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Although the Atlanta Braves achieved their dream of winning the World Series, the offseason has been borderline nightmarish for them. They have yet to re-sign franchise star Freddie Freeman. Now that the lockout is officially over and spring training is underway, they need to stop beating around the bush and bring their star first baseman back.
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Braves had “detailed conversations” with star pitcher Justin Verlander. Although he ended up going back to the Houston Astros, Morosi explains that the Braves want to add a starting pitcher as well as Freeman in free agency.
Source: Prior to lockout, #Braves had detailed conversations with free agent Justin Verlander. He ultimately returned to Houston, but this indicates that the Braves are trying to fit a high-level starter *and* Freddie Freeman into their budget. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 11, 2022
The Braves should be fine without Freeman, as they'll still have Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried and Ian Anderson still around. With that star power and a front office that made a World Series winner out of a team that was below .500 in August, they should still be able to compete for the playoffs.
But Freeman's departure from the team, especially after winning it all, would sting very badly. He has been with the team for 12 years. The five-time All-Star and 2020 MVP was instrumental to their championship as well. With teams like the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays showing interest in Freeman, the Braves need to focus heavily on re-signing him.
Atlanta should prioritize him over adding a pitcher. The available pitchers are mostly old stars, namely Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. The best one available is Carlos Rodon, who received Cy Young Award votes last season but has a long history of injury.
Despite the Braves' need for pitching shouldn't cloud their need to bring Freeman back. Under no circumstances will letting him go to another team make sense.
