MLB rumors: 1 team ranks ahead of Yankees on ESPN’s list of best fits for Freddie Freeman

This will bring a smile to the faces of New York Yankees fans.

ESPN is out with its list of the best fits for free-agent first baseman Freddie Freeman.

The Yankees rank No. 2 on the list, behind only the Atlanta Braves.

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Freeman is a difference-maker, and might cost about half as much as Carlos Correa, the star shortstop who would fill another glaring need in the Yankees’ lineup. The Yankees reportedly seek a much cheaper stopgap at shortstop who can hold the down position until either Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza are ready to take over. Freeman helps to justify that.

Freeman is one of several first-base options under consideration by general manager Brian Cashman. He could decide to re-sign midseason pickup Anthony Rizzo. Or he could trade for Oakland A’s star Matt Olson. Or he could roll with what he already has on the roster: Luke Voit and DJ LeMahieu.

Before free agency began, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and The Athletic’s Jim Bowden projected the contracts of the top players on the open market. McDaniel pegged Freeman at six years and $156 million. Bowden came in higher: six years and $187 million.

Is Freeman worth such a huge payday? Probably. The 32-year-old is a five-time All-Star and was the 2020 National League MVP. He’s won three Silver Slugger Awards and one Gold Glove Award.

Here is ESPN’s list of the best fits for Freeman:

1. Atlanta Braves

2. New York Yankees

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

4. Toronto Blue Jays

5. Detroit Tigers

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.