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Is former Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman realistic for the Colorado Rockies?

By Noah Yingling |
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves speaks to Eric Young Sr. after hitting a single against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning in Game Two of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves speaks to Eric Young Sr. after hitting a single against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning in Game Two of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 05: Freddie Freeman and other members of the Atlanta Braves team speak following the World Series Parade at Truist Park on November 5, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta Braves won the World Series in six games against the Houston Astros winning their first championship since 1995. He could be a fit for the Colorado Rockies (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images).
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 05: Freddie Freeman and other members of the Atlanta Braves team speak following the World Series Parade at Truist Park on November 5, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta Braves won the World Series in six games against the Houston Astros winning their first championship since 1995. He could be a fit for the Colorado Rockies (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images). /

Former Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman will still be on the free agent market whenever the lockout ends this offseason and he is one of the biggest free agents left on the market but, despite how the Colorado Rockies have operated in recent years, could they be a fit for Freddie Freeman?

Over at MLB Trade Rumors, they suggested on Monday that Freeman could be a fit for the Colorado Rockies.

Freeman, 32, reportedly wants a six-year deal for roughly $200 million, for an average annual value (AAV) of $33.3 million. The Rockies can afford that but the difference between being able to afford and willing to spend $200 million on one player are two totally different things.

The Colorado Rockies should be a fit for former Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman … in theory

The Colorado Rockies desperately need a big power bat in their lineup and former Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman could do just that. Despite the old adage “you just know they’re going to hit,” they did not and they have not for years. Freeman would bring the Rockies one of the best bats out there and it would be a huge morale boost for the team and for fans.

I can already see the Rockies fans reading this and scoffing to say, “Well, the Rockies haven’t made any moves this offseason or in previous offseasons so what’s to say that they will do anything now?” And that’s a good point. The Rockies have made no additions this offseason and have made at least one subtraction this offseason in losing Jon Gray to Texas. The Rockies mishandled a possible extension with him from the get-go.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by teammates following a two run home run during the first inning of Game Five of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by teammates following a two run home run during the first inning of Game Five of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Colorado Rockies need help on offense and Freddie Freeman would help that

The Colorado Rockies did show legitimate interest in some free agent bats before the lockout. They reportedly expressed serious interest in free agent third baseman Kris Bryant. They also have shown interest in outfielder Kyle Schwarber.

For Atlanta Braves fans, you probably think that Freeman will still resign with the Braves. Currently, it still looks like he will but considering that Freeman turned down two offers from the Braves and they didn’t resign him before the lockout, it is far from a foregone conclusion that he will resign.

What are some of the reasons why Freddie Freeman could sign with the Colorado Rockies?

First and foremost, if the Colorado Rockies give him the largest deal among other offers from teams, they will be most likely to sign Freeman. The Colorado Rockies are far from a team that is far from the Atlanta Braves in many ways. The Braves just won the World Series but, perhaps, Freeman is willing to have a challenge. Joining the Rockies, who have had three straight losing seasons, would qualify as a challenge.

In the offseason, Freeman and his family live in California between Los Angeles and San Diego. Colorado is obviously closer to Colorado than Atlanta.

Additionally, Freeman’s offense would likely see an increase (from already high numbers) at Coors Field.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 12: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves singles during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 12: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves singles during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

What are the reasons why Freddie Freeman may not sign with the Colorado Rockies?

Chief among the reasons for former Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freedman to not sign with the Colorado Rockies is that the Colorado Rockies don’t offer him a contract or don’t offer him a fair market value. Unlike Bryant or Schwarber, Freeman is a first baseman.

The Rockies best offensive player in 2021 was C.J. Cron with his 130 OPS+. Cron is a first baseman.

By the time the lockout ends, we will know if the National League will adopt the designated hitter rule or not but the Rockies have already said that they don’t want a permanent DH. With signing Freeman,  the Rockies wouldn’t be completely hamstrung as Cron and Freeman could switch between first base and DH but neither can play other positions. The Rockies like having versatility with their players.

Another big reason that Freeman may not sign with the Rockies is the Rockies, in general, of late. Jeff Bridich is out but if Freeman talks with Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, or Troy Tulowitzki, for example, about dealing with the Rockies front office, Freeman is probably not going to get a glowing review.

The hiring of Bill Schmidt will help but they really couldn’t have gone with a worse GM than Bridich. They still have a lot to prove with fans and the baseball world that it is not the same old, same old for the franchise.

Freddie Freeman would be a huge get for the Colorado Rockies but with the way the offseason has unfolded thus far, it looks unlikely to happen.

Next. 8 trade targets for the Rockies from the Braves. dark

The Rockies have to be willing to spend serious money this offseason and the Braves still have to fall completely on their face this offseason by not resigning Freeman for the Rockies to be able to get him and at least as the calendar is about to turn to 2022, both of them seem unlikely to happen.

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