Braves: 3 free agents to make up for Freddie Freeman’s production
By John Buhler
If the Atlanta Braves cannot retain Freddie Freeman, they do have other options in free agency.
Once MLB ends its lockout, all eyes will be on Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves.
The defending World Series champions have a loaded roster, but could potentially lose its franchise cornerstone in free agency. While they have other key pieces like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies on cheap, long-term deals, Freeman has been the face of the franchise since Chipper Jones retired. Losing Freeman would send Braves Country into a frenzy. So what happens then?
If the Braves plan to offset potentially losing Freeman in free agency, here is who could help make up for his lost production offensively, and possibly in the field.
Atlanta Braves: 3 free agents to offset losing Freddie Freeman’s production
108. Scouting Report. SS. 3. player. Pick Analysis. Colorado Rockies. Trevor Story
Trevor Story may prioritize winning above all else when picking a new team
With the Colorado Rockies rebuilding once again, they could potentially be losing two-time All-Star shortstop Trevor Story in his free agency. Their former first-round pick out of high school has been an ultra-productive mainstay in the Colorado infield for the last six seasons. He has two Silver Sluggers and has been an NL MVP candidate since entering his prime three seasons ago.
While Braves Country may love his 162-game average of 34 home runs and 98 runs batted in, there are two reasons to be skeptical about Atlanta possibly pursuing Story: Offensive numbers that are potentially inflated by playing 81 games a year at altitude and he does not play the same position as Freeman. If the Braves were to go after Story, their infield will look vastly different.
Story only plays shortstop, which would require trading hometown hero Dansby Swanson ahead of his contract year. He could be a piece going to the Oakland Athletics for Lilburn native Matt Olson, so that would solve the first base dilemma. There is a chance third baseman Austin Riley could replace Freeman at first base internally. Ultimately, this move feels way too complicated.
One advantage the Braves would have in orchestrating a deal for Story is Atlanta can offer him something Colorado cannot: Starring for a winning organization.