Anthony Rizzo the Atlanta Braves backup plan at first

It has been expected that Freddie Freeman will return to the Atlanta Braves. He has publically stated that he wants to come back, and the Braves had offered an extension. However, the two sides are far apart in terms of a dollar amount for a contract, leading to the thought that Freeman could actually head elsewhere. He is reportedly getting frustrated with the Braves, to the point where he is considering offers from other teams.

The Braves are also starting to explore other options. Not only have they been linked to Matt Olson on the trade front, but they have also reportedly checked in on Anthony Rizzo.

Atlanta Braves could consider Anthony Rizzo their backup plan

Rizzo would certainly be a less expensive option than Freeman and would come with more cost certainty than Olson. He put together a solid showing last year, producing a .248/.344/.440 batting line in his 576 plate appearances with the Cubs and Yankees, hitting 22 homers and 23 doubles. That performance would be a decent fit in the middle of the Braves lineup.

However, that performance is also a far cry from what Freeman, and Olson for that matter, produced. Both players have been MVP candidates, with Freeman winning the award in 2020. Rizzo, meanwhile, has not garnered an MVP vote since 2018.

It is also fair to wonder how Rizzo will perform on a long term contract. His production has decreased over the past few seasons, coinciding with a drop in his hard hit rate. Rizzo’s defense also struggled last year, making it possible that his Gold Glove caliber seasons are behind him.

Signing Rizzo would have its positives. The Braves could potentially use the savings from his contract to upgrade other areas of the roster, such as improving the bullpen or signing more of their young talent to extension.

But there is also something to keeping a franchise icon. Freeman is still expected to return to Atlanta, although the fact that he has not signed yet is surprising. In fact, one could understand if Freeman considered the fact that he is still a free agent to be insulting. Maybe, just maybe, the Braves will need that backup plan after all.

The Atlanta Braves have reportedly checked in on Anthony Rizzo. If Freddie Freeman does end up leaving, he may be the backup plan.