As free agency resumed after the MLB lockout ended, speculation involving the Los Angeles Dodgers largely centered around Freddie Freeman and Clayton Kershaw.
Friday brought a resolution on one of those fronts as Kershaw agreed to re-sign with the Dodgers on a one-year contract for the 2022 season. Reports indicate his deal is worth $17 million and includes incentives.
As for Freeman, he’s been linked to the Atlanta Braves, Dodgers and New York Yankees throughout most of the offseason. The initial expectation was Freeman and Atlanta would quickly work out a new contract, but they failed to come to terms before the lockout began.
That was followed by reports of Freeman developing some frustration with the Braves front office and being open to a potential change.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Dodgers are strongly pursuing Freeman and have already presented him with a contract offer:
Sources: #Dodgers making a strong push for Freddie Freeman and have offered him a multiyear contract. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 12, 2022
Sources: #Dodgers talks with Freddie Freeman are intensifying. The sides remain in contact tonight on a deal that would bring the reigning World Series champ home to his native California. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 12, 2022
It’s unclear what terms the Dodgers may have extended to Freeman, but he reportedly was seeking a six-year contract. That was said to be the basis of not being on the same page as the Braves, who are thought to prefer a five-year pact.
Atlanta is the only organization Freeman has known in his professional career thus far. The Southern California native was selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
Roberts hopeful Dodgers sign Freeman
While speaking with reporters on Friday afternoon, manager Dave Roberts acknowledged he had a high level of interest in the Dodgers potentially signing the 32-year-old.
“I would love to see Freddie Freeman in a Dodger uniform. Who wouldn’t? He’s a heck of a ballplayer,” Roberts said.
“He’s put himself in a situation to be a free agent, so he’s earned that right and the opportunity to be courted by other teams and to see what’s best for him and his family. Certainly in the conversation for us, but ultimately it’s going to be his decision.”
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