Freddie Freeman rumors: Yankees immediate threat to Braves when free agency restarts

With the MLB lockout set to end very soon, the New York Yankees are expected to be an immediate threat to the Braves for Freddie Freeman.

The Yankees have been in on Freeman all winter, but the expectation was he was not necessarily at the top of their priority list. The Braves, meanwhile, were always expected to keep their star first baseman around — until recently.

As the lockout dragged on, Freeman reportedly grew more frustrated with the team that drafted him, wondering why they hadn’t signed him last offseason or before the work stoppage in December.

The Braves were always unwilling to provide Freeman with the sixth year in his contract that he covets, and it’s unknown at this juncture if the organization’s opinion has changed. Atlanta’s front office is playing hardball with one of the best free agents available.

Freddie Freeman rumors: Yankees to make a move

Per NJ.com, a person with ‘knowledge of the situation’ stated that Freeman to the Yankees is still on the table. What that means is anyone’s guess, but it sure as hell doesn’t eliminate the Bronx Bombers from the equation.

The Yankees still have Luke Voit on the roster as their active first baseman, but he’s coming off a down year. There’s a reason New York traded for Anthony Rizzo at the deadline, but now the former Cub is a free agent as well. Brian Cashman has been active in discussions for a new first baseman all offseason, and Voit isn’t in the equation.

Freeman will choose between the Yankees, Dodgers, Braves and two other AL East teams in the Rays and Blue Jays. Those are the only real suitors we know of at the moment, but more could emerge when the new CBA is ratified by the owners.