Braves: A Freddie Freeman contract to beat out Yankees, Dodgers

The Braves know exactly what they have to offer Freddie Freeman to take him off the free agent market — they’re just unwilling to go there for now.

The pressure on the Braves from Freeman’s camp has been growing all offseason. Even in an MLB lockout where contract negotiations are forbidden, it would seem Freeman’s return to Atlanta — once seen as a guarantee — is far from that all of a sudden. The Yankees and Dodgers remain significant competition for Freeman’s services.

In November, Freeman’s demands were simple. The 32-year-old wanted a six-year contract worth $30 million per season. The Braves weren’t thrilled with that, as they fear Freeman will deteriorate as he reaches his late-30’s. Hence, Freeman thinks he’s earned that sort of insurance from the Braves regardless of how he plays when he’s 38.

Braves: What sort of Freddie Freeman contract can they afford?

Six years and $180 million may not be enough if the Yankees and Dodgers come out of the lockout swinging. Let’s examine the competition:

• The Yankees still need a first baseman. Luke Voit won’t do, and Anthony Rizzo is a free agent. New York has yet to spend big this offseason as well, and fans are growing restless. Freeman would check that box, too.
• The Dodgers don’t necessarily need a first baseman with Max Muncy filling that void, but Muncy could move to second base if LA signs Freeman. Add in that the Dodgers lost Corey Seager already, and Trea Turner could leave next offseason, and all of a sudden the infield isn’t nearly as strong. The Dodgers have money to spend with Seager and potentially Turner off the books the next few years. They can spend it on Freeman.

Neither the Dodgers nor Yankees would have the same apprehension to spend on Freeman as the Braves. Thus, the longer it takes for this all to play out, the more the Braves are at a significant disadvantage.

Braves: A Freddie Freeman contract offer

Start at six years, $180 million. But that alone might not be enough to get a deal done.

Perhaps the Braves could get away with five years at a higher AAV, say $33 million per year. Give Freeman a no-trade clause, plus some significant incentives. To go a step further, why not a player option for a sixth year at a lower AAV?

Freeman’s age-38 season, were he to spend it in Atlanta, could be on the lower end of $20 million or so. This would allow the Braves to compete in Freeman’s final years, and the star first baseman could finish his career in Atlanta and get paid.

Heck, it’s worth a shot.