Who’s on first?
The way Brian Cashman sees it, the New York Yankees general manager has four basic options for 2022.
First is a splashy, big-name free-agent signing in former Atlanta Braves star Freddie Freeman.
Second is to re-sign midseason pickup Anthony Rizzo.
Third is a trade, possibly for Oakland A’s slugger Matt Olson.
Fourth is to stay in-house with Luke Voit and/or DJ LeMahieu.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal addressed Door No. 1 — Freeman — in his latest news and notes column.
Three big-market clubs – the Dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox – have at least a theoretical opening at first base. Whether those teams would prioritize Freeman over more pressing needs is an open question. But any club with a possible fit would be negligent if it simply dismissed the idea.
However Rosenthal says “The odds of any of these clubs getting serious with Freeman remain long.”
The Yankees need to find at least a stopgap at short and address their pitching. The Dodgers are probably the favorites to sign (Corey) Seager. ... And as much as Red Sox president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom talks about building a sustainable contender, it’s difficult to imagine pivoting away from his two youngsters at first.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and The Athletic’s Jim Bowden have projected contracts for all of the top free agents, including Freeman.
McDaniel sees him getting a six-year, $156 million deal, while Bowden has it at six years and $187 million.
What does that money get you? Freeman is a five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner who has one Gold Glove and the 2020 National League MVP Award on his resume.
Freeman hit the market this winter after leading the Braves to their first World Series title in almost 30 years.
RELATED STORIES ABOUT MLB RUMORS
MLB insider’s Hall of Fame prediction for 2022 ballot isn’t a good sign
Yankees’ Aaron Boone says goodbye to Clint Frazier
MLB rumors: Yankees see pitching market is starting to dry up
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.
Ad Choices