True Blue LA - Dodgers sign Freddie Freeman to 6-year, $162 million contractWhere The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2022-03-19T05:06:00-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/227466172022-03-19T05:06:00-07:002022-03-19T05:06:00-07:00Dodgers pounced after Freddie Freeman & Braves split
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<img alt="Andrew Friedman and Freddie Freeman at Freeman’s introductory press conference after signing a six-year, $162 million contract on March 18, 2022 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cSPrOz6WxhZFKLuUAX7HDZstGuo=/0x0:3581x2387/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70645269/freddie_freeman_andrew_friedman_031822_press_conference_dodgers.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Andrew Friedman and Freddie Freeman at Freeman’s introductory press conference after signing a six-year, $162 million contract on March 18, 2022 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. | <em>Photo: </em><a class="ql-link" href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1504912121405923330" target="_blank"><em>Los Angeles Dodgers</em></a></figcaption>
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<p>Highlights from Friday’s introductory press conference</p> <p id="ZW3465">Freddie Freeman put on a <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> uniform for the first time at Camelback Ranch, but Friday seemed more about the chasm between the All-Star first baseman and his old team, the Braves.</p>
<p id="r6JAPw">Or maybe it was a clean break.</p>
<p id="3mgwpD">“The communication wasn’t all there. I got two phone calls [from Atlanta] all offseason,” Freeman said Friday in his introductory press conference. “I got more from Andrew [Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations] to my agents in a couple of hours.”</p>
<p id="6qoqjg">Freeman said the Braves contacted him once right before the MLB lockout, and once right after the lockout was lifted. Both were more checking in.</p>
<p id="jBmEZ1">A report from Buster Olney at ESPN, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/33536546/inside-yearlong-contract-saga-split-freddie-freeman-atlanta-braves">published the morning of Freeman’s press conference with the Dodgers</a>, suggests there was more communication than that, at least involving Freeman’s representatives at Excel, Casey Close and Vic Menocal:</p>
<blockquote><p id="ymRlGX"><em>On Friday, March 11, there was a report that the Dodgers were making an intense push to sign Freeman. The next day, Close and Anthopoulos spoke, and, according to four sources, Close told Anthopoulos that the Braves had an hour to accept one of two proposals — a six-year, $175 million deal, an average of a little more than $29 million a year, or a five-year, $165 million deal, an average of $33 million per season.</em></p></blockquote>
<p id="CGbyuc">The Braves rejected the ultimatum Saturday and quickly moved on. By Monday they traded for Matt Olson to play first base, and one day later extended him for eight years and $168 million. Atlanta general manager Alex Anthopoulos fought back tears after the trade was announced, <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/3/14/22977843/alex-anthopoulos-comments-matt-olson-trade-freddie-freeman-atlanta-braves">calling it the hardest transaction he ever had to make</a>.</p>
<p id="1txyxE">On Friday, asked (by Dylan Hernández of the Los Angeles Times) if he saw Anthopoulos’s tears, Freeman responded coldly.</p>
<p id="4V8jJ0">“I saw them,” Freeman said. “That’s all I’ll say.”</p>
<p id="iP98a7">When the rift between the Braves and Freeman happened isn’t all that important. The truth is <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/14/22978519/freddie-freeman-dodgers-interest-braves-trade-matt-olson">it was surprising that Freeman even reached free agency</a>, that Atlanta wasn’t able to sign the franchise icon well before this offseason. </p>
<p id="TVzx5x">What is relevant is that the Dodgers were able to pounce when an elite player surprisingly became available. Just like they did two years ago with Mookie Betts, who along with Freeman represent <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/18/22982575/freddie-freeman-contract-details-dodgers-payroll-luxury-tax">two of the only three Dodgers players signed past 2023</a>.</p>
<p id="VSe3ne">There was more communication between the Dodgers and Freeman, including at Betts’ wedding on December 1, including Dave Roberts, Justin Turner, and Friedman. </p>
<p id="q37UFa">“Doc, JT, and I walked outside 10 minutes before the deadline, before everything went dark, just saying, ‘Don’t forget about us during this period. Don’t forget about us,’” Friedman said Friday. “We actually left a live music performance of Nelly to walk out and make that call. It would take a lot to get us to do that, but it was definitely worth it.”</p>
<h3 id="QWjjvE">Links</h3>
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<li id="cRgFYR">Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F3195476%2F2022%2F03%2F18%2Ffreddie-freemans-first-day-as-a-dodger-puts-a-cap-on-a-whirlwind-week%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2022%2F3%2F19%2F22985357%2Ffreddie-freeman-braves-split-dodgers-opportunity" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">has more on the Dodgers’ pursuit of Freeman</a>.</li>
<li id="eSLFCm">Hernández at the LA Times says <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-03-18/dodgers-freeman-hernandez-for-saturday-paper">the Dodgers’ signing Freeman actually shows how much faith the team has in its minor leaguers</a>.</li>
<li id="6YpWUl">Clayton Kershaw debuted on the mound in Friday’s spring training lidlifter. Bill Plunkett <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2022/03/18/clayton-kershaw-takes-mound-for-dodgers-again-after-uncertain-winter/">at the Orange County Register has more</a>.</li>
<li id="dGlAIU">David Schoenfield at ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/33535067/did-los-angeles-dodgers-top-even-how-2022-roster-stacks-la-recent-superteams">compares the 2022 Dodgers roster to their recent “superteams.”</a>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/19/22985357/freddie-freeman-braves-split-dodgers-opportunityEric Stephen2022-03-18T18:13:55-07:002022-03-18T18:13:55-07:00Freddie Freeman contract details
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<img alt="2021 Gatorade All-Star Workout Day" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kwkz8DbvupGE108ub-GopW4wTMs=/0x0:6924x4616/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70644322/1328408137.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>“A large contract with the Dodgers, you say?” | Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="jLrfoe">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> made official their signing of Freddie Freeman on Friday, inking the All-Star first baseman and former MVP for six years.</p>
<p id="zMEAcQ">Freeman’s total contract is $162 million, though $57 million of that is deferred over 13 years, through 2040. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-baseball-los-angeles-atlanta-braves-0294c0e9e25f06520b2a38c30f971a17">Greg Beacham at the Associated Press has all the details</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="1OQhhT"><em>Freeman will make $27 million a year with Los Angeles, but $7 million is deferred in each of the first three seasons and $12 million in each of the last three for a total of $57 million. That money is payable in installments of $4 million each July 1 from 2028-35, and $5 million each July 1 from 2036-40.</em></p></blockquote>
<p id="NVLBCD">In other words, here are the Dodgers’ annual payments to Freeman:</p>
<h3 id="MrAF8E"><strong>Salary</strong></h3>
<p id="5NT9zD"><strong>2022</strong>: $20 million<br><strong>2023</strong>: $20 million<br><strong>2024</strong>: $20 million<br><strong>2025</strong>: $15 million<br><strong>2026</strong>: $15 million<br><strong>2027</strong>: $15 million</p>
<h3 id="Bzr1GG"><strong>Deferrals</strong></h3>
<p id="rT3YsQ"><strong>2028</strong>: $4 million<br><strong>2029</strong>: $4 million<br><strong>2030</strong>: $4 million<br><strong>2031</strong>: $4 million<br><strong>2032</strong>: $4 million<br><strong>2033</strong>: $4 million<br><strong>2034</strong>: $4 million<br><strong>2035</strong>: $4 million<br><strong>2036</strong>: $5 million<br><strong>2037</strong>: $5 million<br><strong>2038</strong>: $5 million<br><strong>2039</strong>: $5 million<br><strong>2040</strong>: $5 million</p>
<p id="ivTOJC">Deferred money isn’t new to the Dodgers, though not nearly as worrisome as when former owner Frank McCourt dragged the team into bankruptcy. Mookie Betts, for instance, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/7/24/21334589/mookie-betts-contract-details-dodgers">has $120 million of his 12-year. $365 million contract deferred</a> into annual payments through 2044, twelve years after his contract ends.</p>
<p id="2ynPV0">The deferred money just lowers the net present value of the total contract, which lowers how the deal counts toward the competitive balance tax. Betts’ contract averages $30.4 million per season nominally, but with the deferrals it’s considered roughly $306 million in total, which averages out to just over $25.5 million per season toward the CBT.</p>
<p id="zqc7VL">The net present value of Freeman’s contract with the deferrals is estimated by the players union at $148,195,494, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-03-19/freddie-freeman-dodgers-contract-includes-57-million-deferred-payments">per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>. That would count as $24.7 million per season for CBT purposes.</p>
<p id="XbPteY">With Freeman on board — plus <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/18/22985589/tyler-anderson-contract-dodgers">Tyler Anderson at $8 million</a>, and <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/18/22983606/freddie-freeman-jimmy-nelson-danny-duffy-dodgers-injured-list-options-40-man-roster-space">Danny Duffy at “roughly $3 million”</a> — the Dodgers payroll for competitive balance tax purposes is estimated to be nearing $290 million, the fourth and highest tier under <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/10/22971463/mlb-collective-bargaining-agreement-details-2022-2026">the new collective bargaining agreement</a>. That figure counts the full salary ($34 million, by average annual value) for Trevor Bauer, who is currently <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/17/22983940/trevor-bauer-administrative-leave-dodgers-april-16">on administrative leave while under investigation by MLB</a>.</p>
<p id="TgZoez">The Dodgers last year <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/12/21/22782722/dodgers-payroll-competitive-balance-tax-2021">paid $32.65 million in luxury tax on a payroll of $285.6 million</a>. By going over the threshold for a second straight year, the Dodgers rates for going over the various tiers would be 30 percent (over $230 million), 42 percent (over $250 million), 75 percent (over $270 million) and 90 percent (over $290 million).</p>
<p id="QILbro">But at the same time, despite the high dollar figures, the Dodgers have an uncommon amount of payroll flexibility. Only Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Chris Taylor have guaranteed contracts past 2023. They’ll have Walker Buehler and Will Smith likely earning big money in salary arbitration in 2024, and by then they will have a number of choices to make with <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/18/22983606/freddie-freeman-jimmy-nelson-danny-duffy-dodgers-injured-list-options-40-man-roster-space">seven team options after this season</a>, plus Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, and Julio Urías reaching free agency within the next two years. But the point is the Dodgers have the flexibility to make those choices.</p>
<p id="sbANQu">“If you look at the last five years, there’s been a decent amount of roster turnover, as there is everywhere,” <a href="https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1PlKQaZNQmvKE">Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Friday</a>. “Only made possible for us to stay at the level we have, and to have the future outlook is that we have is ownership, and then our baseball operation staff and the work that they do, has put us in position where I can argue that the next five years outlook is better than what we accomplished over the previous five.”</p>
<p id="qe6gLE">The previous five years is a very high bar to clear. The Dodgers from 2017-21 won three pennants and one <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a>, and at 451-258 (.636) had <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/4/22701508/dodgers-records-league-leaders-stats-2021">the best five-year stretch in franchise history</a>.</p>
<p id="8VYr8o">But with Freeman and Betts on board, it’s understandable that Dodgers expectations are through the roof.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/18/22982575/freddie-freeman-contract-details-dodgers-payroll-luxury-taxEric Stephen2022-03-18T11:10:59-07:002022-03-18T11:10:59-07:00Nelson, Duffy, options, the 60-day IL & roster space
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<img alt="MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8HsLHb03acGHspkLPQxAUlYAzLg=/0x0:6368x4245/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70642387/usa_today_16292960.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Freddie Freeman 6-year deal official. How LA signed three players with one roster spot</p> <p id="0UYh7N">Jimmy Nelson and Danny Duffy are both officially back with the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>, both signing one-year contracts with a team option for 2023, while rehabbing from injuries. Nelson’s deal became official on Thursday, and Duffy on Friday.</p>
<p id="OZunnX">The timing of the moves allowed the Dodgers to maneuver with just one spot on the 40-man roster. <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/17/22983497/dustin-may-injured-list-dodgers-60-days-jimmy-nelson-roster">Dustin May was placed on the 60-day injured list Thursday</a> to create room on the roster for Nelson, then Nelson landed on the 60-day IL on Friday morning <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/17/22753276/danny-duffy-dodgers-free-agent-contract">to make room for Duffy</a>.</p>
<p id="yjuhwA">Just an hour later, Freddie Freeman’s contract was finalized, and Duffy was placed on the 60-day injured list to make room.</p>
<p id="9f9asy">Nelson is recovering from Tommy John surgery that he had last August along with right flexor tendon repair. He’s expected to miss most of this season while rehabbing, though Nelson told Bill Plunkett at the Orange County Register that he’s targeting a September return.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nelson had Tommy John surgery last August, the latest in a series of injury setbacks that have defined his career. Hopes to be ready to pitch in September. "There's unfinished business for me, personally."</p>— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) <a href="https://twitter.com/billplunkettocr/status/1504136396931416064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a>
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<p id="VEuglX">The Dodgers traded for Duffy in July, but the former Royals pitcher never pitched for the Dodgers. He had a flexor tendon injury that required surgery in October, but hopes to pitch by June this season.</p>
<p id="hZ36t7">Duffy has a $7 million option for 2023, <a href="https://twitter.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1504848465322725376">per Robert Murray of FanSided</a>, that can increase to $10 million with at least 15 games and 15 innings pitched in 2022. This year, Duffy will make “roughly $3 million,” <a href="https://twitter.com/Jack_A_Harris/status/1504873890840907777">per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p>
<p id="6Jtzpa">Nelson is signed for 2022 plus a club option for 2023. He’ll earn $700,000 this year, the minimum MLB salary per the new collective bargaining agreement, <a href="https://twitter.com/FabianArdaya/status/1504535552669872142">per Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic</a>. His 2023 option is for $1.1 million, with performance bonuses.</p>
<p id="Ilk5X1">Duffy and Nelson are two of <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/12/2/22815055/dodgers-payroll-contract-options-2023-daniel-hudson">eight Dodgers signed through this season with options for 2023</a>. The team holds options on Justin Turner, Max Muncy, Blake Treinen, Daniel Hudson, Duffy, and Nelson. AJ Pollock has a player option for next year, as does Trevor Bauer, who is <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/7/8/22569623/trevor-bauer-mlb-investigation-assault-restraining-order-dodgers">currently on administrative leave while under MLB investigation</a>.</p>
<p id="94rqJ0">Infielder Hanser Alberto’s <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/13/22975401/hanser-alberto-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-free-agency">reported deal with the Dodgers</a> <em>also</em> calls for a club option in 2023, though that hasn’t yet been made official by the team. </p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/18/22983606/freddie-freeman-jimmy-nelson-danny-duffy-dodgers-injured-list-options-40-man-roster-spaceEric Stephen2022-03-17T17:21:49-07:002022-03-17T17:21:49-07:00Podcast: Freddie Freeman signs with the Dodgers
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<img alt="National League Championship Series Game 5: Atlanta Braves v. Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qc22jpN6FC82CwgLgYpcey8CsYA=/0x0:8309x5539/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70635612/1236037832.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>6 years, $162 million for the star first baseman</p> <p id="UtvJKI">This week was so chock full of news that we podcasted twice. There is <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/podcasts/2022/3/17/22983739/dodgers-podcast-mlb-cba-clayton-kershaw-back">the usual episode up in the feed this morning as well</a>, but here is our instant reaction to Freddie Freeman signing with the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> for <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/16/22971506/freddie-freeman-dodgers-contract-atlanta-braves-free-agency">six years and $162 million</a>.</p>
<p id="sltkQp">We take <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/17/22982524/freddie-freeman-dodgers-lineup-2022">a stab at what Freeman might bring to the lineup</a>, and Eric recounts how dismissive he was back in November that Freeman might end up on the Dodgers, since it seemed like such a no brainer the beloved franchise icon would eventually end up returning to Atlanta. After all, the Dodgers <a href="https://twitter.com/ericstephen/status/1504302552682168331">already had a first baseman</a>.</p>
<p id="9hfyu7">Please do enjoy this stream of consciousness molded into a podcast as we processed the news of the Dodgers’ big splash, and enjoyed the ride of following how breaking baseball news gets reported.</p>
<div id="EuSPmq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP7504600069" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="SpiHTt">Thanks to producer Brian Salvatore for the lightning-quick turnaround.</p>
<h3 id="5tap9s">Podcast links</h3>
<p id="BpBweR"><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/podcasts/22758076/true-blue-la-podcast-dodgers">Ways to listen</a></p>
<p id="3GUVwf"><a href="https://feeds.megaphone.fm/true-blue-la">RSS feed</a></p>
<p id="tWc86y"><a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/true-blue-la?selected=VMP7504600069">Episode link</a> (time: 28:58)</p>
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https://www.truebluela.com/podcasts/2022/3/17/22982579/dodgers-podcast-freddie-freeman-wowEric Stephen2022-03-17T08:06:59-07:002022-03-17T08:06:59-07:00Reaction to Freeman joining the Dodgers
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<img alt="MLB: NLCS-Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jfT4tkpBxH7zlP7kvDh3n6PyaiY=/0x0:2500x1667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70635814/usa_today_16986076.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LA adds another star for $162 million</p> <p id="brADd4">Freddie Freeman agreed to sign with the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> for <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/16/22971506/freddie-freeman-dodgers-contract-atlanta-braves-free-agency">a reported six years and $162 million</a>. He <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/17/22982524/freddie-freeman-dodgers-lineup-2022">vaults an already strong lineup to an even higher level</a>, and was one of the biggest moves of the MLB offseason.</p>
<p id="YoBekE">We even <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/podcasts/2022/3/17/22982579/dodgers-podcast-freddie-freeman-wow">podcasted about the signing late Wednesday night</a>!</p>
<p id="T2u9Jz">As you might imagine, there was quite a reaction around baseball, and not just from new teammates in eye-emoji form nor despair from rivals.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> </p>— Justin Turner (@redturn2) <a href="https://twitter.com/redturn2/status/1504313385675989001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2022</a>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/q7VrqI4JPH">pic.twitter.com/q7VrqI4JPH</a></p>— Logan Webb (@LoganWebb1053) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoganWebb1053/status/1504306924648484869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2022</a>
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<h3 id="I7z797">Links</h3>
<p id="Rh9o6v">First, the nuts and bolts of the Dodgers signing Freeman, from <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2022/03/16/freddie-freeman-dodgers-reach-agreement-on-6-year-162m-deal/">Bill Plunkett at the Orange County Register</a>, from <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/freddie-freeman-dodgers-deal">Juan Toribio at MLB.com</a>, and from <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-03-16/freddie-freeman-agrees-to-deal-with-dodgers">Jack Harris at the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p>
<p id="ZlCPcJ">Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan at ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33523386/freddie-freeman-reaches-agreement-los-angeles-dodgers-six-year-162-million-deal-sources-say">were the first to report Freeman’s $162 million agreement with the Dodgers</a>.</p>
<p id="YkPZfV">Freeman joins the best lineup in baseball, <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dodgers-projected-lineup-how-freddie-freeman-will-slot-into-mlbs-most-potent-offense/">says R.J. Anderson at CBS Sports</a>.</p>
<p id="zGVZxM">What Freeman adds to the stacked Dodgers lineup, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F3191313%2F2022%2F03%2F17%2Fdodgers-land-freddie-freeman-for-six-years-162-million-to-form-a-lineup-for-the-ages%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2022%2F3%2F17%2F22982569%2Ffreddie-freeman-dodgers-reaction" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">from Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic</a>.</p>
<p id="VqQZbZ">“The Braves make the number crunchers in the Dodgers’ front office look like baseball romantics by comparison,” <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-03-16/dodgers-freddie-freeman-free-agency-atlanta-braves-alex-anthopoulos">says Dylan Hernandez at the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p>
<p id="QOgFWJ">It’s going to be weird for Braves fans without Freeman, but Atlanta is still set up quite well, <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/3/17/22982483/atlanta-braves-free-agency-trade-rumors-hot-stove-freddie-freeman-wearing-dodger-blue-will-be-weird">writes Demetrius Bell at Battery Power</a>.</p>
<p id="liXzHD">The new collective bargaining agreement added a fourth tier to the luxury tax, which in 2022 has a threshold of $290 million. It’s been informally dubbed the “Steve Cohen tax,” after the free-spending <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> owner, but Andy McCullough at The Athletic <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F3191236%2F2022%2F03%2F17%2Fmccullough-freddie-freeman-a-dodger-maybe-the-steve-cohen-tax-should-be-the-mark-walter-tax%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2022%2F3%2F17%2F22982569%2Ffreddie-freeman-dodgers-reaction" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">argues it could be called the “Mark Walter tax” instead</a>.</p>
<p id="LqRQCU">Other teams’ fans mad about the Dodgers spending exorbitantly? Take it up with your owner, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-03-17/commentary-dodgers-ownership-freddie-freeman-mark-walter">says Bill Shaikin at the Los Angeles Times</a>, noting the recent tightwad tactics of stewards of the A’s, Reds, and <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>.</p>
<p id="eWl5bV">Several writers at The Athletic <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F3191309%2F2022%2F03%2F17%2Ffreddie-freeman-lands-with-the-dodgers-roundtable-reaction-from-the-athletics-mlb-writers%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2022%2F3%2F17%2F22982569%2Ffreddie-freeman-dodgers-reaction" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">reacted to Freeman signing with the Dodgers</a>.</p>
<p id="Mv3BF9">Bradford Doolittle at ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/33476616/mlb-free-agency-grades-freddie-freeman-makes-stacked-dodgers-lineup-even-better">graded the Dodgers’ free agent splash</a>.</p>
<p id="ircVL2">ESPN Stats and Info <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1504329408449970176">reminds us the 2022 Dodgers will be the fifth MLB team to have four former MVPs on the roster</a>. Last year’s Dodgers team was also one of those with an MVP quartet, with Freeman taking Albert Pujols’ spot this year.</p>
<p id="1iQNvM">Here’s a look at the Los Angeles Times sports section on Thursday morning.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tomorrow’s <a href="https://twitter.com/latimessports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@latimessports</a> cover: Freddie is a finally Dodger. <a href="https://t.co/NtaqyHO6Yw">pic.twitter.com/NtaqyHO6Yw</a></p>— Elsie Ramos (@byelsieramos) <a href="https://twitter.com/byelsieramos/status/1504343405475729411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2022</a>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/17/22982569/freddie-freeman-dodgers-reactionEric Stephen2022-03-17T00:55:40-07:002022-03-17T00:55:40-07:00Freddie Freeman boosts an already potent Dodgers lineup
<figure>
<img alt="NLCS: LA Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OIND801owI132jfP-LKfOCcPLq8=/0x0:1734x1156/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70634353/1236040178.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>What projections say about the 2022 Dodgers offense</p> <p id="YgdEb0">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> added one of the best bats available in Freddie Freeman, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/16/22971506/freddie-freeman-dodgers-contract-atlanta-braves-free-agency">the $162 million man</a> adding an extra layer of certainty to an already potent lineup. But the question is just how good is the Dodgers lineup now?</p>
<p id="dS3aIO">Freeman’s credentials are impeccable. He’s a five-time All-Star who was the National League MVP in 2020. He hit .300/.393/.503 with 31 home runs home runs and a 135 wRC+ last year, and hasn’t posted a wRC+ <em>below</em> 132 since 2012. </p>
<p id="PFxGCF">“I would love to see Freddie Freeman in a Dodgers uniform. Who wouldn’t?” <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/11/22973552/dave-roberts-dodgers-contract-talks-really-close">Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said last Friday</a>, the day after the lockout ended. He wasn’t alone. Projections are understandably bullish on Freeman at age 32.</p>
<div id="4IsdTj"><div data-anthem-component="table:11099892"></div></div>
<p id="1jvVlo">Durability has also been a strong suit of Freeman, who played 99 percent of Atlanta’s games over the last four seasons. His 539 games played since the start of 2018 <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/WdRvZ">ranks second in the majors</a>, just three games behind Whit Merrifield.</p>
<p id="Y6P6cG">That will help, especially after a season that saw the Dodgers’ vaunted depth challenged unlike any recent year. AJ Pollock is 34, and hasn’t played more than 117 games since 2015. Justin Turner played in a career-best 151 games in 2021, but is now 37 and has played 79 percent of games over the last five years, a full season pace of 128 games. Max Muncy dislocated his elbow, suffered ligament damage in October, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/11/22/22782738/max-muncy-2021-dodgers-review">and missed the playoffs</a>. Cody Bellinger is <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/12/10/22825006/cody-bellinger-2021-dodgers-review">coming off a cursed year of injuries</a>, breaking his leg and straining his hamstring in his first year recovering from shoulder surgery. Mookie Betts battled hip injuries for most of last year, though <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/16/22980726/mookie-betts-injury-update-spring-traininb">insists this spring those troubles are behind him</a>. There’s risk here, which Freeman helps mitigate.</p>
<p id="NRaLsj">Freeman is the dynamic left-handed batter in the heart of the lineup that replaces Corey Seager, who <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/11/29/22783976/corey-seager-contract-rangers-325-million">left on a 10-year, $325 million deal in Texas</a>. The Dodgers had a stacked lineup last year, too, especially after <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/7/30/22601452/dodgers-max-scherzer-trea-turner-trade-nationals-official-keibert-ruiz-josiah-gray">trading for Trea Turner</a>. But the supergroup wasn’t able to put everything together for more than small stretches at a time. </p>
<p id="a1M5Mj">It’s worth noting that the Dodgers led the National League in runs scored last year, the fourth year in a row they’ve done so. But during the playoffs, they <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22742303/dodgers-season-over-walker-buehler-eddie-rosario-tyler-matzek-braves-nlcs-game-6">were held to two or fewer runs six times in 12 games</a>, with Steven Souza Jr., Andy Burns, Luke Raley, and Billy McKinney getting key October at-bats.</p>
<p id="YISnHW">The Dodgers were eliminated by Freeman’s Braves in the NLCS, but now he’s on their side.</p>
<p id="l3iigm">To put those Freeman projections into perspective, someone with a 125 wRC+ is roughly 30 percent better than a league-average batter. Among those with at least 400 plate appearances in 2021, <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=400&type=8&season=2021&month=0&season1=2021&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2021-01-01&enddate=2021-12-31&sort=18,d&page=1_30">only 49 players had a 125 wRC+ or higher</a>.</p>
<p id="anVJI3">The 2022 Dodgers have <em>seven</em> of those hitters — Trea Turner (142 wRC+ last year), Muncy (140), Pollock (137), Freeman (135), Betts (131), Will Smith (130), and Justin Turner (127). Oh yeah, they have Chris Taylor (113 wRC+ last year) too.</p>
<p id="2a83cT">But how are the Dodgers expected to hit <em>this</em> year?</p>
<div id="jGgRX7"><div data-anthem-component="table:11099904"></div></div>
<p id="ur6r9M">With Freeman on board, the Dodgers now have <em>nine</em> <em>regulars</em> projected to be above average offensively. A lineup with no real holes is usually an unrealistic dream, but in 2022 the Dodgers could on most days field a lineup with nine legitimately good hitters. </p>
<p id="6nZ0rH">That’s an ideal lineup, with Gavin Lux, Edwin Ríos, and Matt Beaty available to provide capable offense in their own right when needed.</p>
<p id="Geamtk">In addition to loading up on competence in quantity, the Dodgers’ lineup has the ability to be dynamic, especially if the top hitters continue to produce. <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2022-zips-projections-los-angeles-dodgers/">ZiPS has the Dodgers with five hitters with at least a 130 wRC+ this year</a>, which is notable.</p>
<p id="oXf4Zd">In franchise history, the Dodgers have had at least <em>four</em> regulars with a 130 wRC+ just five times — 1941, 1953 (five players), 1974, 2020 (six), and 2021 (six). Four of those five teams made the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a>, while last year’s Dodgers lost in the NLCS. The 2020 campaign was shortened to only 60 games, but still deserves mention because the National League had the designated hitter all season, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/2/10/22927743/designated-hitter-national-league-rob-manfred-dodgers">which is the new standard going forward</a>.</p>
<p id="Zrf1kK">The Dodgers in 2020 had a 121 wRC+, <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2021&month=0&season1=1884&ind=1&team=22,ts&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=1884-01-01&enddate=2021-12-31&sort=18,d">the best mark in franchise history</a>. The 1953 Brooklyn team, a 105-win juggernaut that was the usual go-to for Dodgers excellence before this current run, has the best wRC+ (115) <em>in a full season</em> in team history.</p>
<p id="7DvKyc">With a DH in place, allowing the Dodgers to cycle through various hitters to keep them reasonably fresh throughout the season, and with Freeman inserted into the heart of an already deep lineup, these Dodgers look poised to challenge the best offenses in team history.</p>
<p id="U4hLWe">PECOTA projections at Baseball Prospectus <a href="https://www.baseballprospectus.com/standings/">had the 2022 Dodgers projected at 99.5 wins and 836 runs</a>, the latter 37 more runs than any other MLB team, <em>before</em> they signed Freeman. Now they are up to 102.8 wins and 873 runs, <a href="https://twitter.com/cdgoldstein/status/1504336273372237824">per BP editor-in-chief Craig Goldstein</a>.</p>
<p id="whU9e4">The Dodgers led the National League in runs scored in 2018, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/4/22701508/dodgers-records-league-leaders-stats-2021">and did so again in 2019, 2020, and 2021</a>. They are projected to do the same again in 2022, which feels like a pretty reasonable expectation. The addition of Freddie Freeman gives them a powerful presence in the middle of the order that will only increase those chances.</p>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/17/22982524/freddie-freeman-dodgers-lineup-2022Eric Stephen2022-03-16T21:06:13-07:002022-03-16T21:06:13-07:00Report: Dodgers sign Freddie Freeman
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<img alt="New York Mets v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P4jAdwXzthjTxzULPbmRj7TUNqU=/0x0:3710x2473/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70633991/1326486301.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Dodgers make a major splash in free agency by signing one of the best first basemen in all of baseball </p> <p id="TFveYS">With the departure of Corey Seager, the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> were in desperate need of an impact left-handed bat in the lineup. Well, it looks like they got a pretty good one. </p>
<p id="LMiFRh">According to reports, the Dodgers have signed free agent Freddie Freeman to a contract.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Freddie Freeman has agreed to terms with the Dodgers on a six-year, $162 million deal according to <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffPassan</a> and me.</p>— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) <a href="https://twitter.com/kileymcd/status/1504307910058422272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2022</a>
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<p id="F4fvI9">Talks started picking up last Friday night when Jon Morosi tweeted saying<a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1502449564942491649?s=20&t=yJLR3GTMUZVwM1qM53qIMQ"> the Dodgers were making a strong push for Freeman. </a>He also added that the sides <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1502451529290334210?s=20&t=yJLR3GTMUZVwM1qM53qIMQ">would remain in contact on towards on a deal </a>that could bring the reigning <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> champ home to his native California. </p>
<p id="zp57GE">Talks were quiet, but on Monday morning, Atlanta traded for Freeman’s replacement in Matt Olson, so it was just a matter of time until Freeman chose his new home. </p>
<p id="uAPrKi">Well, things took a lot longer than expected, as a number of teams appeared to be in the Freeman sweepstakes. In the end, he chose the Dodgers. </p>
<p id="gcMY3U">On Wednesday, Freeman <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/3/16/22981591/freddie-freeman-goodbye-atlanta-braves-instagram">said goodbye to Atlanta in an Instagram post</a>.</p>
<p id="cJKP0U">During the lockout, there was a lot of chatter surrounding Freeman and the Dodgers being a potential match. The Braves and the former MVP appeared to be at odds in regards to a contract extension, so his departure from Atlanta seemed like a real possibility. </p>
<aside id="5LbHYh"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Freddie Freeman boosts an already potent Dodgers lineup","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/17/22982524/freddie-freeman-dodgers-lineup-2022"},{"title":"Reaction to Freeman joining the Dodgers","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/17/22982569/freddie-freeman-dodgers-reaction"}]}'></div></aside><p id="0jtmzQ">While speaking with reporters on March 11, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked about his club potentially adding Freeman. “I would love to see Freddie Freeman in a Dodgers uniform,” Roberts said with a smile. “Who wouldn’t? He’s a heck of a player.”</p>
<p id="4OPjeZ">When asked on MLB Network on Wednesday his level of interest in Freeman, Andrew Friedman smiled wildly and said, “He is a really, really, good baseball player.”</p>
<div id="OeGDzx">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This question sure put a smile on Andrew Friedman's face... <br><br> ️ via <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBNow</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q0VkNAvct8">pic.twitter.com/Q0VkNAvct8</a></p>— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1504182152233209856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a>
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<p id="YA8yDO">In February, Hall of Famer Chipper Jones <a href="https://www.audacy.com/929thegame/sports/atlanta-braves/chipper-jones-says-freddie-freeman-little-frustrated-atlanta-braves-deal-not-done-last-year">spoke on the radio about Freeman and shared his thoughts on the entire situation. </a>He provided some very eye-opening statements about the situation that was going on, making it seem like Freeman leaving Atlanta was a real possibility. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="c5ujAZ"><em>“I don’t know, I haven’t talked to Freddie in quite some time, but I’m sure he’s probably a little frustrated this wasn’t done in Spring Training last year. But the fact of the matter is we didn’t have any fans in the stands. We’ve got owners that didn’t know where revenue was going to be at the end of the year and maybe held out a little bit. The bottom line is, Freddie I believe before it’s all said and done will be playing where he wants to play. I know he’s a West Coast guy. I know he has a home here in Atlanta. But Freddie, if he wants to play for the </em><a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/"><em><strong>Atlanta Braves</strong></em></a><em>, will be playing for the Atlanta Braves. I’ll leave it at that.”</em></p>
<p id="3CxA5m"><em>“The Braves have made some offers, didn’t make him happy. He’s being courted by some of the prettiest girls on the block right now, he’s gonna listen to them.”</em></p>
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<p id="MsMHoS">Freeman is a local kid, as he was born in Villa Park and went to high school in Orange. Not only does he get to return home, he gets a well-deserved pay-day. </p>
<p id="ufEW6t">If you follow baseball in the slightest, you’d already know Freeman is one of the best first basemen in all of baseball. In case you didn’t know that, well — <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/freemfr01.shtml">here’s a link to his Baseball Reference page.</a> I highly recommend you check it out. </p>
<p id="Jl3VfH">Back in December, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/12/8/22823808/dodgers-freddie-freeman-rumors">AM 570 host Dave Vassegh said on his show </a>that after Corey Seager chose to sign with the Rangers, three current Dodgers texted him to say they wanted Freeman in blue. Last week, Dodgers first baseman <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/5/22963046/max-muncy-freddie-freeman-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-2022-lockout-free-agency">Max Muncy joined Vassegh’s show and also expressed his interest</a> in Freeman joining the Dodgers. </p>
<p id="FSMLQG">“I think it’s awesome,” Muncy said. “Imagine how dangerous we’d be if we get him in that lineup. It makes me really excited.”</p>
<p id="UAU1ug">Although the Dodgers lost an incredible talent in Seager, they did arguably the best job you could do in replacing his bat in the lineup. </p>
<p id="HOE4Yb">Oh, and No. 5 is currently available as well. </p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/16/22971506/freddie-freeman-dodgers-contract-atlanta-braves-free-agencyBlake Harris2022-03-14T19:53:18-07:002022-03-14T19:53:18-07:00Freeman to the Dodgers doesn’t seem so farfetched anymore
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: NLCS-Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3E98w2VekIaxIPlWc5lmlCSu31c=/0x0:4727x3151/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70623561/usa_today_15066189.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="wSCWim">Most of the rumors surrounding the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and Freddie Freeman this offseason seemed difficult to fathom, because it just seemed right that the former MVP first baseman would eventually return to Atlanta, where he is a franchise icon.</p>
<p id="1SHesm">The fit seemed perfect, specifically because Freeman is wildly popular, just <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/11/2/22749365/dodgers-eliminated-by-world-series-winners-streak-braves">won a World Series with the Braves</a>, a highly profitable team <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/2/25/22950546/liberty-media-reports-huge-financial-gains-atlanta-braves-group-2021">based on their own public financial disclosures</a>.</p>
<p id="YnhbmM">But on Monday it became clear Freeman wouldn’t be returning to the Braves, who instead <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/3/14/22977733/mlb-trade-rumors-atlanta-braves-acquire-matt-olson-oakland-athletics">traded for the A’s Matt Olson to play first base</a>. Atlanta general manager Alex Anthopoulos fought tears during his scrum with reporters and, <a href="https://www.batterypower.com/2022/3/14/22977843/alex-anthopoulos-comments-matt-olson-trade-freddie-freeman-atlanta-braves">per Kris Willis at Battery Power</a>, said, “I’ve been here four years, I’m entering my fifth, this is the hardest decision and transaction that I’ve had to make.”</p>
<p id="foBjMr">Jeff Schultz at The Athletic <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F3184121%2F2022%2F03%2F14%2Fschultz-braves-moving-on-without-freddie-freeman-because-liberty-media-doesnt-care%2F%3Fsource%3Demp_shared_article&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2022%2F3%2F14%2F22978519%2Ffreddie-freeman-dodgers-interest-braves-trade-matt-olson" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">said the Braves losing Freeman was much worse than a public relations disaster</a>. “The Braves are a lesser team today because Liberty Media is as emotionally invested in its baseball team as a canned food company is in its line of pork and beans,” Schultz wrote.</p>
<p id="P5r2kV">But the Braves’ loss is some other team’s gain, and suddenly <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/12/22974219/los-angeles-dodgers-rumors-freddie-freeman-nelson-cruz-jorge-soler-seiya-suzuki-free-agency">Freeman signing with the Dodgers</a> doesn’t seem so farfetched. Manager Dave Roberts <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/11/22973552/dave-roberts-dodgers-contract-talks-really-close">on Friday acknowledged the Dodgers’ interest</a>.</p>
<p id="daOvGo">“I would love for Freddie Freeman to be in a Dodgers uniform. Who wouldn’t?” Roberts said. “He’s certainly in the conversation for us, but ultimately it’s going to be his decision.”</p>
<p id="N1IYDF">Dodgers players haven’t hid their interest for Freeman, even more so than <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/2/21/22944044/freddie-freeman-dodgers-braves-rumors-mlb-news-free-agency-lockout-2022-justin-turner">Justin Turner joking with former teammate Alex Wood on Twitter about Freeman signing with another NL West team</a>. </p>
<p id="iTVR5h">Max Muncy, whose primary position is the same as Freeman, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/5/22963046/max-muncy-freddie-freeman-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-2022-lockout-free-agency">said last week it would be “awesome” to play with Freeman</a>. </p>
<p id="wsuvUs">After learning of the Braves’ trade for Olson on Monday, some Dodgers reacted. From <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2022/03/14/braves-trade-leaves-freddie-freeman-kind-of-out-there-for-dodgers/">Bill Plunkett at the Orange County Register</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="kcJRS1"><em>“Obviously, it leaves Freddie kind of out there for us,” Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw said. “I don’t know. I feel great about our team the way it is now. I feel like we have a real chance to win with the guys in this clubhouse. With that said, Freddie’s a really good baseball player.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p id="exKnbU">Now we wait for Freeman’s choice, with one rather large obstacle removed out of the Dodgers’ way.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2022/3/14/22978519/freddie-freeman-dodgers-interest-braves-trade-matt-olsonEric Stephen