Freddie Freeman is fresh off another stellar campaign that culminated in a World Series title for the Atlanta Braves. Because of this, he entered free agency as one of the premier players available. However, he remains unsigned after Major League Baseball's work stoppage.
The slugger, who more than lived up to the eight-year, $135-million extension he signed with the Braves before the 2014 campaign, is primed for an even bigger payday and has multiple teams interested in his services.
Let's break down the pros and cons of signing the free-agent infielder, as well as some of his potential suitors:
Pros
Freeman is one of the best players and top first basemen still available in free agency. The 2020 National League MVP is a five-time All-Star, with three Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove, and a World Series title on his resume.
He's consistently been among the game's best players – six top 10 MVP finishes, lifetime .295 hitter – and elite at his position throughout most of his career. Since 2013, the California native ranks first in batting average, second in fWAR, wRC+, and runs, and third in RBIs, on-base percentage, and slugging among qualified first basemen. Additionally, Freeman has been a difference-maker in clutch situations, posting a .952 OPS with two outs and runners in scoring position during his 12 years in the majors.
Freeman also isn't showing signs of deteriorating. Over the past two campaigns, he ranks first in runs, fifth in wRC+, and sixth in fWAR among all qualified MLB players.