Whenever the lockout ends, the Yankees may finally end their previous dormancy and go after a big splash in free agency.
According to Audacy MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the Yanks are expected to “take a run” at former MVP Freddie Freeman, who New York “loves.” Freeman, who has spent his entire 12-year career in Atlanta, was assumed to be a lock to remain with the Braves, but Atlanta failed to lock up the five-time All-Star before the lockout, leaving room for another team to pounce.
The Yankees still have Luke Voit, the league’s leading home run hitter in 2020, at first base, but Voit has battled injury in each of the last three seasons, landing on the IL four times last season. Freeman, a lefty bat that could give the Yankees some balance that they sought at the trade deadline last season with Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo, played 159 games in the National League last season, leading the league with 120 runs scored while batting .300 with 31 home runs and an .896 OPS.
Freeman has led the league in doubles in two of the last four seasons, and has hit at least .295 in each of the last six seasons.
The Yanks seem to covet a power lefty bat at first base, as they were reportedly discussing a trade with the A’s for Matt Olson, but were reportedly unwilling to trade their top shortstop prospects like Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza. Should New York want Freeman, it would only take a paycheck, albeit a large one, as the 32-year-old Freeman is reportedly seeking a deal in the six-year, $180 million range.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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