3 steps Braves must take to re-sign Freddie Freeman

The Atlanta Braves can’t do much about it now, as the MLB lockout rages on. But whenever a new CBA is agreed upon, Freddie Freeman must be the top priority.

Freeman and the Braves have been close to a contract extension all offseason, as they’re likely just one year and $30 million away from ensuring the face of Atlanta’s franchise remains with the same team for his entire career.

So, what’s the holdup?

For one, players are forbidden to speak to any front office executives until the lockout is over, and vice versa. You can blame the owners for that one. So, what should the Braves do once the lockout ends?

Braves: 3 steps to sign Freddie Freeman

Braves must get over Freeman’s contract demands

Freddie Freeman wants a six-year deal? Freddie Freeman gets a six-year deal.

With the Braves first baseman turning 32 this offseason, Atlanta’s front office is rightly scared about how Freeman will play defensively when he’s, say, 38 years old. This has influenced the Braves’ limited contract talks with Freeman.

However, the Braves front office has to realize at this point that Freeman can get his six years and $180 million elsewhere if they don’t give him a blank check. Freeman isn’t playing around, and could end his career in Los Angeles or the Bronx if he wanted. Heck, Freeman is a California native. I can already read the epilogue of this biography.