Freddie Freeman’s exact contract demands make Braves look even worse

The Braves re-signing Freddie Freeman has always been an obvious move for Atlanta and his reported contract demands make it perplexing a deal isn’t done.

With more big-name free agents being taken off the market, one of the biggest names remaining is first baseman Freddie Freeman, who most recently helped the Atlanta Braves capture their first World Series win since 1995. And the belief has long been that the club would re-sign one of the unquestioned franchise leaders.

Yet, with a work-stoppage and lockout looming at the turn of the calendar to December, no deal has gotten done between Atlanta and Freeman. As such, many fans are wondering why the Braves haven’t re-signed him.

Now, that baffling fact is looking even more so in regards to what the first baseman is asking for in a new deal.

As reported by MLB insider Jon Heyman, Freeman is looking for approximately a six-year contract worth a total of $180 million, which is well within reason for the 2020 NL MVP.

Braves need to re-sign Freddie Freeman yesterday

Freeman is the lifeblood of the Braves organization.

Sure, Ronald Acuña Jr. is a superstar, Ozzie Albies is a key asset, and there are a litany of players in the organization who contributed to the club winning the World Series. But everything you hear is that they all look to Freddie Freeman as the leader of the team — and he has the production to back it up.

Paying a player $30 million per season is nothing to scoff at for a front office — but it’s also compensation that Freeman has undeniably earned and, frankly, that he’s worth in this market.

It’s wild that the Braves haven’t signed him yet if that’s the contract that he’s looking for and, though a work-stoppage might slow the process, they need to get this deal done as soon as possible. The longer they wait, the worse the franchise looks, especially at this number.