Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves. (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
After taking Josh Hader yard in Game 4 of the 2021 NLDS, Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has gone hitless in eight at-bats during the first two games of the 2021 NLCS, including seven strikeouts in a row to start the best-of-seven series.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman will be an impending free agent at the end of the postseason.
Freeman has only played for the Braves organization since he was drafted out of high school back in 2007. He has been Atlanta’s franchise cornerstone since 2013, the year after his mentor Chipper Jones retired. While Freeman may only want to play for one team, money talks, especially in MLB free agency. With his recent swoon at the plate, is Freeman hurting his free agency value?
Since being Game 4 of the NLDS’ hero, Freeman has gone 0-8 at the plate, including seven strikeouts in a row in the first two games of the 2021 NLCS vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Freddie Freeman free agency rumors: Is Atlanta Braves star hurting his value?
The simple answer here is unequivocally no. Freeman is a perennial All-Star and does everything above and beyond what it takes to be a franchise cornerstone. He may have just turned 32-years-old, but he will be worth every penny he garners on the open market. Whether that be from the Braves or any other MLB team remains to be seen. The thought is he will likely stay in Atlanta.
While the cash-strapped Braves could use his 2021 NLCS struggles against him in free agency, why would Liberty Media be that stupid? If Liberty Media lets Freeman walk, they should be forced to sell the franchise. Braves Country will never, ever forgive them for that. This will be worse than letting Tom Glavine leave in the midst of his prime to go pitch for the arch rival New York Mets.
Ultimately, the Braves and Freeman’s representation should do whatever it takes to make it work.