Braves: 3 moves to make to answer Mets’ Francisco Lindor mega-trade

1. Extend the reigning NL MVP, so he never plays for another MLB franchise

If the Braves want to continue their push towards a World Series title, this is the single most important thing the organization can do. It cannot allow first baseman Freddie Freeman to play on the last year of his second contract with the organization. The reigning NL MVP has been the franchise cornerstone since Chipper Jones retired after the 2012 season. This is Freeman’s team.

Atlanta can count on Freeman to get out of bed and hit .300, play Gold Glove defense at first base and provide the team with the all-around great leadership necessary towards winning championships. There has not been a Brave more beloved than him since Chipper, as Freeman’s No. 5 jersey will be retired by the organization sometime in his 40s. Freeman is Braves baseball.

Simply put, the Braves cannot enter the upcoming season with any doubt about who their franchise cornerstone is. We understand that centerfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is more talented than him, but he is only in his early 20s and still has to mature a bit before eventually taking over for Freeman at some point. The only way the Braves win it all is if the team is committed to Freeman.

Atlanta won its first two postseason series in October since 2001. This team came up one win away from reaching the World Series for the first time since 1999. If Liberty Media is as committed to winning as it claims it is, it cannot let Freeman play an inning in a contract year. He has earned every penny he is sure to get on his multi-year extension. Pay the man already!

Here is to the Braves and Mets having the rivalry the NL East deserves for a long time coming.