The Atlanta Braves were unable to finish up a new contract with free agent Freddie Freeman before the lockout.
The 2020 National League MVP and 2021 World Series winner has been a star over the course of his MLB career, which he has spent exclusively with the Braves.
Fans are clamoring for the team to re-sign him, but negotiations have been hard.
There is a chance he decides to go elsewhere.
In that case, the Braves need to think about potential replacements.
These three could make sense.
3. Luke Voit
One option for the Braves to replace Freeman in the hypothetical case he decides to sign elsewhere is New York Yankees first baseman Luke Voit.
Some reports indicate the Yankees tried to trade Voit before this year’s deadline, and he could be available now as they chase Freeman.
Voit had an injury-riddled season with the Yankees in 2021, but led MLB in homers in 2020, the shortened campaign, with 22.
His defense is very bad, though, and the Braves would probably need to bring in a defensive-minded backup.
When healthy, however, Voit’s bat can make the difference, as he has a .267/.357/.510 slash line for his career.
If the Yankees sign or trade for a first baseman, Voit could be acquired on the cheap by another team, like Atlanta.
2. Anthony Rizzo
Anthony Rizzo is a solid first baseman, although he is no longer a difference-maker at this point of his career.
Now 32 years old, he has been a slightly above-average offensive first baseman in the last two seasons.
Using wRC+ (weighted Runs Created Plus), Rizzo finished with 102 in 2020 and 112 in 2021.
The wRC+ stat is weighted and adjusted for era, ballpark, and other things, and says that the average is 100.
When he was at his best, between 2014 and 2016, Rizzo’s wRC+ ranged between 145 and 155.
With the Chicago Cubs and Yankees in 2021, he hit an underwhelming .248/.344/.440, with 22 home runs in 576 plate appearances.
That’s acceptable, but not stellar.
He still provides excellent defense and is a clubhouse star, and could be a nice addition for the Braves if they can’t sign Freeman considering the price.
Rizzo shouldn’t command top dollar in the market.
He is also a lefty and takes a lot of walks, like Freeman.
He is not in the same stratosphere as Freeman, but could be an option.
Might be an unpopular opinion? But I don’t want to trade a kings ransom for matt olson. I want to trade a kings ransom for someone like luis castillo or bryan reynolds. Even if that means signing someone like Rizzo if we somehow mess up with Freddie.
— Braves Moves and Rumors (@Braves_Rumors) December 2, 2021
1. Matt Olson
The Braves have already shown interest in Matt Olson, one of the best players on the Oakland Athletics roster.
Braves have checked in on A’s star 1B Matt Olson, presumably as a contingency plan in case Freddie Freeman leaves via free agency. Most still have a hard time envisioning Freeman in any other uniform but Braves want to be prepared.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 1, 2021
The A’s are expected to enter a transition period in which they will sell most of their expensive assets with the hope of accumulating prospects and avoiding big salaries.
Players such as Olson, Matt Chapman, Chris Bassitt, Frankie Montas, and Sean Murphy could be traded once the lockout ends.
Olson is a particularly enticing target for teams that need a first baseman, like the Braves.
Atlanta could be preparing for the possibility of letting Freeman go, and Olson is a young slugger with strong defense and a powerful approach that leads to many home runs.
Olson is not nearly the offensive weapon Freeman is, but is very good nonetheless.
He is 27 years old and has two seasons of team control remaining.
With his .271/.371/.540 line and 39 home runs this season, he is more than worth the money.
Will Atlanta be willing to part with the MLB-ready talent and prospects the A’s will require to trade Olson?
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