HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 02: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning in Game Six of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 02, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Yankees are satisfied with their options at first base heading into next season. Could they make a big play to pry Freddie Freeman away from the Braves?
Brian Cashman hasn’t made a big splash in MLB free agency yet, but it’s only a matter of time before the Yankees jump into the fray. Braves fans should be concerned that Freddie Freeman may be the eventual target of New York’s affections.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees are interested in the former MVP who is seeking a deal worth $180 million and for six years. So far, the Braves haven’t been willing to give him a sixth year.
Freeman would be an expensive acquisition given the fact that he’s reportedly looking for a six-year deal in the $180 million range. That would take up a chunk of Cashman’s free agency budget but it might be worth the risk. Freeman would give Aaron Boone’s lineup the sort of powerful left-handed bat they need to balance out their plethora of right-handed sluggers.
Yankees pursuing Braves free agent Freddie Freeman as contract talks lag with Atlanta
The Yankees clearly aren’t convinced that Luke Voit is going to be their starting first baseman next season. He struggled mightily with injuries in 2021 which led to the team’s decision to make an in-season trade for Anthony Rizzo. New York did elect to tender Voit a contract but that doesn’t mean he’s necessarily a part of the organization’s long-term plans.
Freeman’s penchant for coming up big in high-pressure situations will also appeal to decision-makers in the Bronx. The list of big-name free agents that have wilted under the pressure of playing in the Big Apple is longer than Cashman and his front office would like to acknowledge. Freeman profiles as the sort of player who wouldn’t be bothered by playing in the cauldron that is Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees shouldn’t be considered the favorite to land Freeman at this point in the offseason, but it’s fair to say Cashman is lurking in the weeds. Braves fans should regard New York as a credible threat. This is a deal that could come together quickly for the Yankees if they decide to prioritize first base over shortstop. That isn’t the most likely outcome, but it’s far from out of the question.
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