MLB rumors: Dodgers not to be forgotten in Freddie Freeman chase

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made contact with Freddie Freeman’s camp as MLB free agency is back after the lockout.

The Dodgers have long been in on Freeman, as they were deemed a realistic destination for several reasons — the most obvious of which is that the star first baseman was born in California.

While the Dodgers are juggling a few free agent interests at the moment, especially with Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen still on the market, Freeman could be their biggest expense when all is said and done.

If the Dodgers sign Freeman, money won’t play much of a role. Los Angeles has shown a willingness to go over the luxury tax threshold and pay whatever penalty necessary. After losing Corey Seager, gaining a big bat at first base and shifting Trea Turner and Max Muncy to the left on the diamond makes a lot of sense.

Turner is a native shortstop, and Muncy is comfortable at second base, thus eliminating any void. The DH is also coming to the National League, opening up all sorts of options.

MLB rumors: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers in contact

Per Jon Morosi, the Dodgers remain in on Freeman, despite the lack of movement in the free agent market immediately after the lockout.

“#Dodgers interest in Freddie Freeman is sincere, based on what I have heard from sources tonight. #Braves and #Yankees obviously are prominent in the Freeman marketplace. Some in the industry believe he could be next major free agent to sign,” Morosi reports.

Freeman and the Braves remain off by one year, and about $30 million, per reports before the lockout. For all we know, those contract disagreements could have changed, but it’s all we really have to go on at this juncture.

The Dodgers could end all the speculation and offer Freeman that sixth year, but odds are Freeman is just as reluctant to leave Atlanta as the Braves are to give him the contract he desires.