Ever since the start of the offseason, when it comes time to talk about Freddie Freeman’s go-to destination, the Braves name has come up.
But now, following the acquisition of Matt Olson by the Braves, we must obviously forget that.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 14, 2022
We therefore turn to the Dodgers, which is the most likely possibility since the start of the offseason in the event of a departure. They are still on the case, but they are not alone.
The Blue Jays, Rays and Yankees, the three teams named in the record this winter, are on the way.
Freddie Freeman’s era with the Braves is likely over. The Yankees and Dodgers have seemingly been the favorites over the past few days. But the Rays and Blue Jays have remained aggressive. There was never a sense the Braves made a strong push.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 14, 2022
Will the Rays have the money to pay for it without adding Montreal dollars to the club? I doubt.
And right now, the Yankees aren’t liking their chances of getting him, according to midfield data.
Yankees are pessimistic on Freeman, and have said no to the ask of Volpe plus more for Matt Olson. So Anthony Rizzo seems to be the most realistic at 1B for them now. And that’s not so bad.
—Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 14, 2022
Does that leave the Blue Jays and Dodgers? May be.
I never really believed in the possibility of seeing him land in the Queen City. Freeman is a first baseman, as is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. And why upset Vladdy by giving him Freddie?
But since then, the clues seem to accumulate in the case of Toronto. I take them with a (big) grain of salt, but I share them anyway.
First, Carlos Baerga set things on fire by announcing that Freeman was going to Toronto, but I half believe him. He doesn’t hit for 1,000 coming out of rumors, say.
Blue Jays fans seeing the Carlos Baerga Instagram post. 👀 pic.twitter.com/OHTr3lxpNL
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 14, 2022
And it is not the clues of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. who comments or of Vladdy who likes the publication that will convince me, beyond any doubt, of the contrary.
Nor is the fact that Vladimir practiced at third base yesterday (for his own pleasure) that will convince me that he will change position. He wasn’t good at third base in 2019 and he became an MVP contender at first base. He also said he wanted to stay at first base.
With the Freddie Freeman talk swirling, seems timely for a repost of yesterday’s column referring to Vlad Guerrero Jr. taking ground balls at third. #Bluejays … https://t.co/D349nDKl3y
— Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) March 14, 2022
On this subject, Vladdy who calls himself third baseman on Instagram is not a clue. It’s been that way for years.
But what can help convince are tweets from people in the business like that of Mark Bowman (above in the article) or that of Jon Morosi. The insider calls the Blue Jays’ interest serious.
Tea #BlueJays have had conversations with Freddie Freeman’s camp and conveyed serious interest as his free agent decision nears, sources confirmed. Freeman is a dual citizen of the US and Canada and played for Canada at the ’17 WBC. @MLBNetwork @Sportsnet @FAN590
—Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 14, 2022
Yes, there are several clues that can lead us to believe that there is no smoke without fire, but I continue to believe that adding a first goal does not make sense for the Jays.
That said, besides his position, the Californian of Canadian parents would be a simply perfect player to go to war and to try to win, in his case, a second World Series title in two seasons. He strikes from the left and is loved by all.
“The rules are the rules and we follow them like everybody else.”
After two years on the road, don’t expect the Blue Jays to feel much sympathy for those around the majors impacted by border rules for unvaccinated travellers. (@ShiDavidi)https://t.co/Vfe3UCjXpy
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 14, 2022
- Seiya Suzuki does not have a contract yet.
Seiya Suzuki posted an update on Instagram: “There have been several reports that I’ve made my decision but none of that is true.”
—Dennis Lin (@dennislin) March 14, 2022
- Aaron Judge: No negotiation process has been initiated.
The Yankees have had no discussions yet regarding an extension for Aaron Judge, according to Brian Cashman.
“Those conversations will happen, and we’ll try to keep it as private as we can. We’re happy he’s a Yankee. It would be great if we could make him a Yankee longer.”
—Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 14, 2022
- Trea Turner open to staying in LA
#Dodgers Trea Turner said he’s excited to move back to shortstop so he can continue to prove he’s one of the best in the league.
He’s also a free agent at the end of the season. He said he would be open to extension talk this spring.
“It’s a great place to play,” he said.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 14, 2022
