3 moves Braves can make if forced to replace Freddie Freeman

2. Sign Anthony Rizzo in free agency to keep a left-handed power bat at first

One potential replacement for Freddie Freeman that has not been talked about enough is Anthony Rizzo. Bryant’s former Cubs teammate was dealt at the trade deadline to the New York Yankees. While he had his moments manning first base for the Bronx Bombers, he only felt like a short-term rental in New York. With him being unsigned this late, he could make his way to Atlanta.

As with Bryant, Rizzo will command somewhere in the ballpark of what Freeman wants in free agency. The difference is Rizzo is not at the apex of his career, where Freeman is at his zenith. Therefore, the Braves could get Rizzo for a tad less than Freeman. More importantly, he may not sign for six years like Freeman supposedly wants to. Rizzo could be a cheaper, slight step down.

Defensively, Rizzo has been the slightly better player at first base over Freeman comparatively. While Freeman hits for a considerably higher average, Rizzo does offer a tad more pop from the left side of the plate. If he were to come to Atlanta, Rizzo would embody the happy-go-lucky personality many people in Braves Country could get behind. He could become a new fan favorite.

All things equal, the Braves could get Rizzo for less than paying Freeman, if they seriously want to go cheap after winning the freaking World Series!