Latest Freddie Freeman rumors: Like it or not, Rob Manfred intervened

What’s the latest Freddie Freeman buzz? Things seem to be trending upward for the Braves as they try to re-sign the face of their franchise.

Freeman remains a free agent thanks to the MLB lockout, as the Braves are forbidden to have contact with their first baseman and 2020 NL MVP. While the two sides were not on the same page pre-lockout, the longer MLB and MLBPA go without an agreement, the greater the risk is of Freeman signing elsewhere.

Whenever the lockout does end, there will be a mad rush to sign players of Freeman’s caliber, similar to a free agency 2.0. The Yankees, Dodgers and Blue Jays remain in on Freeman, though they haven’t spoken with his representation in months.

So, what’s the latest with Freeman? Despite the lack of contract talks, there are some new developments.

Brian Snitker discusses Freddie Freeman’s contract situation

Snitker claimed he’s not thinking much about Freeman at the moment, as there’s not much the Braves can do but sit back and wait for the lockout to end.

"“I think the last time I talked to Freddie was after we got back to Atlanta (from the last World Series game in Houston) — maybe at the parade. It’s hard,” Snitker told The Athletic. “Right now, I know we can’t sign him. I might feel (worse) if it was a normal offseason. So we’ll see. I hope we have him, but I don’t know what’s going to happen. I have no idea where guys are going to end up.”"

The Braves skipper does risk rubbing Freeman the wrong way with his lack of urgency, but what else is he supposed to do at this juncture?

Rob Manfred plays role in Freddie Freeman’s free agency

Manfred revealed just last week that there would be a universal DH in any new CBA, which gives the Braves more options with Freeman. While the initial fear of signing him to a six-year deal still persists, there’s suddenly much less risk involved.

The Braves feared giving Freeman that sixth year, in part because they assume his defensive ability will deteriorate into his late-30’s. But now, even if that’s the case, they could play Freeman at DH as long as his bat remains reliable.