While Braves fans may not want to imagine a future without Freddie Freeman, it’s beginning to look like that could be a real possibility. Monday, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that there is a growing sense around the league that the 2020 NL MVP may not re-sign with Atlanta when the lockout comes to an end.
Prior to the lockout, the Braves offered Freeman a 5-year deal worth $135 million, but the 32-year-old first baseman is reportedly seeking a 6-year deal with a price tag around $180 million.
With that in mind, let’s examine some of the notable names that the Braves could target if Freeman opts to sign somewhere else.
Matt Olson -
It’s been reported by countless insiders that the Oakland A’s are ready to make moves when the lockout ends, and 1B Matt Olson is a prime candidate to be placed on the trading block. According to The Athletic’s (not the team) Ken Rosenthal, The Braves and the A’s reportedly discussed a trade prior to December 2nd and said that the “conversations cannot be dismissed as mere due diligence.”
Olson is just 27-year-old and has hit 35+ home runs in two of his last three seasons with the outlier being the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Under contract through the 2023 season, the Braves would likely have to part with several prospects in order to outbid the other teams interested in Olson.
Anthony Rizzo -
Along with Olson, Rizzo’s name has come up anytime potential replacements for Freeman have been discussed. As the top 1B free agent on the market this offseason other than Freeman, Rizzo isn’t what he once was as a player but he would be a valuable addition to both the Braves lineup and locker room. The 10-year veteran hit 21 homers a season ago with the Cubs and Yankees.
At the same age as Freeman (32), Spotrac lists Rizzo’s market value at a little over $23 million a year.
Luke Voit -
Currently listed as the only 1B on the New York Yankees roster, Voit, 31, would only be a potential option for the Braves if Freeman winds up wearing the pinstripes or if Rizzo re-signs with the team.
After finishing 9th in the voting for AL MVP in 2020, Voit had a disappointing 2021 campaign which led to the Yankees’ acquisition of Rizzo, but when he’s seeing the ball well, Voit has shown the ability to be a feared power hitter. Defensively, he pales in comparison to the first two names on this list but he has improved over the past few seasons.
Tommy Pham -
Certainly not the most exciting option, Pham, 33, hit just .229 in 2021 with the Padres as an outfielder. However, according to the Tampa Bay Times, Pham is open to a position switch as he seeks a suitor for the 2022 season which makes him an intriguing option for Atlanta if they miss out on some of their other options. Pham has been a productive player in the past with a career .265 batting average over the course of eight seasons.
As a cheaper option, signing Pham would allow the Braves to have a better chance of re-signing other valuable pieces from their World Series run such as series MVP Jorge Soler or postseason superstar Eddie Rosario.
Who did we miss? Be sure to let us know who you’d like the Braves to target if they fail to re-sign Freddie Freeman!
