Freddie Freeman is one of the most coveted names on the free agency market this offseason, though it's widely expected the former NL MVP will re-sign with the Atlanta Braves. Still, many clubs are surprised the veteran first baseman hasn't agreed to a deal with the Braves yet, and it's especially surprising considering what the 32-year-old is seeking on the open market.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Freeman is asking for a six-year contract worth $180 million. Compared to some of the other mega-deals we've seen handed out in free agency, this is not an unrealistic ask, and one the Braves should be willing to comply with.
Word is Freeman had been seeking about $180M for 6 years. Seems reasonable to me. If that’s it, Braves should just pay him.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 30, 2021
Freeman has consistently been one of the best first basemen in baseball over the better part of the past decade. He's been to five All-Star Games, won two Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers, and won the 2020 NL MVP award.
Last season, Freeman returned from a long battle with COVID-19 and slashed .300/.393/.503 with 31 home runs and 83 RBI's, featuring in 159 games for the World Series champion Braves. He's been a franchise cornerstone since debuting for the club in 2010 as a 20-year-old, so it'd be shocking if the organization let him walk this offseason.
Still, with no deal signed yet, reports indicate that the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are at the forefront of teams monitoring the situation. While Freeman is still expected to return to the Braves, squads are certainly intrigued at the prospect of luring him away, if possible, especially at that price tag.
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