The Atlanta Braves may need to get creative to ensure Freddie Freeman stays with the team.
While MLB has its players locked out, it could be a boost for the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves to find new and creative ways to retain their franchise cornerstone: first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Entering his age-32 season, Freeman is in the midst of his prime and has only professionally played in an Atlanta uniform. Though the Braves remain in the driver’s seat leading Freeman negotiations, Atlanta cannot be stupid and let their most important player since Chipper Jones walk away for nothing. Braves Country will be absolutely furious if the team’s on-field identity signs up to play elsewhere.
Here are three sweet contract incentives that should be baked into Freeman’s six-year extension.
Atlanta Braves: 3 awesome contract incentives to entice Freddie Freeman to stay
3. A World Series appearance incentive carrot dangling in front of first baseman
Why would the Braves not throw a World Series appearance incentive into Freeman’s supposed six-year contract? The team is in win-now mode in its competitive life cycle. By putting a World Series appearance incentive into Freeman’s contract, it will suggest that Liberty Media is dead-set on competing for championships for the better part of this decade. Freeman might really like that.
While the Braves and Freeman’s representation can hammer out the details on a World Series appearance incentive financially, this cannot be the only major contract bonus he nets. Keep in mind that the Braves only made their first trip to the Fall Classic since 1999 last season. Atlanta should get back at some point, possibly next season, but this incentive should only the be the cherry on top.
Other performance-based incentives must be baked into this deal that reward Freeman beyond team success. Hoisting division crowns and championship banners is cool and all, but having Freeman work towards Hall of Fame candidacy with more top-five MVP finishes, All-Star appearances and important Triple Crown metrics may do the trick. If the Braves need to dangle the carrot, then they should dangle the carrot.
What a World Series appearance incentive does is ensure Freeman has the Braves’ word that the organization will continue to remain championship-caliber for the next six years or so.