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MLB insider John Heyman recently reported that the low payroll Tampa Bay Rays made former Atlanta Braves superstar free agent Freddie Freeman a pre-lockout offer.
This is surprising since Tampa Bay rarely reaches out in the free agent market for high-profile stars. They typically prefer to build up their roster with low salary in-house players. But the Rays have failed to win the World Series despite their recent regular season success so this may be a desperation attempt at winning the 2022 Fall Classic.
Freeman was crucial for the Braves 2021 World Series run. The veteran first baseman was expected to remain in Atlanta following the season but the Braves failed to re-sign him. He has been linked to the usual big market teams such as the Yankees and Dodgers. But Tampa Bay could offer some competition in the pursuit to acquire the former National League MVP.
The Rays would benefit from signing a slugger such as Freeman. They have typically leaned on strong defense and pitching but adding a powerful first baseman to the mix would catapult their World Series chances. He also would represent an upgrade at the position since the only two first baseman listed on the current depth chart are Ji-Man Choi and Yandy Diaz. They are both decent options but Freeman would provide a whole new element of talent at first base.
Freeman also could welcome the challenge of bringing the city of Tampa Bay their first ever World Series title. He already led the Braves to a championship so adding another ring in a different city would surely increase his Hall of Fame chances.
It will be interesting to see if the Rays continue their pursuit of Freeman was the lockout comes to an end.
