Freddie Freeman free agency: What’s the latest with Braves?

Are the Atlanta Braves really going to let Freddie Freeman hit the free agency market?

The Atlanta Braves and Freddie Freeman did not reach an agreement on any extension for the all-star first baseman, and he will by all accounts become a free agent at season’s end. He’s made it seem like he wants to stay in Atlanta with the Braves, but the organization has not moved to sign him.

Freeman was drafted by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 Amateur Draft out of high school.

He made his MLB debut with the team on Sept. 1, 2010 and has been a cornerstone in the lineup since. Freeman is a career .295 hitter with 271 home runs.

Freddie Freeman is due to hit free agency after his World Series run.

The first basemen market this season is scarce, with only three big names up for auction. Joining Freeman is Brandon Belt and Anthony Rizzo. The San Francisco Giants will have the opportunity to present a qualifying offer to Belt before a decision is made for him, but reports are that the two sides have mutual interest in getting a deal done.

Rizzo has indirectly expressed interest in returning to the New York Yankees, where he was traded mid-season from the Chicago Cubs. It is unclear where the Yankees stand now, but presumably, it will be Freeman and Rizzo leading the way in the first base market.

Freeman has been in Atlanta his entire career and seems to want to stay put. It will be up to Braves ownership to show they will pay to keep him, or certainly, a team out there will be ready to pay the man his due.