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MLB rumors: Why the Yankees are likely out on Freddie Freeman

By Rucker Haringey

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts following the sixth inning against the Houston Astros in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts following the sixth inning against the Houston Astros in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Freddie Freeman may be the perfect offseason addition for the Yankees, but don’t look for New York to land the talented first baseman. 

There was a time when the Yankees’ front office flex the organization’s financial muscle anytime a free agent of interest became available. If that was still New York’s operating philosophy, Freddie Freeman would don pinstripes next season.

Unfortunately for fans of the Bronx bombers, Brian Cashman and his front office now operate under starkly different rules. The Yankees may have a bigger budget than most of their MLB peers, but there is a limit to owner Hal Steinbrenner’s spending. That’s the biggest reason why Freeman won’t be bringing his sweet left-handed-hitting stroke to Yankee Stadium whenever the MLB lockout finally ends.

Yankees rumors: Freddie Freeman contract too much to take on

Sources claim the former Atlanta Braves star is seeking a deal that would pay him something in the neighborhood of $180 million over the next years. The Yankees just aren’t in a position to meet that sort of asking price. The team might not be enthused about entering next season with Luke Voit as their everyday first baseman, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to give out a lucrative, long-term contract to a 32-year-old to serve as an upgrade.

The only real chance Freeman has to end up with the Yankees is if his market cools to the point where he’s willing to take a much shorter deal. New York might be willing to pay a premium annual average salary approaching $30 million, but only via a two or three-year contract. Freeman’s age makes him unlikely to accept such a short-term deal because this is probably his last chance to land a massive payday in free agency.

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In the end, someone is going to give Freeman the lucrative, long-term deal he’s searching for because he’s a proven difference-maker who can power a team to October success. The Yankees just don’t figure to be that someone despite their obvious need for a player of Freeman’s caliber and experience. The years and dollars just don’t make sense.

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