot. Freddie’s numbers were fantastic all post season. Without Freddie, It’s not likely that the Braves win it all in October.
Six years, $180 million. Get it done.
Yup thats my limit too. If not you can sign Chris Taylor and Marte and get a great RH RP with that money. Braves showed in post season a line up of above average players mixed with their superstars was better than 4 superstars *riley, freeman, ozzie, acuna* swanson and then below average people like heredia, almonte and every catcher that wasnt travis.
Disagree. Teams tend to get burned at the end of deals. Front load the deal but $30m at age 38 is a risk. Why not compromise and have that sixth year optional so he gets $160m guaranteed for five plus the team option at $20m. Great player who I’d love to see in Boston for the next three years. I just don’t see others giving him that sixth year at full price. Too much risk between age and COVID for any team not in a huge market.
A lot of the other guys success was because the other teams didn’t want FF to beat them. 6/200 is rich but FF is better than a combination of just about any two players.
What hurts the sport is the payroll imbalance across the league. KC won a few years back but couldn’t keep the team together. They knew it then. Atlanta will probably be best served by not rushing this and seeing first what the new CBA is like.
6/174
Mr. Mets Missed WAR called it.
Lol
Upvoted you again!
Stay chipper misterlol..
@Mister, do you really laugh out loud, even when nothing is funny (at least to me)??? I just gotta know…
@mrlol, idk If it’s Lol worthy but it’s definitely a smile every time. Ahahahaha!
I suspect a connection between the two accounts. Ya, I just said it out loud, cuz I R a thunker like that. >=)
Pay that man his monies
*Russian accent* Aces Full, Freddie…
6 years at 180 is a tad high but I’d do it if I was in charge but I’m not. 200 million is crazy.
They already have Acuna and Albies locked up long term for damn near free. Overpay Freddie and move on.
Exactly, Ted. Seize the window of opportunity here. Pay Freeman.
Acuna jumps to $15 mil this season. Still a bargain but nowhere near free.
@Sid Bream Speed Demon.
I really love your name. He WAS a speed demon..at least ONCE in his career.
I know Acuna isn’t literally free, but $15MM per (going to $17MM thru 2028 or so) is ridiculous. In his half-season in 2021 he was still worth $33MM per Fangraphs.
In other words they can give Freddie $33MM a year and have them both for $50MM total. That ain’t bad.
Liberty won’t pay 180 per. They have other holes to fill too.
Players can’t keep expecting their salaries to grow and break records while team payrolls are basically capped. Only so many teams are going to spend big on players and they can only afford so many big contracts. Either players need to be okay still making huge amounts of money or teams need to raise payrolls. Something has to give at some point. Thing is, if payrolls rise, fans have spend more money. Hard to make everyone happy.
This is Freeman’s last chance in his life to sign a contract that will be worth nine-figures. Sports leagues are sort of like a pie. The money is split between owners and players. If players don’t squeeze every last dollar, the owners just keep it for themselves.
Love how it’s always just player vs owner; if player doesn’t get it then owner will just keep it. Not like owner has ALL of the other people to pay for and worry about like grounds crew, stadium attendants, scouts, GM, etc. Not to mention owner has ALL the risk and the investment into the team itself. Shoot Mets are still paying BB salary and he hasn’t played in 100 years, Kris Davis with the Orioles “give that man his money ” Jason worth same thing, no one gives a rip when they just pack it in and don’t preform again still get there 100 million….
Jason Worth? I agreed with you but he was worth every penny to Washington. Did you mean Jason Bey?
Anyway, players don’t realize they’re also competing against each other in many instances. Teams have payroll restrictions in most instances. Even large market teams have limits most seasons and sometimes have to make hard choices.
Yes you are correct Jason Bey, my mistake
What’s a Jason Bey?
Oh boo hoo, most will never sniff a nine-figure salary in their lifetime. If he wants to be overly greedy at his age, then I say let him walk, we can get a good 1st baseman and some serious pitching for that money.
I’m actually with you. I thought I was the only one that wouldn’t care if he walked if he wants that kind of money. The Braves like having the flexibility to do stuff throughout the season as we all know, so you can forget about a contract that’s front loaded. Overpaying him out of admiration is hilariously bad, also, from a business standpoint. If Freeman is stuck on 6/200, he isn’t coming back. Maybe they could try and defer his salary for some years, or a 6th year with a high option buyout, but they aren’t going to significantly overpay him.
@brandon
No, if they don’t pay it to Freeman, they will pay it to other players. It doesn’t all have to go to one player. Freeman’s contract will be part of the total payroll. The Payroll won’t change because they pay him more or less. It will only affect how much is available for others.
Revenue continues to grow, too. Let’s not pretend the pie is only but so big. The “cap” you speak of was self imposed by the owners because a handful of owners are cheap and/or their markets aren’t good, yet the other clubs are expected to drag these clubs along.
If an owner is too cheap to fund a team, then sell. If the market is bad, then relocate. That simple.
Appy, Unless you want baseball back in the days of your grandfather when there was two 10 team leagues, you can’t fold or move teams because they are not in the richest of markets. Make better front office choices and you can get teams contending with smaller payrolls But the MLBPA would NEVER agree to a contraction of the league, so you will always deal with David markets and Goliath markets. ( And i don’t mean the claymatiion cartoon). And Mexico won’t accept an MLB team in Mexico City with their 100M people becUse it would ruin their own homegrown league. So where do you move a team to? Lynchburg?
I miss – it was two eight team leagues back then not two ten league teams.
Actually, it was two eight-team leagues through 1960. Beginning in 1961 the AL had 10 teams and the NL had 10 teams beginning in 1962. Divisional play did not begin until 1969 so there actually were two 10-team leagues without divisions for seven years…and eight for the AL.
48 don’t be condescending. She mentioned a long time ago (back in her grandparents day).
I’m pretty sure the ‘60s qualify as “a long time ago.” It’s 2021 (almost 2022).
@ap outlaw
No, its not that simple. The biggest markets currently have the teams. Moving puts them in even smaller markets with less probability of long term success.
Well we already know he’s leaving Atlanta because they disrespected him by QO’ing him.
¿Por que?
Cause no player has ever resigned after being given a QO. Oh wait players have.
remember that argument about taking a player to arbitration as well? also false.
@DarkSide830 According to the Dodger fans on the Kershaw article it’s very true.
Different relationships are different. Its very possible that the Dodgers relationship with Kershaw led to not issuing a QO and the Braves relationship with Freddie did and both teams are showing respect for their player. Like there are some couples that show their love by buying gifts and others might show love by spending quality time. To mock one relationship without understanding everything that goes into it should be left to likes of Stephen A and the ladies on The View.
@Chipper Jones’ illegitimate kid QOing your franchise icon is disrespectful either 100% of the time or 0% of the time. Not just for Kershaw.
Pick one.
“Only a Sith deals in absolutes”
LOL
Lying is disrespectful either either 100% of the time or 0% of the time, but your girlfriend ask you if she looks fat. Life is never as black and white as you seem to think it is.
@Chipper Jones’ illegitimate kid But the qualifying offer sure is.
Chipper what the Dodgers did with their icon is classy. What the Braves did with their icon was not. Withholding an insulting comment (you’re fat) is not anything like (potentially) interfering with your income/profession. The Braves should celebrate their icon and take into consideration what he has meant to the franchise. Not make it more difficult for him to obtain employment. While they had the absolute right to do so,they shouldn’t have. They have extremely wealthy ownership. I hope in the future free agents remember what they did.
@Carl Pocket 2 Tell that to the Dodger fans on the Kershaw article.
That’s a formality. Not only not disrespect, but completely expected and understood by every party involved.
@chiefnocahoma1 That’s not what Dodgers fans said about Clayton Kershaw on that other article a few days ago.
That’s relevant how? It’s a way to preserve a consolation pick if the player signs elsewhere. Don’t base everything you believe on what Dodgers fans say.
@chiefnocahoma1 So you admit that all the people defending Friedman’s excuse for not QO’ing Kershaw are dead wrong? Ok then.
LOL
Two different situations. Freeman will get paid by someone, regardless of the QO. Kershaw is risky, and adding the weight of the QO makes him even more of a gamble for a new team.
@BobGibsonFan did you ever find that source for Luis Campusano’s marijuana charges being reduced to a misdemeanor in January?
@fivepoundbass How is that the Dodgers’ problem?
@remove The Dodger fans the other day were talking about respect, and folks are back on it now and comparing Kershaw to Freeman. My point is that just because the Dodgers might have not issued a QO to Kershaw out of respect, that doesn’t make it disrespectful that the Braves offer one to Freeman. As you said, the QO is black and white. The teams’ intentions when choosing whether to offer or not are not black and white.
My opinion is that the Dodgers didn’t offer one because they don’t want him to accept it.
@fivepoundbass Yeah. I find it more likely that the Dodgers just didn’t think Kershaw was worth $18.4m and the whole “didn’t extend the QO out of respect” issue was just creative spin. But all the Dodger fans on that thread were defending that logic even though it’s completely indefensible.
“… that just because the Dodgers might have not issued a QO to Kershaw out of respect, that doesn’t make it disrespectful that the Braves offer one to Freeman.”
Again. Extending a QO to your franchise icon is disrespectful either 100% of the time or 0% of the time. Not just for Kershaw (or just for Freeman or anyone else). While I think that the Dodgers extending a QO to Kershaw wouldn’t have been disrespectful at all, if Dodgers fans are going to make that argument, it certainly opens the door for me to make the same argument about Freddie Freeman.
We’ll just have to agree to disagree on that one. Respect isn’t binary (or black and white, to use the earlier phrase). Just because you do something out of respect for someone doesn’t necessarily make not doing it disrespectful.
Remove are you calling Friedman a liar? He said the the reason the Fodgers didn’t extend the QO was because of respect and deference to Kershaw. The fans are repeating what he said.
@fivepoundbass No we won’t agree to disagree. You’re wrong and in denial. Extending a guy a qualifying offer is not disrespectful and not extending it when he is worth is not respectful. It’s negligent. It’s a dereliction of duty.
@dodger1958 Many commenters on the Kersgaw article suspected that the real reason Kershaw wasn’t QO’d was because the Dodgers simply don’t want to pay him $18.4m for 2022 and think they can get him cheaper and that the whole “didn’t extend the QO out of respect” thing was just creative spin.
And what I am saying is that declining to extend the QO out of “respect” or “gratitude” is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my life. The Dodgers have no need to extend Kershaw an olive branch. And it absolutely baffles me that anyone is defending that logic. The qualifying offer system was mutually agreed upon by both the league and the MLBPA. Not using it when the player is worth a QO is not “respectful.” It’s negligent. It’s a dereliction of duty. Especially for a team who develops their draft picks as well as the Dodgers do.
@remove Lol. You argue so much for the sake of arguing, that you forget what you’re arguing and with whom. One day, you’ll make a fine wife.
@fivepoundbass Call it what you like. Declining to QO a player isn’t “respecting him.” Not under any circumstances. The QO system was mutually agreed upon by the league and the MLBPA. If a QO’d player thinks the draft pick compensation will hurt his value there is nothing stopping him from accepting it.
Remove who cares what these so called “commentators” suspected. What is there connection to the Dodger’s Front Office? Friedman said it directly. He made the decision. You, on the other hand have absolutely no idea, on any level, what when in to the decision by the Dodger’s Front Office.
Friedman knows infinitely more about baseball, drafting players and running a team then you. Infinitely by a wide margin. Kershaw isn’t just any player he was the face of the team for years who conducted himself with total class and is a first ballot Hall of Famer.
@dodger1958…
“Remove who cares what these so called “commentators” suspected. What is there connection to the Dodger’s Front Office? Friedman said it directly.”
Yes, because front offices never lie, or even just spin stuff, to make themselves look better.
“You, on the other hand have absolutely no idea, on any level, what when in to the decision by the Dodger’s Front Office.”
I am aware of how smart, analytically inclined front offices generally think. And declining to QO any player because of “respect” or “goodwill” is not it.
“Friedman knows infinitely more about baseball, drafting players and running a team then you. Infinitely by a wide margin.”
If he really just declined to QO a player who was worth one I’m not sure I believe that.
“Kershaw isn’t just any player he was the face of the team for years who conducted himself with total class and is a first ballot Hall of Famer.”
And? Faces of franchises who conduct themselves with total class and will likely make the Hall of Fame have gotten QO’d in the past. You don’t see people slamming their teams’ GMs for “disrespecting them” or “screwing them over in FA.”
Bottom line, if A. J. Preller, Bill Schmidt, Nick Krall or whoever is in charge of the Mets right now were to decline to QO a player based solely on goodwill, we would not be having this conversation. Everyone on here would have trashed them for doing it. And they would be right to do so. But because it was Andrew Friedman who can do no wrong he actually has people defending the idea.
Anyway, based on your logic of QO’ing a player being disrespectful, the Dodgers can completely forget about Corey Seager or Chris Taylor staying. But in Seager’s case, considering he and Trea Turner both pout when asked to play a position that isn’t shortstop, that ship probably sailed months ago.
Remove
And the compensation (potentially) lost by the Dodgers in not QOing. Kershaw effectively would close to the area of player number 150 in the draft.
And neither Kershaw nor Taylor have the iconic status anywhere near Kershaw. While QOs are appropriate for most players they are not for someone who has meant so much to a franchise like Kershaw. I know this distinction escapes you, nonetheless, it exists.
And while it may be true that FOs lie, there would be no reason for Friedman to do so. None. And it is equally true that posters here, lie and have zero insight.
“And the compensation (potentially) lost by the Dodgers in not QOing. Kershaw effectively would close to the area of player number 150 in the draft.”
Exactly. That is huge for the Dodgers. I could see a team like the Padres passing up on that draft pick because they’re gonna fail to develop him anyway but a team with world class player development like the Dodgers has to take that draft pick.
“And neither Kershaw nor Taylor have the iconic status anywhere near Kershaw.”
Kershaw doesn’t have the iconic status near Kershaw? That doesn’t make any sense at all.
“While QOs are appropriate for most players they are not for someone who has meant so much to a franchise like Kershaw.”
Sure it’s appropriate for Kershaw. Braves QO’d Freeman. White Sox QO’d Abreu. Giants QO’d Bumgarner. If the QO is appropriate for those players then it was appropriate for Kershaw too.
“I know this distinction escapes you, nonetheless, it exists.”
Nope!
“And while it may be true that FOs lie, there would be no reason for Friedman to do so.”
To make himself look better? To not admit to the casual fans that he simply isn’t willing to pay Kershaw $18.4m for one year at this point?
Once again. If A. J. Preller, Bill Schmidt, Nick Krall or whoever is in charge of the Mets were to do the exact same thing, no one would be defending them. But because it’s Friedman almighty people are actually defending the type of move that I suggest in MLBTR live chats as a joke sometime.
LOL, wrong. That’s just a silly dumb dumb comment from a troll.
@TheMikeAG I’m just using the logic of the Dodgers fans on the Kershaw article so go take it up with them. Maybe write them a letter to the editor.
Your way off base on that one dude.
My what is what off base on that one?
Just sign Rizzo
trash
Rizzo is also looking to be overpaid for too many years. Sure he has the intangibles and is clutch, but the reality is his production has trended downward in recent years, and his availability will become more of an issue every year due to his back problems.
Rizzo is not a very good baseball player anymore. He’s serviceable but nothing special. Freddie, on the other hand, is one of the best on the planet today.
7/210 get it done.
I hope you are joking?
Only half joking.
I wish he’d sign for 6/180, but if he wants the 200 make it 7 years then.
I hope he gets $180 mil & I am no braves fan . But he is so good !! HOF
This is interesting. He obviously won’t be worth the money by the end of the deal and a team like the Braves must keep that in mind if they want to sustain success.. I have a feeling he’s going to find an offer that he can’t refuse elsewhere. You can’t let yourself get sentimental in this game.
I like him a lot.
I understood when the Tigers gave Miguel Cabrera his last contract.
Holy crap!
That Cabrera deal was terrible fron the very beginning. He was still under contract, ffs. My word. You have the most childlike understanding of finances of anyone I have ever interacted with.
Lord. “He won triple crown must sign big contract might keep win triple crown is not waste Tiger’s money i know because i played pepper with Abner Doubleday me write lot word why.”
Truly worthy of your fav: L O L.
You embarrass the entire board, sam.
I am a big Braves fan and said all along that Freeman won’t come back. The Braves are owned by a company not a individual giving Freeman huge money will tie their hands.
Braves are normally tight lipped with their deals but I think things leak so Braves can say hey we tried it was Freeman who chased the big money.
I still believe Freeman walks and Braves trade for Matt Olson who lives in Atlanta and with the money savings they get to bring in more players.
well get ready to eat a lot of egg soon. MLB radio says the deal is close.
Mlb radio says a deal is close for freeman? Is it to the braves?
Owned by a company that has, according to the rules of baseball and the laws of the United States of America, ZERO impact on the finances of the Braves. The team is able to spend whatever it makes or is able to finance.
I honestly would rather see Olson in ATL than Freeman until he’s 39. That’s a lot more payroll flexibility and Olson has turned a corner. No, he won’t hit a shade near Freddie’s AVG, but Olson’s 2021 OPS+ 153 bested Freeman’s 133 already. Olson cuts his strikeouts down and had his walks go up in 2021 while having the same plus-power in a massive home stadium. He’ll hit 40+ in a down-year in Truist.
@ben. Freddie will be staying in Atlanta. He was just spotted at Nashville TN at the CMA awards with his wife. He likes the south. The fans would revolt if Freddie isn’t resigned and they will most likely boycott games. Less ticket sales equals less revenue. Liberty Media knows Freddie is the one player you have to keep.
Chipper was 39 when he retired and was still effective. Freddie plays 1B, which is less taxing on the body. I’d do the 6/$180 and maybe a 7th year option to seal the deal.
Plus the DH in the NL is coming and the dude will continue to hit well beyond his time of playing gold glove defense, which he’ll do for another 3-4 years at least. Sign him already and let’s get ready to chase another ring!
You can make the argument that Freeman is already declining. If you ignore 2020, his ops+ has gone down every year. It’s certainly feasible he could be a league average or worse player as soon as halfway through the deal. I still want the Braves to compete for more titles, and if Freeman’s salary hampers them from doing so than I’m completely fine letting him walk.
It’ll be an atrocious contract by the 3rd/4th year probably.. He’s gonna be a signing a team will regret imo.
Right, because bob nightengale always does accurate and thorough reporting.
The. Braves have to resign him. Cohen already said he blowing pass the tax threshold
You continue winning the offseason. ATL, the postseason.
Doesn’t matter the Mets will always do what they do best choke. Hell he may have to be the GM nobody worth a crap wants it
Based on last season, what in the world makes you think that the Braves are overly concerned with what the Mets are doing?
Mets22, no offense but I would put my kids’ college fund on a bet that what the Mets *try* to do this off-season has zero effect on the decision-making process of the Braves (or probably any other team in MLB including all the NL east teams). Sorry!
Dude the Mets could sign Mike Trout but as long as their system doesn’t change and Brian Snitker is alive they will always be the same old Mets
He’s going to be handing out those checks himself cause no one wants to work for the Jerry Jones of baseball. Hopefully fanboy Cohen is a good judge of talent.
He’s blowing pass the tax threshold before signing any free agents.
I guess this means Freeman isn’t resigning with the Braves since whatever Nightendale says the opposite comes true
Freeman is a great player. I too believe he goes back to Atlanta. However, if he doesn’t what teams would be a match? If I were the Yankees (I certainly am not a Yankee fan) I’d let Rizzo walk and go all in on Freeman. A .300 type hitter he’d hit 35-40 bombs at hitter friendly Yankee Stadium. Yikes.
You’re aware Freeman is the textbook opposite of a pull-hitting slugger right?
Pull up Freeman’s spray chart 71% of his hits are to the pull side.
Don’t let facts ruin a good argument.
LoL. Yankees are not going all in on Freeman. If I’m the Mets I’d go after Freeman. Yankees would be lucky to convince one of top SS to come to NY. I’d love Rizzo back but IMO Rizzo goes to Boston.
LOL. Maybe the should go all in on Freeman.
Mets have a firstbase man. They need to break that habit of getting players for positions they don’t need one for. Plus you have someone Smith who is not an outfielder.
Red Sox if their GM is crazy enough to offer more than the 5/150 the Braves supposedly offered.
The Yankees could sign Seager for the same money and SS is a bigger need. As shown by their acquisition of Rizzo and before him Voit, even the Yankees know 1B is no longer a spot you spend top dollar on..
Seeger is a middling SS, at best. Probably would make a far better 3rd baseman.
Pay him or the Yankees will.
It’s Atl or a West Coast team. Zero chance at him heading North
No one on the west coast needs a first baseman…
San Diego.
They own Hosmer, forever…
DH is coming.
Hosmer owns them. Such a garbage contract
$30M/year for a DH is steep…if he platooned with Hosmer, that makes it $52M/year
Hmmmm………maybe you shouldn’t give older players big contracts.
Not Hosmer, anyway.
Giants might if Belt turns down the QO and is trying to get a two-three year deal. I think Farhan gives Belt a 2 year deal, but not longer. If Belt walks, Freddie could be a great addition to the Giants infield.
Let’s hope not. Less time for bench players. 6/190 for freeman. Lifetime braves. shows no signs of slowing down.
Pay him or the Yankees/Red Sox will.
Freeman will have to take less money to stay in Atlanta; that’s just a fact. We’ll see if he will.
You say he will take less money but he didn’t take less money or lower offer to come back.
If Atlanta plays Freeman they are going have issues eventually signing Austin Riley; Max Fried; Ian Anderson in a few years.
In a few years Morton and Ozuna won’t be on the books. A lot will change. You worry about those few years in a few years.
The Braves just won a WS. They have cheap, controllable young talent. You pay the heart and soul of your club and try to win another while you have all of this young talent.
All those guys you buy out their arb years plus 1-2 FA years. He saves going through a smear-campaign every year that is arbitration and locks in a price, while giving the player a confidence boost and more instant financial security, though they may for it by sacrificing some money during FA contract numbers. That first contract isn’t going to be massive (like Freeman’s first extension).
I like the trades AA makes, but he tries to get cute with signing players. If he plays brinksmanship with Freddie, he’s going to lose him.
7/180 and a $20M option with a $5M buyout. That would lower the AAV.
AA team is ran by a corporation not a owner who could decide to throw more money back; so his hands are kinda tied on his budget
Benny. Go look up how the Braves ownership work. Terry Mcguirk is pretty much the Braves owner (don’t be dumb and take this literally) and the Braves their own company
John smoke;
The Braves are owned by liberty media. Yes they had a president etc. but it’s not like a single owner like when Ted Turner owner them and heard his general manager say he couldn’t afford a player and called and said go get him don’t worry about money.
The Braves have a budget that they have to work with; so your talking about by what media is reporting Freeman wanting 33 million a season going greatly affect the future of the Braves as Anderson; Fried; Riley and others price increases. Not like a sole owner who would get say sign him
AA should be fired if he offered that contract for an aging 1B. The Braves will be just fine if he leaves.
Imagine the Yankees going hard after Brandon Belt? Left handed, HR power. They’d save a ton of $ by not going after Freeman, opening up more possibilities?
Or am I crazy?
Why should they be mutually exclusive?
Nothing against Freeman, great player that I hope to see the Braves lockup for the rest of his career. My only thought was, Belt would give the Yankees tremendous value in their stadium at the fraction of the cost.
Judge/Stanton are in their prime now, Belt should be absolutely be considered. He’d rake there and has a great glove.
@Central, I’ve thought the same thing. If Belt insists on more than 2 years, he could be a short term win-win for the Bombers.
The Yankees already have 3-5 guys that should be playing 1B-DH.
Plus. He need look no further than Brian McCann for guidance as to what that upheaval is like
Belt is going to the Giants.
Braves love their franchise players. If Freeman resigns for 6 years, it’s possible that for the Atlanta Braves’ entire history (1966-2027) either Phil Neikro, John Smoltz, or Freddie Freeman played on the team for all but 4 of them (85-87 and 09). That doesn’t even need to include Chipper…
Now we just gotta steal Dru Jones in the draft…
All is wonky in Atlanta. First Sean Kazmar retires and now Freddie turns down an offer.
I know, right?
Where does this $141MM number for Braves payroll come from? I haven’t the foggiest how that number is calculated.
Check Cot’s Contracts.
Cots doesn’t have that. Neither does Spotrac. Even with all arb-estimates and pre-arb guys, it’s not there.
Three years, 110 million. Otherwise you might be looking at another Chris Davis contract. You just never know.
Yeah, because Freddie’s track record is remotely comparable to Chris Davis’ 1 elite year. Freeman struck out 107 times this year in 695 PA. Come on
Watch and see. The Chris Davis comparison is an exaggeration to make a point. If Freeman signs for six years the last three will be a liability. That’s the point.
The comparison was an exaggeration to make a point. If Freeman gets six years the last three will be a liability. That’s the point. Pay him on the front end, and you won’t grieve the last three years.
Maybe Albert Pujols but not chris davis.
Pujols was at least 2 years older and got a 10 year contract. You can’t compare to Freeman.
We gonna believe a Nightengale report?
Freeman ends up a Brave no suspense here
Braves need to resign him.
Meet in the middle ground there and work out a deal. He’s a braves icon of his generation.
Some how braves need to move off Ozuna’s deal. There should be more clear legal issues that negate the contract. You shouldn’t get your money, or half of it, for committing certain crimes like domestic abuse/battery.
Exactly, pay the guy already. He can shift to DH later if need be. I will take a 300 hitter even if he loses the pop.
If he loses his “pop” he is worth about 4M/year and lousy for a 1b/dh type.
He’s a 32 year old 1B whose best years are behind him. Offer 5/160, take it or leave it. Too many mid-mark teams have dug themselves into a hole by overpaying aging stars. Let him walk.
Even if he stills this level of Freddie for 3-4 years that’s still a deal.
Plus, Freddie isn’t purely a power hitter. He is smart and has a good eye, even with his decline I think he could still have a decent avg and obp. He should age better than some other guys.
Comparing Freddie Freeman to Chris Davis is absurd. Davis fell off a cliff and only had the Power tool. Freeman hits 300, takes his walks and plays GG caliber defense. As “Uncle Joe” would say “Come on, Man”.
Uncle Joe is an idiot. Come on Brandon.
Uncle Joe is an idiot. Come on Brandon. The comparison was to make a point. Six years is about three too many.
Freddie is one of those special players who is worth more than his on-the-field contributions.
Pay the man.
No player is worth more than his on field value.
Only exception was hank Aaron.
@MountainBraves- you’re wrong.
If Freddie won’t take 4 years at 140 then I let him walk and give Oakland whatever they want for Matt Olsen. He is a Georgia kid, younger, and is going to cost around $10mil with Arb this coming season and is under control for two.
So your plan is to give up a wealth of young talent out of a thinning farm system to acquire a player in Olson who will line up for a huge pay day around when the other young Braves will need paid?
If we use the 6yr/200m as what it takes to keep Freddie that’s 33m a year. Okay, Olson is 10 of that this year and maybe a bit more next. You’re giving up one of Pache or Waters, so you need another 10m at least for an OF and suddenly you only have about 10m left. But oh, hey, we also had to trade a catching prospect… So have to buy a catcher, too. Uh oh… Two years passed and now the Braves have no farm and have to pay everyone. But it’s great they saved 8m bucks 2 years ago and created a leadership vacuum on the team, right?
It’s a baffling line of thinking. Just pay Freeman.
Don’t be dumb. We already have d’Arnaud signed and Shea Langiliers in the minors. Pache could be great or he may not hit, Waters may or may not be good in a year or two. 1B is not a tough position to fill. By the time Olsen would truly need to be paid Ozuna would be off the books, Morton would be gone, and you would have the surplus that you saved by not signing FF to a stupid deal. No 38 or 39 year old should make 30 plus million. It’s a dumb way for a medium market team to operate.
Not to mention we are finally off of international signee probation, so we can replenish the system that way if needed. Stop trying to hoard prospects, proven talent is better.
No, throwing away prospects in trades for a (slightly, mind you) lesser player than the one you have would potentially be considered dumb. Are they paying Olson then when he’s due or letting him walk? So then what, downgrading at the position again if he walks because it’s “easy to fill?”
At 38 Freeman’s game should age well enough where he can still hit. Might he be a bit overpaid at that point? Sure, but I don’t care. He’s the face of the franchise, just do it. It baffles my mind when some fans support and back the idea that ownership should go cheap given what Freddie has meant in Atlanta.
A leadership vacuum? How does that compare to a Dyson? If Freeman values himself at a top-level talent paydays for length and years, ATL shouldn’t re-sign him. That’s not to say he doesn’t deserve it, but ATL is a mid-market team that has been operating fiscally-responsible, which is part why they were able to make the World Series (let alone win it). Not responsible to throw that aside, even for Freddie, IF he’s asking for a contract that is irresponsible. A 6-year $200M would be irresponsible for ATL to get in bed with. Please AA, use protection — err, discretion.
So you’re saying Atlanta shouldn’t re-sign top level talent if they value themselves at top level market? Come on, man… They’re not poor. I get you have to have a certain level of fiscal restraint in a mid-market; and as much as I’d love to see a Soler, Pedersen and/or Rosario back I’d understand if they’re not. I’m not buying this they can’t sign one top level talent to a lengthy top level contract though. I absolutely refuse.
They won the World Series because they hit on 4 in-season trades, and kudos to AA and the Braves on that. Freeman was a huge part, too. If you have no Freeman then Atlanta is so far out by the deadline they never make those trades and all that “fiscal responsibility” gets you a third place finish.
I don’t understand why any Braves fan would start building in excuses for not signing Freeman.
Why? Because we don’t know what price Freeman is asking for. What price is too much for Freeman? I certainly believe if there’s anyone ATL should overextend themselves to retain, it’s Freeman, but IF he’s asking for record-money, that wouldn’t be prudent especially if you’re talking about him at 38-40 y/o. Chipper retired a Brave because he made certain concessions in contract talks to stay with ATL. He never got a record deal, though he was well taken care of during his time. The reason the future looks so bright for ATL is because they’ve managed to develop young stars while minimizing future monies. Do you throw that out and take on the risk by extending Freeman past where you’re comfortable with at the risk of future teams?
Pay him. The DH will be a sure thing way before his year 6.
6 year / $200M
Years 1-4 = $37.5 / aav = $150M
Performance Bonuses Trigger a Player Option for
Year 5 = $30M or a $2.5M Buyout
Should he not Perform Well Enough, then the Year 5 Option will be held by the team at the same Terms
Year 6 is a Team Option for $20M or a $12M Buyout
Note* Performance Bonuses will be cumulative and also Team Accomplishment Focused.
Making the Contract Range from
$152.5M – $192M – $200M
I’m a fan of this structure for mega contracts. This is exactly what I think the Yankees should offer Judge, in fact. 4/$150M guaranteed with a $10M buyout on performance based option years that could take it to 5 years/$180M or 6 years/$200M, etc.
I think this should be the new normal. If players refuse these kinds of deal structures, they’re admitting that they’re trying to tack on extra years and money they won’t earn or be worth when the time comes.
Some of you are throwing millions around like its a Fantasy team. Every player is due what he is worth, but the salary system is broke and the league minimum isn’t exactly a laugh- it’s over 1/2 million to sit on the bench. The retirement fund needs some fixing- that would end some problems- as far as Freeman, one point is, both sides know most players won’t be playing into their 40’s and won’t be the 50 million dollar man in their late 30’s. The killer to team has been the long term contracts- guys having injuries with a long term guaranteed salary that gives them nothing for what they paid- Freeman was offered 27 million for 5 years, he wants 33.3 million for 6 – give him 30 for 5 and hook him up with an endorsement for a couple million. EVERY BODY wins and teams don’t go into a tail spin after a WS win like Phila did as soon as they broke their own rules and gave long term deals.
I agree with above; give him a signing bonus and a front-loaded contract for both winning the World Series and also performing so well on that last fairly team friendly deal. They have to be flush with cash after winning it all, so pay your fan favorite star player and keep both him and the fans happy.
A lot of people have Freeman going to Boston. I don’t see it as i don’t see Bloom spending that kind of money a 1B when they already have Dalbec and Casas on the way and Schwarber could probably be had for half the money. I can’t see Freddie wearing another uniform but the Braves so hopefully they get it done
Offer him six years at $175 million. If that’s not good enough then move on.
The money they save on Acuna alone should get this contract done
Acuna will make $15 mil this season. Not chump change, but a large increase.
That means we won’t have money in the budget for a Drew Smyly-like gamble (1/11M). Darn. One less bullet.
My compromise would be a seven or eight-year deal worth around $180 million. Freeman gets the dollar figure, though it’s spread out over a greater amount of years while simultaneously ensuring he ends his career as a Brave. Could even make those final two years option years with healthy buyouts. Something like 7/170 with a $20 million option or $10 million buyout.
Hahahahahahahahaha. Are you being serious? Neither side would do that, it’s awful.
A contract should be given out for what you think the production will be over its length not what the previous history has been. Hence why the Cardinals did not resign Pujols 10 years ago. At some point you have to be reasonable and you need to lock up your other stars like Fried and Riley up long term as well and the Freeman contract has to allow those other players to get signed or maybe you have to look at other options.
I don’t want to see Freddie leave but at some point there is a limit. Then in that case you explore trade options or move Riley to 1st.
But imo the Braves sign him and you see a deal with deferred money.
VERY little doubt Freddie will ultimately sign anywhere but through the end of his career with Atlanta. But I can’t put any credence in Nightingales’ option, after his recent comments on his refusal to use the name “Braves” in what he… contributes…to ESPN. I as well… have a degree in (print) journalism, a doctorate too. Not sure what comprises Mr. Nightingale’s advanced degrees…which clearly are not in common knowledge of how the actual demographics/fans feel in a particular area. Whatever it is, I’m convinced those degrees are certainly not in common sense/local fan base knowledge. Very disappointed with his personal opinions, being part Cherokee. It’s considered an honor to my family to have teams named after our family. But to each their own. Last I’ll say about it. Freddie re-signs with Atlanta.
Love ya Freddie but love the Braves more. That’s way to much
Freeman is 32, why on earth would a team sign him for 6 years and overpay for the downside of his career, all the while, hamstring the teams future roster flexibility? Very few big men remain excellent past 33/34, the human body simply deteriorates and then teams are stuck paying bad contracts to players who should be retired. The Braves just got their title, the trick to being able to having a shot at winning another is not overpaying veterans, they should let Freeman walk.
My opinion if Freeman really wanted to stay he would have signed the contract mentioned. Sounds more like he is going chase money.
My belief is that Freeman is going walk; it may not look like it was a good deal to let him walk 2022 / 2023 season but just like the cardinals with Albert Pujols I think one day we will be happy he is not a Braves
Freeman’s number in 2021 were not elite and the 2021 numbers can be matched by either signing or trading for someone.
If the Braves let Freeman walk than they need in my opinion to lock up Riley long term.
So much this. The Cards let Pujols walk while the Phillies signed Howard to that huge extension. Phillies haven’t won squat since, Cards have been good.
I’ll agree with this. Though I hope they really and try and hammer something out for Riley/Fried. We need to lock up pitching sooner than later knowing how much of a premium FA SPs are. If any of Fried/Anderson are listening…hammer something out locking in their arb prices and possibly taking away any free agent years, giving them some security (if TJ calls).
As much as I love Freeman, it’s great knowing that OAK has got to trim their budget and they have premium talent including Olson that would really help with that. What’s interesting is that if (BIG BIG IF), if they hire Washington, Freeman doesn’t re-sign in ATL, then ATL needs a replacement and Wash could make it easier with his knowledge of the team/prospects to trade some talent to OAK, for him to work with. That could mean a Pache or Waters moves along with possibly Kyle Wright/Muller.
Wow. I mean I don’t know what I was expecting. I guess it hits me like a ton of bricks because instead of seeing the title to this article, all I see is “Freeman will be checking in with 29 other clubs for their free space at 1B.”
On the less emotionally attached side, this is an interesting test for just how dedicated the Braves are to staying away from large contract commitments. If the Braves won’t do it for Freeman than they won’t do it for anyone.
Let him walk. That much for an aging 32 year old 1st baseman is too much unless you are Arte Moreno and lose out on yet another pitcher.
In the words of Henry Gibson I find the above to be very interesting.
Arte Johnson.
bhambrave,
You of course are correct and I knew that one. I just searched on YouTube and somehow I was confused.
Dude would be 38, Damn, we act like 38 is stupid old. Last year at 37, Yuli Gurriel was the AL batting chap. Nelson Cruz at 41 was still hitting bombs. There are outliers out there that can still produce. Like I and others have said with the DH coming you can limit the wear on him as he ages. This is the market right now and I like many others showed up, spent the cash and was amazed how packed Truist was this season. 2nd in MLB attendance behind the Dodgers who’s stadium holds 10k more. This team will be lean for a couple seasons without FF in the middle of the lineup. Heir apparent to Chipper in Braves Country. Suck it up, get the contract done and continue to pack the ballpark.
Oh and Chipper won the BT and age 36.
Not being a braves fan I would love to see Freddie walk. The Braves have to pay him what he wants he is the heart and soul of that team. They lose him they don’t repeat. His presence in the lineup gets everyone else pitches to hit.
I wish some of my fellow Braves fans understood that as well as you do.
AA needs to stick to his guns and principles. AA’s FF (financial flexibility) is what won the Braves a WS. Remember a team WITH Freddie, and WITH Ronnie underperformed and was mediocre, until the trade deadline reinforcements and bullpen consistency arrived.
Braves have to be careful not to turn into the 2016 Cubs. Can you imagine 5 years from now Braves being a 90 loss team? If it can happen to the Cubs, who had more money than the Braves, ran by one of the best GMs in the game (Theo Epstein), and who had a strong young core and a dynasty on their hands, it can happen to the Braves. Main culprit? Bloated FA contracts. Just ask Freddie’s minor-league best friend, Jason Heyward. Bloated FA contracts also pressures the team to win now to make good on the bloated contract, causing poor judgment in trades, decimating the farm system.
Freddie is not immune to aging, like every player ever before him. He also had the highest GB% of his career this year: past 5 years (36.3%, 36.8%, 38.1%, 32.8% (60-game only), 43.2%). Pretty sure that’s trending the wrong way. And he’s also not immune to injury, as he’s had elbow problems in his career. That Yelich contract is a great example; all it takes is one nagging injury to cripple a mid-market team.
Freddie is also not better than Goldschmidt, $135M gives Freddie $5M more than Goldy. Maybe 5 for $140M to give an extra $5M for Charlie’s hitting development.
Lastly, Freddie doesn’t have a strong market for his services that will pay him more frankly. Not many teams actually need a 1B compared to other needs. Let’s assume Freddie wants to go to play for a ball-club that’s competitive and not rebuilding (excludes Cubs, Nationals, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Rangers, Royals, Orioles). And of course team has to be willing to give out a big contract (excludes Rays, Guardians, Marlins, Pirates, A’s)
Here are the remaining teams and who they have at 1B currently, their other team needs, and what other big contracts they already have:
Mets: Alonso, don’t need a 1B
Phillies: Hoskins, don’t need a 1B
Brewers: Tellez/Vogelbach; they could use an upgrade, but they already have the bloated Yelich contract
Cardinals: Goldschmidt, don’t need a 1B
Reds: Votto, don’t need a 1B, they are looking to sell
Dodgers: Muncy, don’t need a 1B; need a SS or 2B
Padres: Stuck with Hosmer contract; they can maybe want to upgrade, but will be hesitant to give out another big contract seeing Tatis with injury problems
Giants: all signs point to them wanting to resign Belt, considering they won 107 games with him, and they would prefer to spend on pitching instead
Astros: Gurriel; they’re not going to give Freddie a massive deal when they won’t give one to Correa or Springer
Mariners: Ty France, don’t need a 1B, need a 3B/SS/2B instead
Angels: Jared Walsh, they are stuck with bloated contracts with Trout and Rendon, also have been burned with Upton and Pujols, don’t see them going back to the aging mid 30s bloated contract when it hasn’t served them so well in the past. Note they are run by Perry Minasian now, who was with AA just a year ago. Their days of giving out bloated contracts just b/c seem to be over
White Sox: Jose Abreu, don’t need a 1B
Twins: Miguel Sano; even if he moves to DH Twins are looking to re-tool, not go all-in; after Josh Donaldson and Ervin Santana Twins will most likely be hesitant to sign away former Braves players
Tigers: they have a need but they are strong suitors for Correa. At his price tag they aren’t going to then sign Freddie, especially after watching Cabrera age
Blue Jays: Vlad Guerrero JR, don’t need a 1B
so really, that leaves Red Sox and Yankees as the likely suitors for Freddie > $135M.
But Yankees really want Seager/Correa, and after that they want pitching. Don’t see the Yankees signing both Seager/Correa and Freeman, since they need to sign Judge soon, and they have been keen to stay under luxury tax in recent years. IF they miss out on a SS, prefer to keep Torres, then yes, I can see them going for Freddie. But Seager makes too much sense for them
So maybe Red Sox? But they are run by Chaim Bloom, who came from the Rays, and their bigger needs are pitching, pitching, and more pitching (they certainly don’t need offense).
So yeah, absolutely no rush for AA to resign Freddie. Just like Ozuna last year, AA should stick to his guns, wait out the market, and sign Freddie for 5 for $140M. Win-win for team and player. AA keeps the flexibility to go make more trade deadline deals in the future, Freddie gets paid more than Goldy and gets to be the king of Atlanta for the rest of his career.
I guess there’s a wild-card that Freddie just goes for the money and signs with a team like the Rangers, but more power to Freddie if he does that; he would be miserable going back to a losing team and would make losing him more palatable for Braves fans. I get losing Freddie would be a big loss immediately, but if AA can replace Acuna and win a WS, he can find a way replace Freddie. Heck Matt Adams played really well as a Freddie replacement (so much so that Freddie returned back from injury quicker than expected to play 3B)
Thankfully this isn’t AA’s first or 2nd year with the Braves, and thankfully he has the resume of an architect of a WS with his deadline deals. He’s already used to offseason mocking and ridicule from Braves Country, so I think he will have the conviction to hold his ground, for the sake of the future budding Braves Dynasty. Scheurholz’s 14 straight really is in jeopardy as long as AA is in charge
If Ted Turner still owned the team Freeman would for sure be back. My guess is either yankees or mariners sign him.
The braves should have a large boost in payroll from winning the WS. I WANT Freeman back, but for the right price. I think 6 years at 200m is too steep.
I would love for the Braves to find a away to resign Soler 2@24 and Rosario 2@15. If Freeman leaves then call Oakland. Could Pache and Wright be enough to get Matt Olsen for 2 years? I think Olsen needs to be the backup plan if Freeman wants 200m
Rosario’s going to get more than that. I’d imagine something in the 23-29M range considering he just came off a 1/8M salary dump. Considering the next tier up is twice that with Marte, etc, not that they’re equivalent considering lack of speed/defense from Rosario.
Re: Olson – I hear ya on him, but though I think Pache/Wright could be interesting, they’ll want some other talent. They’ll want AT:L to take over his arb, which will help with payroll, plus get instant impact players possibly with Pache/Wright, with Wright justifying them trading another pitcher (possibly arb-eligible Frankie Montas to clear more payroll). I can imagine them wanting either of Contreras or Langeliers (from Oregon St).
If Freddie is that good. Why does he have just ONE WS title. And that was only because the rental players stepped up to get things done. He didn’t even get the MVP award. It went to a rental player who was not even in a Braves uniform for one year. I would be ashamed if I was Freddie. He’s useless.
If Freddie is that good. Why does he have just ONE WS title. And that was only because the rental players stepped up to get things done. He didn’t even get the MVP award. It went to a rental player who was not even in a Braves uniform for one year. I would be ashamed if I was Freddie. He’s useless. I say let him try his luck somewhere else.
While I agree the Braves should be careful not to overpay significantly, your comment makes no sense. One player does not carry a team to championships in MLB like they can in the NBA. Also, just because Soler stole the show in the World Series doesn’t mean that Freeman didn’t contribute. I’m not comparing Freeman to Hank Aaron by any means…but, by your logic, Hank Aaron “isn’t that good” because he only won one ring.
Oh come on. It’s a team sport. Freeman can’t carry the entire team. No one player can do that. Not even Mike Trout on the Angels.
@number1dodger: Your sarcasm is pretty funny.
Atlanta is not LA, different markets. Glad it’s so easy being a Dodger fan that a lot of you guys forget that you are. It’s easier when you have the resources to get MVP’s and CY guys. Gimme a break bro. We know struggle her in the A. I’ll take my Georgia peaches too over the plastic and Brazilian butt lift fake women you have too.
bravesnation nc – The Braves are owned by one of the wealthiest ownership groups in MLB. They just got a new stadium paid for by the government. Give yourself a break. Keep your peaches and your racist voting restrictions.
The Braves paid for 55% of the construction, and then GAVE the ballpark to the government. Their operating revenue comes from the team, not the parent corporation. Georgia’s voting law is no more racist than New York’s or Colorado’s or many other states. In other words, you’re totally clueless.
The state paid hundreds of millions to construct another new stadium. The Braves should have paid every penny. Wealthy, very wealthy owners. And there is no comparison between NY and GA voting laws and the clear intent of the new GA was suppress Dem votes not because of finding of voting issues. There was no problem to fix. nysba.org/georgia-vs-new-york-on-voting-rights-no-…
Braves nation it is constitutional right. Technically neither a duty nor an obligation. Voting should be made as easy as possible. Not sure who you refer to as all these people but there have been huge get out the vote pushes since as far back as I can remember. And people of colour, have invariably been the target of voter suppression for hundreds of years. I am a minority myself and have experienced bigotry for over 70 years.
The truth of the matter is that in Red States there is an incentive to suppress minority voters because, by in large, they support Democrats, and many times have to make economic sacrifices just to be able to vote.
Go to Starbucks and don’t forget your mask.
I like Freeman but he is 32 and is exiting his prime. I wouldn’t give him a contract for more than 4 years.
Pay the man. 160 for 5, 180 for 6. 200 for 6, idc. Braves got to pay it.
ATL can’t get its vision obscured by the high of a WS win and go on tilt with crazy contracts, even (especially) with beloved aging players. Freddie is at his prime right now. It only goes down from here – the data is very clear on that. Maybe as soon as next season – the WS swoon is a real thing. I’d be real careful in tying the payroll’s hands in 3-4 years with bad money – and eventually Freddie will understand that too and structure a deal that rewards him at his peak and offers both sides some protections down the line based on productivity.
While it’s hard to take the side of billionaires, I’m sick of every player looking to maximizing every dollar “for the sake of the next generation of players”. Freddie has already made a ton of money in baseball, more than he’ll ever spend. Does he really need $200M for his next contract? How about staying with a team/community where you are revered at a reasonable rate, which allows the team to add more talent and compete? If Atlanta pays him 6/$200M, that takes Soler, Rosario or perhaps a plus reliever off the table for the Braves. 5/$150M is the max Atlanta should look to pay and I think even that is too high for a first baseman who will be turning 32 years old. 4/$120M is much more in line with what his production will be worth going forward. You probably get 2-3 more years of vintage Freddie before his age catches up with him. Make the 5th year a player option with some funny accounting built in to lessen the CBT hit (if CBT is still even a thing with the new CBA).
While Freddie is a franchise icon, I wouldn’t blame Atlanta if they let him walk if he refuses to budge off of his $200M ask. First base is the easiest position to fill and the team needs to keep some payroll flexibility going forward for their young starting pitchers. Unless Freddie has a Kirby Puckett moment (take less to stay with the team he loves), I’d let him walk, try to trade for Matt Olson and then add 2-3 more legitimate pieces and take a shot at repeating this year. Freddie will be miserable if he jumps at the highest offer from a team like Texas, Detroit, etc. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail and they can figure out how to keep Freddie a Brave for life without ruining the ability to add more players.
So Dorothy you don’t believe in free market capitalism? Should corporations have their profits capped? Should corporate executives have their compensation capoed?
I have to agree. Freddy is an elite talent to be sure, but $200M? He’s basically saying “Pay me so much you won’t have the flexibility to fill out the rest of the team — I don’t care whether we win another championship as long as I get my money”. I’ve soured on him. Find someone else who will sign for 25% or less of that amount and produce 80% or better of the results. It’s a necessary tradeoff in a sport where the players have so completely lost touch with the fans.
I Loveeeeeeeeeeee how everything today turns race related. It blows my mind. Excuse me because I don’t want the government controlling every aspect of my life and forcing me to do things. Excuse me that I have a problem with the government handing out money like it’s candy then telling the people that WE won’t have to pay for it. Gimme a break. 1958 sir BTW I’m a Black and Latin USMC Retired Vet of 22yrs. I’ve been all over the world and seen what REAL oppression and restriction of people looks like. Neither Democratic or Republican just a American that served. As far as voting, I’m sorry it’s a duty to vote and it requires effort on All parts of the process. Treating it as it is as trivial as grabbing a bite to eat is insane. I don’t remember all these people coming out the woodworks to get people to vote during the Reagan, Clinton, Bush 1, Bush 2, even Obama term. Certain groups are preying on people of lesser means and the naive. I tell everyone the same thing listen to both sides and here is the kicker, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH, then and only then formulate your OWN opinion. But having a opinion today is wrong and racist so everyone “falls in line”.
@bravesnation. Great comment. I agree.
Great post. That’s the way it’s done! Unfortunately, we’ve got a lot of morons in this country who think they’re informed when they’re not. It’s hard to deal with, but what can you do? Fight the good fight that’s what! Good Americans will prevail.
If Freddie wanted $200 million on this contract, he should have signed for 5 years on the previous one. Instead, he signed for 7 and now he wants the Braves to pay an aging player prime time money. He needs to contact the Dodgers or the Red Sox.
Appreciate it CrimeDog, I had this same conversation at Truist during the World Series. Every nationality and every background was there and we talked about the basics of respecting one another no matter the political view or opinion. We are divided on so many fronts it’s pathetic and BOTH SIDES use whatever narrative is popular and will propel their objective. We need strong leaders in this country not slogans or agendas. Everything is not about race that’s a cheap excuse to deter from the real problems of Gaps in Education, Broken Lack of Fathers in the home, Substance Abuse, and on and on. Hold your Local and Federal Leadership accountable for the decisions that are made on OUR so called behalf. Look at it now ask any of these people tough questions you get side talk or no answer at all.
Braves suck I’d want to leave if I was him also. Maybe go to a good team like the mariners
Can the Braves afford Freeman? Absolutely. 2021 salaries coming off the books in 2022 (in millions of dollars): Drew Smyly (11); Ender Enciarte (8.7); Chris Martin (7); Shane Greene (1.192); Josh Tomlin (1); and Grant Dayton (.9). Also the portion of contracts paid by the Braves to AA midseason acquisitions Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, Joc Pederson, and Stephen Vogt (now free agents) comes to $8.86 million. If we subtract the 2022 buyouts for Pederson, Inciarte, and Tomlin (3.775), that still leaves $24.843 million in freed up funds to be used for 2022.
Returning Braves salaries across the board will, for the most part, go up, including for players in arbitration and pre-arbitration. Aside from Freeman, the biggest raises will go to Acuna, +$10 million, with his salary rising from $5 million to $15 million, and Morton, +$5 million, with his salary rising from $15 million to $20 million.
If the Braves end up giving Freddie $30+ million in 2022, that will not be an inordinate raise over his 2021 salary of $22.359 million. The Braves don’t have to come up with $30+ million in new funds, just the salary difference.
My suggestion: the Braves should offer Freddie 6 years and $166 million. His salary for 2022-2023 would be $33 million per year (a $10.64 million raise) and would make him the highest paid first baseman for those two years, just ahead of Miguel Cabrera. His salary for 2024-2025 would be $27 million per year. His salary for 2026-2027 would be $23 million per year.
I would add two club option years for 2028-2029 at $20 million per year, making the total potential value of the deal 8 years and $206 million. Freddie will turn 40 at the end (September) of the 2029 season. Not sure how long Freeman wants to play, but given that his family is most import to him and he has three young sons, it is possible he will want to retire before the end of the full 8 years.
Oh yeah Freddie is gonna look great in those pinstripes knocking the ball into that short porch in right field. The Yankees will pay the the man.
And still not win a World Series.