Much of the prevailing wisdom had it that, among the top-tier free agents still out there, Freddie Freeman would be the first to sign. His market is pretty well-delineated at this point, and the teams who want him – most frequently cited as the Braves, Dodgers, and Yankees – will want to figure out his situation first before moving on to other options or other major commitments.
Well, sure enough, it sounds like things are percolating on Freeman tonight, and it could be the Dodgers:
Sources: #Dodgers talks with Freddie Freeman are intensifying. The sides remain in contact tonight on a deal that would bring the reigning World Series champ home to his native California. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 12, 2022
It’s unbelievable that Atlanta didn’t make Freeman a Brave for life, but obviously we as Cubs fans know how that stuff can play out.
Stay tuned, because as soon as Freeman goes down, the implications for the rest of the first base market (including Matt Olson and Anthony Rizzo), the big money free agent market (including Carlos Correa), and all the teams potentially touching on all of those players, will get some clarification. And some heat.
Oh, also? If the Dodgers added Freddie Freeman’s bat? My word. That lineup.
UPDATE: Even stronger language about the timeline, including what I suspect to be a window for the Braves to put in their best and final offer.
Sources: Freddie Freeman negotiations expected to reach a conclusion in next 24 hours and possibly by the end of tonight. #Dodgers have made a strong offer, and it is unclear if the #Braves will match it. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 12, 2022
UPDATE 2: The Braves offer may be in the five-year, $140M range, but Freeman has been seeking six years all along.
Dodgers and Braves have been most consistent pursuers and most likely landing spots for superstar Freddie Freeman. @jonmorosi says Dodgers are making push now. It's a surprise Braves didn't lock him long ago. Belief is they'd been offering about $140M/5 but he should get 6 years.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 12, 2022