Freddie Freeman rumors to the Yankees keep heating up
By Tim Boyle
It may be cold outside but the latest Freddie Freeman rumors to the New York Yankees are getting hotter.
First base isn’t a position you want to punt from an offensive standpoint. Heading into any season without some firepower at the plate from this position is typically a bad idea. From the latest round of Freddie Freeman rumors, it looks like the New York Yankees are willing to go for it on fourth down.
The longtime Atlanta Braves first baseman failed to reach an agreement with the only professional organization he has ever known prior to the lockout putting such transactions on hold. There have been previous Freddie Freeman rumors suggesting a conclusion for him or the Braves could come quickly once the MLB lockout ends. The Braves may pivot to a trade with the Oakland Athletics for Matt Olson or Freeman may find himself a new home.
Or Freeman could sign with the Yankees if the Braves can’t close on a deal.
Freddie Freeman rumors: Bronx-bound to end the Yankees World Series drought?
These new Freddie Freeman rumors come courtesy of Jon Heyman. According to the MLB Network insider, the Yankees are expected to make a run at Freeman.
The Yankees are expected to take a run at Freddie Freeman, who they love. Though 1B isn’t their real need, they’d love to fit one of the game’s best lefty hitters into their lineup. With the Braves not quickly wrapping up their star, all are options are on the table for Freeman.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 5, 2022
Having lost Anthony Rizzo to free agency, the Yankees may be inclined to go with an even bigger upgrade at the position. While Rizzo plays fine for the Yankees in 2021 batting .249/.340/.428 with 8 home runs in 200 plate appearances, I don’t think anyone doubts Freeman would be an improvement at this stage. He has been a top-ten finisher in the MVP in each of the last four seasons, claiming the trophy in 2020.
The Yankees are always one of those teams you can’t count out in any offseason. All of the big-name shortstop free agents have been, at least in speculation, linked to the organization. It has seemingly been a bigger priority than first base. Luke Voigt is still with the organization, after all, and there are far more options at that position to give a team a passing grade.
Seeing Freddie Freeman rumors linking him to the Yankees will surely get fans a little more excited to see the lockout end. He’s the left-handed bat fans have been begging for the front office to acquire for years. Smashed right between or around the powerful bats of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, Freeman could very well be that missing piece.
The infamous short porch in right field would gladly welcome him, too. Two of Freeman’s three career seasons with 30-plus home runs came in 2019 and 2021—MLB’s last two full seasons. His growing power could get an even bigger boost playing in the American League East and half of his games at Yankee Stadium.