Freddie Freeman has been the backbone and fan favorite of the Atlanta Braves since he entered the league. Painful as it may be to think about, there could come a day when Freeman no longer wears a Braves uniform. Now is the time to keep an eye on how that could play out. The next couple of seasons will have a great deal of influence over Freeman’s career and the path of the franchise.
Replacing Freddie Freeman
To ease some anxiety, know that Freeman will be around for the next five seasons, as he is signed through 2021. Questions will begin to rise when this moment finally materializes: Does he get another contract or is he left to pursue work elsewhere? Will he be traded before the contract expires? However unpredictable baseball is, the Freeman situation is not a hard call at the moment as to what the most likely case will be.
Situation One
The Braves could choose to end the worry before the pressure is on with an extension of the current deal, likely through the rest of Freeman’s career. He will be 32 years old when his current contract ends. As in the case of Chipper Jones, the two parties could also settle for a series of short term contracts. This may be a better alternative to a long term deal for trade purposes and the aging curve if the rebuild brings only a short window of contention.
Situation Two
It could turn out that Freeman and the Braves cannot come to an agreement. Two things can happen here, depending on where the organization is in 2020-2021. If the rebuild goes well and the Braves become serious contenders, there is no chance he gets traded. If the team is on the outside looking in, Freddie will likely go on the trade block either after the 2020 season or before the 2021 deadline.
Situation Three
This option only takes place under the circumstance of Freeman becoming a free agent. It may seem like a simple solution to present a reasonable offer and have him sign, but it is never that easy. However, considering the current 2022 first base free agent class contains Anthony Rizzo and Brandon Belt, it may be so. The only thing to worry about here would be a decision to save money and find a cheaper option.
Belt will be 34 for the 2022 season. He will be the more affordable option among himself, Freeman, and Rizzo. He is an All-Star with a solid career .272/.359/.460 line, while averaging 18 home runs per season. In the event the Braves go for a cheaper option, Belt will at least get a look, though he won’t be a sensible choice unless Freeman is not interested in a reunion.
Next on the list is Rizzo. He’s a three-time All-Star, a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glover, a World Series champion, and is considered the best at the position by many. Nevertheless, he’s very likely not a guy the Braves will consider. There’s no need to sign a guy who is only marginally better, if he is at all, and has no relationship or history in Atlanta.
The Only Option
Considering the known free agent situation, it is not a rational means of replacing Freeman unless the Braves settle at first base to strengthen other needs. Because there is no reason to spend money on a free agent other than Freeman, replacing him could only be sensibly done via the draft. For example, the third base position has been a source of inconsistency for the organization since the retirement of Jones in 2012. Since then, the farm system has never held a legitimate, everyday third base option, possibly excluding Austin Riley.
A good baseball/business move is to be proactive and find a couple of potential replacements via draft. John Coppolella has made it known that his vision for the team is to be a perennial contender, relying not on windows of opportunity like the recent league trend, but instead on constant waves of talent headed by shutdown pitching and only minor participation in free agency. This strategy requires the drafting of a top talent pitcher early in every draft. This is a solid play and the 90’s Braves proved it works, but a team must have an answer for every position somewhere in the pipeline. Enter Nick Pratto, the 1B/LHP dual threat who is currently committed to USC.
Nick Pratto
Many scouts put Nick Pratto at first base instead of on the mound. Pratto is a top talent at both positions, which works well for the Braves. He is known for plus fielding and above average hitting due to his advanced mental approach at the plate. MLB.com cites him as a player with “excellent footwork around first and could be a plus defender”, along with “a smooth, easy swing from the left side of the plate and power to all fields”. At the moment, scouts peg him for a potential 20 home run, .270+ hitter, but he could end up outperforming the predictions in the event that he continues to grow.
Drafting Pratto in 2017 will net a team an all-around first baseman and a pitcher with an attractive fastball/changeup combination. At first base, he would have five full seasons to mature and develop in the Braves farm before he is needed to potentially succeed Freeman. If he does not pan out at first base, he can step onto the mound and see what he’s got there. Atlanta could also move Riley to first as well.
Freddie is a One Team Guy
The trade route is yet to be seen for the future, but is off the table for now. The free agency path is unjustifiable. Barring injury or a total collapse in performance, one could reasonably expect Freeman to remain in Atlanta for his entire career. Their organizational revamp was centered around him. He is the face of the franchise. In six full seasons in the Major Leagues, he has established himself as a player with a very capable bat with a decent glove, a passion for the game, and a willingness to be the guy everyone looks to. What Freeman brings to Atlanta is hard to find.
Remember: there is no such thing as a sure thing in this sport. The Braves need to consider drafting a couple of guys who can be serviceable replacements for Freeman. Someday, those prospects may show themselves to be ready. Trade them if Freeman is around and use them if he leaves. For now, however, it seems he will be in Atlanta when he hangs up the cleats for good.
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