Six first basemen in their 30s have earned nine-figure contracts. The results aren’t necessarily great. Megadeals Miguel CabreraAnd Albert PujolsAlmost immediately, the problem became a problem. Ryan Howard was also in trouble. The deals for Carlos Lee and Jason Giambi started well, but fell apart in the second half.
Then, there is Paul GoldschmidtThe extension was for five years and cost $130 million. St. Louis CardinalsIn March 2019, he signed a contract that would not begin until his age 32 season in 2020. He is now the most appropriate and fitting comparison. Freddie FreemanThe five-time All-Star from World Series champion, Atlanta BravesSurprisingly, he is still an unrestricted agent as Major League Baseball navigates an extended lockout.
In the first two years, Goldschmidt was a first baseman at an elite level. He had a.881 OPS and provided excellent defense. There haven’t been any signs of a significant drop-off. These things happen quickly and often very suddenly. Freeman isn’t looking to be a slugging slugger, but the general hesitancy in recent years to spend big on first basemen doesn’t hold true for him. Freeman is a naturally gifted hitter who’s not looking for a deal that will take him into his 40s.
Freeman turned 32 in September. His problem seems to revolve around a sixth guarantee year. This would give him the opportunity to earn amongst the highest salaries at his position, even though he is only 37. He will be able to get that much money. It’s unlikely. This is unlikely.
Freeman’s track records suggest that he can do this. Freeman accumulated the ninth-most FanGraphs wins beyond replacement (42.4), while ranking 13th on weighted runs added (139) as well as 12th on OPS (.894). He finished every year with at least three FWA — including the COVID-19-shortened season in 2020, which earned him the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award. He was most productive in the 2021 season that ended with a championship. Freeman is now the best hitter of what started as a loaded-free-agent class. He will also be a highly sought-after player when business resumes, even though the Braves have not yet locked him up.
We have listed his five favorite looks below.
This is a poor fit and undoubtedly a long shot. Others might find it absurd. Freeman’s presence would make a significant difference for a Tigers team clearly on the rise. Yes, Freeman’s presence will have an impact on all positions in the Tigers. Ex-No. 1 pick Cabrera has been established as the designated hitter. Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 pick, will soon be the everyday first baseman. Jeimer CandelarioAfter a very strong year, is now at third base. However, let’s look closer.
Cabrera, 38, is entering the final two years of his career and has long since retired from being an elite hitter. Torkelson has spent about a third his minor league time at third, and the Tigers are likely to be open to accepting some poor defense at that position if it means plugging Freeman into their middle lineup. Candelario was the Tigers’ best hitter last year, but he is two years away free agency. The Tigers might be able to trade a few players and address other needs.
Detroit is experiencing an exciting time with AJ Hinch, who will be his second season in charge. Eduardo RodriguezAnd Javier BaezContracts totaling $217 million have been signed. Casey Mize, Matt ManningAnd Tarik SkubalAs developing starting pitchers, they seem ready to make big strides. Torkelson and Riley Greene (the 21-year old outfielder who was drafted fifth overall in high school in 2019) are expected to make their debuts. Freeman could also be the final major piece. Freeman is not what the Tigers need. They really need an outfielder. His bat could be a catalyst for them to challenge for a playoff spot and set the tone in the next half-decade.
Picture a lineup featuring Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, Bo Bichette, Teoscar Hernandez, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. — and Freddie Freeman. The Blue Jays have one of the best offenses in the game and have stabilized their rotation around it. Jose Berrios, Hyun Jin Ryu, Alek ManoahAnd Kevin Gausman. They lost. Marcus SemienHe was third in AL MVP voting and will have a much better chance to emerge in the difficult AL East if he can be replaced.
Even though it’s not the best path, Freeman is the easiest way to do so. He would be moved back to third base for Guerrero if he is accommodated. Guerrero struggled tremendously at this position in 2019. But he should be better. Guerrero has good hands. Guerrero has lost weight and will be playing next season as a 23 year-old. Given that Guerrero and Freeman can both get some DH time, the Blue Jays should be able make this work at most on a partial basis.
Corey SeagerFrom 2016 to 2021,.295/.364/.501
Freddie Freeman, 2016-2021:.305/.399/.547
Seager’s offseason trip to Texas created an opening for a lefty hitter in the No. Between the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the Dodgers lineup is Seager. Mookie BettsAnd Trea TurnerFreeman would be the best person to fill this role. Rumours have it that the Dodgers are interested in the position, particularly if the DH is invited to the National League.
Max MuncyThe team’s regular first-baseman is capable of handling second base. However, he could also be able to play third. Justin Turnerto be able to get off his feet occasionally. Gavin LuxHe is currently expected to be the second baseman, with Turner at shortstop. Chris TaylorCan be filled in anywhere.
Freeman’s presence could make the Dodgers lineup just as terrifying as it was during the stretch run in 2021, but it could also allow them more flexibility to trade. Lux, who the Dodgers are reluctant to trade, could be used to pursue starting-pitching assistance. This would prevent the front office having to pay too much in an open-agent market that has quickly dried up. Turner, who is one year away from being free agent, could be used to restock a farm that has been weakened at the top.
Other options exist, but the Dodgers’ contract length remains the key question. It is difficult to see them extending Freeman’s contract for six more years. If they have the budget, their hope is to convince him with higher salaries and a shorter contract.
It’s possible you have already heard it, but the Yankees require a left-handed hitter. They require a left-handed hitter that can fit into their middle lineup. They require a left-handed hitter that can play first base. They need a left handed hitter who can adjust the roster to their needs. Matt OlsonAlthough he would be a nice addition, he would make the Yankees lose the young players they want to keep. Anthony RizzoIt would be great, but less impactful. Freeman is a difference maker and might be half the cost of Carlos Correa, the star shortstop that would fill another vital need in the Yankees lineup.
The Yankees are reportedly looking for a less expensive shortstop who can keep the down position until Anthony Volpe is available Oswald PerazaThey are prepared to take control. Freeman is a good example of this. His signing would have the Yankees’ payroll reaching $240 million or more in 2022. New York Mets territory. However, many players will be leaving the team in the offseason. Joey Gallo, Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Luis Severino, Gary SanchezAnd Aaron JudgeThey would want to lock the latter with an extension. The Yankees, whether you like it or not can make a Freeman signing work within the limits of their budget.
1. Atlanta Braves
Freeman is a part of this. Freeman is just as associated with the Braves now as Chipper Jones was with them in the past. His impact on the team is comparable to the ones Cal Ripken Jr., Derek Jeter, and Tony Gwynn made. It would be fitting that he retires as a Braves player, and maybe have a Cooperstown plaque with a Braves cap.
According to the latest reports, which date back to November, the Braves would not offer Freeman a five-year contract worth $135 million. Freeman and his camp also wanted the sixth year ($200 million). It doesn’t seem like a significant enough gap for Freeman to be lost. This is not the World Series champion. You have to consider how many losing seasons Freeman had to endure in order for him to become the leader of a team that is consistently the best in the sport. He’s clearly still at his best.
The Braves were notoriously hit by injuries in 2021. In fact, their general manager Alex Anthopoulos had his entire team rebuilt at midseason. Freeman was a steadying force. He was the NL’s most frequent hitter, batting.300/.393/.503 in his final outing to win his third consecutive Silver Slugger Award. Ronald Acuna Jr. We will be back next year. It might be so. Mike Soroka. The Braves could be even more. But only if Freeman is back.