Thus far in free agency the Los Angeles Dodgers have only signed Daniel Hudson to a one-year contract, while seeing the departure of Max Scherzer to the New York Mets and Corey Seager joining the Texas Rangers.
The Dodgers failing to re-sign Seager has created a significant void in their lineup and it’s further highlighted when taken into account fellow left-handed slugger Max Muncy revealed he is slowly recovering from a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow.
Although the Dodgers still face a pressing need for starting pitching, there had been some speculation the team would turn its focus to Freddie Freeman.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Dodgers have joined the New York Yankees and others with interest in the Atlanta Braves free agent:
Freddie Freeman is the superstar free agent to watch today. While many have expected him to return to Atlanta, the Yankees and Dodgers are among the teams with interest, as @JonHeyman has noted. Freeman also could fit the Red Sox. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 1, 2021
Freeman has been a model of consistency the past six seasons, with the stretch including winning National League MVP in 2020. The Southern California native has also strung together four consecutive All-Star campaigns and earned a Silver Slugger Award each of the past three years.
Heading into free agency it was widely presumed Freeman and the Braves would agree to a contract. Particularly with the 32-year-old just helping lead Atlanta to their first World Series since 1995.
However, multiple reports indicate the Braves and Freeman are in disagreement over a potential sixth year for a new contract.
How realistic is Dodgers signing Freeman?
Although Freeman may be an intriguing option for the Dodgers, there are multiple hurdles that would appear to make the signing unlikely.
Like Seager, Freeman rejected the qualifying offer. If L.A. were to sign the first baseman, they would lose their second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2022 MLB Draft, as well as $1 million from their international bonus pool for the upcoming signing period.
The Dodgers are gaining a compensatory pick after the fourth round of the 2022 Draft for losing Seager, and could receive another if Chris Taylor signs elsewhere. Though, the compensatory picks are dependent on a new collective bargaining agreement.
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