Signing Freddie Freeman: Pros, cons, best fits

Freddie Freeman is fresh off another stellar campaign that culminated in a World Series title for the Atlanta Braves. Because of this, he entered free agency as one of the premier players available. However, he remains unsigned after Major League Baseball's work stoppage.

The slugger, who more than lived up to the eight-year, $135-million extension he signed with the Braves before the 2014 campaign, is primed for an even bigger payday and has multiple teams interested in his services.

Let's break down the pros and cons of signing the free-agent infielder, as well as some of his potential suitors:

Pros

Freeman is one of the best players and top first basemen still available in free agency. The 2020 National League MVP is a five-time All-Star, with three Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove, and a World Series title on his resume.

He's consistently been among the game's best players - six top 10 MVP finishes, lifetime .295 hitter - and elite at his position throughout most of his career. Since 2013, the California native ranks first in batting average, second in fWAR, wRC+, and runs, and third in RBIs, on-base percentage, and slugging among qualified first basemen. Additionally, Freeman has been a difference-maker in clutch situations, posting a .952 OPS with two outs and runners in scoring position during his 12 years in the majors.

Freeman also isn't showing signs of deteriorating. Over the past two campaigns, he ranks first in runs, fifth in wRC+, and sixth in fWAR among all qualified MLB players.

Cons

There aren't many holes in Freeman's game, so we're nitpicking here.

The 32-year-old isn't a spring chicken, and while he hasn't shown signs of aging poorly, his reported contract demands - six years, $180 million - is quite an ask for someone capable of only playing first base or designated hitter and who's already passed his prime.

Sure, Freeman rakes, but his splits in 2021 were a tad concerning. He torched right-handed pitching to the tune of a .317/.416/.534 slash line while only hitting lefties at a .257/.333/.427 clip.

Meanwhile, his defense is declining. Since winning his only Gold Glove in 2018, Freeman has amassed just two defensive runs saved, which ranks ninth out of 17 qualified first basemen during that span, according to FanGraphs.

Potential suitors

Atlanta Braves: The Braves look like the front-runners for the first baseman. Freeman has spent his entire career with Atlanta, and his desire to stay with the only franchise he's known is strong, especially after helping it win a World Series for the first time in 26 years. Money appears to be standing in the way, though, with the two sides currently unable to reach an agreement.

Boston Red Sox: There haven't been any rumors linking the Red Sox to Freeman, but he'd certainly be a fit in Boston. Youngster Bobby Dalbec got most of the first-base reps last season, and while the 26-year-old finished the campaign strong, he isn't the same caliber of player Freeman is. The Red Sox are reportedly interested in bringing back Kyle Schwarber, who played first for them down the stretch, but he's better suited in the outfield or at designated hitter on days where J.D. Martinez needs a break. Adding Freeman and Schwarber would be big splashes by Chaim Bloom and Co., which might be the types of moves the Red Sox need to make to get back to the World Series.

Los Angeles Dodgers: As Freeman grows impatient with the Braves, the Dodgers have entered the mix. Los Angeles is seeking an impact bat after losing Corey Seager to the Texas Rangers and with Max Muncy's recovery from an elbow injury going slower than expected. Freeman could slot in at first for the Dodgers, sliding Muncy over to second when he returns, or one of the two could DH if the position becomes universal following the work stoppage.

New York Yankees: The Yankees have a hole at first base and are reportedly keeping tabs on Freeman. New York also likes Anthony Rizzo, who'd be a more affordable option than Freeman despite inferior production, but never count the Yankees out on any free agent, even if they've been playing the luxury-tax game of late.

Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays reportedly met with Freeman's representatives before the lockout. His addition to a budding Blue Jays squad would surely make them front-runners in a tough American League East, although it'd likely also force Toronto to transition Vladimir Guerrero Jr. back to third base - a position he's struggled with in the past - or to DH. Freeman has Canadian links, too, which could make a Toronto signing special. He represented Canada at the 2017 World Baseball Classic to honor his parents, who were both born in the country.