MLB rumors: Surprise team emerges in Freddie Freeman chase

The Atlanta Braves have plenty of competition for first baseman Freddie Freeman once the MLB lockout finally ends.

The Braves, Dodgers, Yankees, Blue Jays and more are all in on Freeman, with the first three being the primary suitors discussed up until this point. The Braves remain the favorite to sign Freeman because of his familiarity with the front office, but the lockout has thrown a wrench into their plans.

Freeman wants a six-year, $180 million deal, or somewhere in those whereabouts. The Braves are only comfortable going up to five years, at least per previous reports. It’s unknown how a universal DH would impact the Braves’ thinking, but it could remove some fears of Freeman playing in the field as he ages.

MLB rumors: Texas Rangers enter Freddie Freeman chase

Per CBS sports, the Rangers were in on Freeman prior to the lockout. This information was previously unknown, though they were seen as a landing spot for Oakland A’s first baseman Matt Olson via trade, so it does make some sense. From CBS:

"“Still, Freeman drawing interest from other teams is no revelation; the Yankees have been connected to him here recently, and sources informed CBS Sports early in the offseason that both the Dodgers and the Rangers had at least some interest in him. (MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported the Blue Jays had also shown interest.)”"

The Rangers current starting first baseman is Nathaniel Lowe. It’s unknown exactly how serious Texas was about adding Freeman, though the new ownership group vowed to put a ton of money into the team this offseason, and they’ve done just that — the Rangers signed Corey Seager and Marcus Semien to sure up the middle infield. Signing Freeman would just be the cherry on top.