Braves: 3 contract incentives to sway Freddie Freeman back where he belongs

2. A no-trade clause to keep Freeman forever the franchise cornerstone

Admittedly, no-trade clauses are almost always decadent, but that’s what it takes to keep a franchise cornerstone like Freeman from leaving Braves Country willingly. A six-year deal with a no-trade clause baked into it ensures that Freeman will get to choose where he goes should the team stink in the latter part of his contract. This clause gives Freeman’s camp a ton of leverage.

More importantly, it takes the possible strain of being put on the trading block if the team starts to spiral while Freeman’s play remains strong. He can put his head down and continue to do his best to lead this team without having the added pressure of being traded seemingly one day out of the blue. Keep in mind that he just won a World Series on an expiring deal.

Ultimately, giving Freeman a no-trade clause is a way to entice Freeman to stay without offering money. It guarantees that unless he says so, Freeman will get every last stinking cent of that six-year contract he signed if he continues to keep on playing for the Braves. A no-trade clause also is a prestige play for the star first baseman on a Hall of Fame trajectory. He sits at the cool kids’ table.

Of course, a star player like Freeman cannot accumulate wealth by flaunting his no-trade clause.