Major League Baseball and the Player's Association have still not agreed to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement putting a pause on baseball and free agency, and adding concerns whether the season will start on time.
For the Atlanta Braves, the lockout means pausing conversations with free agent Freddie Freeman. While many fans are hoping the two sides would come to an eventual agreement prior to the lockout, it appears there may not be one once it's over.
Per a report by Buster Olney of ESPN, there is growing concern from within the industry that Freeman won't re-sign with the Braves and move on elsewhere. Per Olney:
So the industry view has shifted; there is a growing belief that Freeman will land somewhere outside of Atlanta because of the standoff in his negotiations. The Braves offered $135 million over five years, sources say, and Freeman is looking for a six-year deal.
“I think [the Braves] will move quickly to settle on an alternative and move on to get past the conversation,” one official said.
According to Olney, it comes down to the sixth-year in contract talks. The Braves offered Freeman a five-year, $35 million deal prior to the lockout.
Related
There were other reports swirling that the Braves were also discussing backup plans, one involving a trade with the Oakland Athletics' first baseman Matt Olsen.