The New York Yankees stayed quiet in free agency before the MLB lockout shut things down. When free agency resumes, New York could be prepared to open its pocket to land Freddie Freeman.
Many presumed Freeman and the Atlanta Braves would resolve their differences, agreeing to a long-term contract extension. But the two sides were far apart during negotiations and couldn’t talk once MLB owners implemented the lockout. As a result, there’s now increasing buzz that Freeman will test the open market.
Once the lockout ends and Freeman is allowed to begin negotiating with teams, New York could be at the front of the line in a bidding war.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees are expected to “take a run at Freeman” this spring. While the front office doesn’t view first base as a pressing need, it loves Freeman’s left-handed bat and would love to add it to Yankee Stadium.
- Freddie Freeman stats (2021): 31 home runs, 120 runs scored, .300/.393/.503, 135 wRC+
Coming off another season with 30-plus homers, there are no concerns around the league about signing the 32-year-old to a long-term deal. He played 159 games last season and hasn’t missed more than five games in a full season since 2017.
While the Braves would love to bring back their homegrown star and fan favorite, it’s also been made clear that the front office is open to alternatives. Among them is another Yankees’ target, trading for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson.
Whenever a new collective-bargaining agreement is signed and the MLB lockout ends, the new deal will likely include an elevated luxury tax. Once that happens, there will be even more reason for the New York Yankees to spend on a star.