Freddie Freeman Is A Perfect Fit For Los Angeles Dodgers’ Galaxy Of Superstars

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed 32-year-old first baseman Freddie Freeman to a six-year, $162 million contract. A five-time all-star, Freeman won the 2020 National League Most Valuable Player and Hank Aaron Awards. He was the heart and soul of the Atlanta Braves for 12 major league seasons. Freeman reached the pinnacle in 2021 by helping the Braves win their first world championship in Atlanta since 1995 and fourth overall as a franchise. A consummate professional and beloved teammate, Freeman was a second-round selection (78^th overall) by the Braves in the 2007 draft out of El Modena High School in Orange, California.

After completing an eight-year, $135 million contract, many felt that free agency was just a formality before Freeman would return to the Braves and continue to build upon his impressive legacy. The Braves had reportedly offered Freeman a five-year, $135 million contract prior to the lockout. The prevailing opinion was Freeman had an interest in securing a six-year contract worth $200 million in value. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Braves’ last known offer to Freeman was a five-year, $140 million contract. His age, desired compensation, and length of contract were concerns given how several major league ball clubs view long-term contracts for ball players who are on the wrong side of 30 years old.

Feelings of disappointment and sadness will linger for some time given Freeman’s popularity and Liberty Media Corporation’s fourth quarter and year end 2021 financial results. In 2007, the Braves were purchased by Liberty Media Corporation as their financials are available to the public. It was reported the Braves had set a franchise record for revenue at $568 million for the 2021 season. Baseball revenue alone was $526 million accompanied by $42 million in development revenue.

According to the operating results of Braves Holdings, LLC, the Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (OIBDA) was $111 million. In 2020, the Braves had sustained a $49 million loss in OIBDA. Overall, the Braves had posted an operating income of $31 million. Even though financial statement analysis is far more complicated than just picking a few numbers off an income statement and balance sheet, the Braves are painting a promising picture when it comes to season tickets, premium seats, luxury suite sales, and the acquisition of Freeman’s replacement at first base.

As talks broke down between Freeman and the Braves, the world champions moved quickly and acquired first baseman Matt Olson in a trade with the Oakland Athletics. The Braves parted ways with outfielder Cristian Pache along with three minor league prospects: catcher Shea Langeliers and right-handed pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes. Olson, a 2021 American League All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winning first baseman, signed an eight-year, $168 million contract extension with the Braves. The extension covers Olson’s final two years of arbitration eligibility and runs through his age 35 season. The Braves hold a club option for the 2030 season at $20 million.

Freeman laid the foundation for winning baseball in Atlanta over the past four seasons. He was the unquestioned leader as the Braves were rebuilding amid four consecutive losing seasons (2014-2017). Freeman emerged as a superstar and developed into the preeminent first baseman in the National League. He is a humble and authentic individual who truly enjoys interacting with the fans. Freeman has always been held in the highest of regards by teammates and has been favorably compared to Braves legends Dale Murphy and Chipper Jones.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees were immediately the frontrunners for Freeman’s services once a new collective bargaining agreement was in place. The Yankees’ needs for upgrades at first base and shortstop have been well documented all winter. The implementation of a universal designated hitter had the Dodgers wondering how they could add Freeman to their galaxy of superstars. The Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays were also rumored to have had an interest in Freeman.

Max Muncy, a two-time National League All-Star, saw time at three infield positions last season for the Dodgers with most of it coming at first base. According to FanGraphs, Muncy posted a 2.9 ultimate zone rating (UZR) and 6 defensive runs saved (DRS) in 901 innings at first base. Among the qualified first basemen in the National League, only Paul Goldschmidt of the St. Louis Cardinals had a better UZR (3.5) and DRS (9) than Muncy. Goldschmidt won the 2021 National League Gold Glove Award while Freeman and Muncy were finalists. Freeman posted a -1 UZR and 2 DRS for the 2021 season.

Muncy tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow in a first base collision during the final ball game of the regular season against the Milwaukee Brewers. He missed the entire postseason. As Muncy is hoping to be ready for Opening Day, he believes it might take an entire season for him to feel a sense of normalcy.

Historically, Freeman has hit third in the batting order. In 1,070 ball games hitting third for the Braves, Freeman has produced a .901 on-base plus slugging (OPS) according to Baseball-Reference. Overall, he has hit second in 119 ball games throughout his career. Last season, Freeman hit second in 90 ball games which led to an .898 OPS. Over the past two seasons, Freeman has posted a .968 OPS while hitting second in the lineup in 116 ball games.

Even as Freddie Freeman embarks upon a new and exciting chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, one can’t help but feel a sense of melancholy due to his departure from the Atlanta Braves. Freeman is one of those rare ball players who is the perfect blend of talent, integrity, and character. Sadly, aging curves and philosophical differences on contract structure have led Freeman to the Dodgers. It will be unnatural seeing Freeman wearing a Dodgers uniform when he returns to Truist Park in June. Luckily, his legacy goes well beyond a uniform as Freeman will always be woven into the fabric of the Atlanta Braves.