What Yankees trade means for Braves, Freddie Freeman

The Yankees traded for Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt of the Twins. What does this mean for the Braves and Freddie Freeman?

In Kiner-Falefa, the Yankees received a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop, thus eliminating their need for a player like Carlos Correa. Donaldson is a power hitting third baseman and designated hitter candidate, thus providing the Yankees lineup with another bopper. Rortvedt is a high-caliber defensive replacement for Gary Sanchez.

So, theoretically, this leaves room for Freddie Freeman, no?

The Yankees remain in the market for a left-handed hitting first baseman. Freeman checks that box, as do a few others. He’d cost a lot, and the Yankees are a clear third choice after the Braves and Dodgers as things stand.

But, technically, Sunday night’s trade does not eliminate them from consideration entirely.

Yankees remain in on Freddie Freeman

The Yankees are still in on Freeman, as reporters such as Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman have reported. However, they’re not as likely to sign Freeman or trade for a player like Matt Olsen, as the market for those stars has increased beyond the Yankees’ comfort.

Anthony Rizzo — who played for the Yankees after the trade deadline last season — could be a more attractive option at a lower price.

Can the Braves take a sigh of relief just yet? Not so fast.

The reports on Freeman have gone back and forth, with the Dodgers making the first significant offer, only for the Braves to seemingly out of nowhere make Freeman a priority as they should have done all along.

For the last few days, Freeman has been weighing his options. It could go either way, and the Yankees are still in play should they surprise us all, though that is looking less likely.