MLB rumors: Freddie Freeman’s free agency a ‘slap in the face’ from Braves

Why isn’t Freddie Freeman signed yet? You’d have to ask the Atlanta Braves, who instead of re-signing their franchise cornerstone, have been cheap.

Freeman and the Braves are on similar terms as it pertains to money. Where they differ is whether the slugging first baseman will receive a five-year or six-year contract. Freeman thinks he’s earned a sixth season.

If the Braves continue to drag their feet after a new CBA is agreed to, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain Atlanta’s greatest competition, especially if they lose out to the Astros for Carlos Correa.

A rival executive has even gone as far as to call the fact Freeman remains on the market a ‘slap in the face’ to the 32-year-old, per a report from Ken Rosenthal.

Why haven’t Braves signed Freddie Freeman?

The Braves aren’t just dragging their feet to be cute. Atlanta has a budget they must fill, and plenty of holes on the roster. With a new CBA not yet agreed to, the Braves don’t know the exact luxury tax, which has made negotiating with a player who will take up much of that tax room very difficult.

Freeman and the Braves have been discussing said deal for years, only to push it back over and over again. The industry expectation has long been that he ends up remaining in Atlanta for the rest of his career, but the Braves are at risk of losing the face of their franchise — he is a free agent after all.

Just in case, the Braves have been in talks with the Oakland Athletics about trading for Matt Olson as a backup plan. Olson is a fine player, but he’s not Freeman, and said report can’t make the 2020 NL MVP happy.

Freeman is a California native. If the Braves continue to lack the fortitude to get a deal done, expect negotiations with the Dodgers to pick up rather quickly post-lockout.