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Atlanta Braves: 5 best trade options for Freddie Freeman

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Sep 25, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) connects for a base hit during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) connects for a base hit during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrates hitting a home run against the Colorado Rockies during the 2nd inning in the dugout at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrates hitting a home run against the Colorado Rockies during the 2nd inning in the dugout at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Nationals

Inter-division trades in baseball do not happen often. This is due to higher-than-normal asking prices since the divisional teams play each other 18 times per season.

John Hart probably wouldn’t be opposed to sending Freddie Freeman to the Washington Nationals if the deal makes sense. The Braves aren’t competing anytime soon. It depends on how far Washington is willing to go to improve their team from last year’s disastrous team, though.

The current first baseman for the Nationals is Ryan Zimmerman. While he is still beloved by the organization, the production hasn’t been there for a few years. This is due to constant injuries that have limited the one-time All-Star to 156 games over the past two seasons. He still displayed power last season with 16 home runs, but it came with a line of a .249 batting average, .308 on-base percentage and .465 slugging percentage. The first two numbers were career-lows.

The Nationals have the talent pool to bring in Freeman as the first baseman. Shortstop Trea Turner, pitcher Erick Fedde and infielder Wilmer Difo could be involved in a deal if Washington pursues him. However, Zimmerman is limited to first base at this point in his career. Shoulder injuries moved him away from third base and the trial of playing him in left field ended in 2014. Add in the loyalty to Zimmerman, plus the money owed, and this becomes unlikely.

If the Nationals can acquire Freeman, though, they may put Zimmerman in left field again and sacrifice the defense.

Next: No. 4

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