Braves: Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies contracts make Freddie Freeman talks unforgivable

The Atlanta Braves received incredible discounts on contracts for Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña Jr., yet are being cheap as it pertains to franchise icon Freddie Freeman.

Were this most baseball franchises, it would be understandable to balk at Freeman’s asking price — surely beyond the five years and $135 million offered to him thus far by Atlanta. But the Braves are not most organizations.

Impressive negotiations with both Albies, an All-Star caliber second baseman in his own right, and Acuña Jr., who is well on his way to becoming the face of the franchise, have given the Braves plenty of financial wiggle room.

Why are they so hesitant to spend it?

The Braves are owned by Liberty Media, a company worth billions whose valuation is only going up. Freeman would cost a small portion of that, and keeping him in Atlanta — where he belongs, mind you — would be a move of good faith to Braves fans.

But it can’t be that easy. It never is.

Freeman would be 38 by the time a six-year contract is completed. He’d likely finish out his career with the Braves, the only team he’s ever known. The universal DH — once a new CBA is agreed to — will eliminate any concerns about Freeman’s defensive ability as he ages.

Liberty Media has no excuse. The Braves front office is out of excuses.

Albies is signed through 2026, making a fraction of his real, open market value. Acuña Jr. is inked through 2028 on a team-friendly deal which is near a quarter of what he could make in free agency were his rights relinquished right now.

Did Freddie Freeman sign with the Braves?

Unfortunately not. Freeman remains a free agent due to the MLB lockout. The longer the lockout goes, the more rumors continue to leak out about Freeman’s frustration, as well as the Braves hesitation in giving him what he wants.

Freddie Freeman spotrac

Freeman is valued on Spotrac at near $28 million per season, if not more by the time the lockout ends. His past contract value, as well as his career earnings, can be found here.

Freddie Freeman hometown

Freeman was born in Fountain Valley, California, making his connection to the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason very interesting.

Los Angeles could use a new first baseman, while moving Max Muncy to second base and Trea Turner to shortstop. It all adds up after losing a player of Corey Seager’s caliber in the infield.