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The Atlanta Braves failed to sign superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman to a new contract prior to the MLB lockout shutting the door on all transactions. Their inability to do so could potentially hurt them once the league resumes activity, as rumors have linked various teams to the former NL MVP. Now, a surprise team has emerged as a potential landing spot for Freeman. According to Jon Heyman, the Tampa Bay Rays made an offer to Freeman before the lockout, and remain a fit for him when league activity resumes.
Sources: The low-revenue Tampa Bay Rays made superstar Freddie Freeman an offer before the lockout. Yankees very interested. Jays, Dodgers, others could fit. It’s a surprise Braves didn’t lock him up before lockout; they remain in mix. (New daily feature: actual baseball news)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 7, 2022
It's certainly a surprise that the Rays were in on Freeman considering their tendency not to spend on free agents. A long-term contract for Freeman would be very out of character for the Rays, who have long been known to pinch pennies when it comes to doling out big deals.
Still, with the amount of talent on the Rays' roster, adding a playmaker like Freeman could push them back into World Series contention in 2022. Plus, landing the star first baseman would be a direct blow to the rival Yankees, who are also among the teams most interested in acquiring the 32-year-old.
Heyman also noted the Dodgers and Blue Jays as possible Freeman destinations, should he not return to the Braves. Last season in Atlanta, Freeman slashed .300/.393/.503 with 31 home runs and 83 RBI, playing a key role in the Braves World Series run. It's a shock to most around the league that the organization didn't lock him down before the league was locked out on Dec. 1, and now it looks as if the Braves will have to fend off interest from competing organizations if they want to keep him in town.
