LOS ANGELES, CA – While the MLB lockout continues with the MLBPA and the owners keeping up their cold standoff with each other, there is the growing concern that a new CBA will not be figured out before the end of February and thus delaying the start of the season.
It’s a shame because shortly before the lockout started, the MLB free agency period was just getting hot and there were plenty of high profile stars that remained unsigned.
(Courtesy of Starr Cards)
One of those stars is five-time All-Star and current World Series champion Freddie Freeman. Before the MLB work stoppage ensured, there were rumors that the Atlanta Braves star first baseman could be interested in leaving the only team he’s ever played for due to the Braves not offering the type of deal Freeman desired.
Considering Freeman helped bring the city of Atlanta their first pro sports championship since 1995 and has been a franchise cornerstone over the last decade, he probably feels disrespected.
Before the lockout, the chatter surrounding Freeman potentially signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Yankees was getting hot and many believed Freeman could take his talents to one of those historic organizations.
However, since neither was able to strike a deal before the CBA expired, many also thought the lockout would favor Atlanta and allow their ownership more time to offer a contract that would satisfy their MVP.
In the past week, there is now the belief that Freeman will not return to the Braves after the lockout ends.
That definitely leaves an opening again for both the Dodgers and Yankees to try and lure the star first baseman out of the ATL, especially the Dodgers, the team that Freeman and the Braves eliminated from the NLCS six months ago.
(Courtesy of Highlight Territory)
However, the Yankees have other needs to tend to and internal free agents to figure out contracts on. Also, signing with the Dodgers would be a homecoming for the Fountain Valley, CA native who attended El Modena High School in the city of Orange. Not only would Freeman be closer to his family, but he also joins a winning team with tremendous and historic culture, and a truly dedicated fan base.
Not to mention the sense of urgency to sign Freeman might be growing, considering their incumbent first baseman Max Muncy could miss time with the UCL tear in his elbow and a free agent at the end of the 2022 season.
Freeman could definitely fill that gap at first base. Even if Muncy is healthy, manager Dave Roberts could always slide him over to second or third base or even have him DH, since the universal DH will be enacted in this new CBA agreement.
Freeman also gives the Dodgers a left-handed power bat to replace Corey Seager in the lineup, who signed a mega-deal with the Texas Rangers this past winter.
Adding Freeman to a lineup that already stars in Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Justin Turner, Chris Taylor, Will Smith, Cody Bellinger, and a healthy Muncy would make the Dodgers contenders yet again, and given his leadership and personality, he would fit the positive clubhouse culture like a glove.
The Dodgers front office might also be willing to give Freeman the type of money, but more importantly, the years he covets, because it will be less than what Seager wanted from LA.
Whenever this lockout ends, the Dodgers could be in a prime position to make the biggest splash in free agency yet again and get right back to World Series contention with a signing that could be indeed more of a necessity than a luxury. It certainly gives fans something to talk about amidst this dead time in baseball.
