Red Sox free-agent target -1B Freddie Freeman
Let’s be clear: The chances of Freddie Freeman leaving the Atlanta Braves are extremely low. The only precedent for a franchise cornerstone departing a team after winning a World Series is Albert Pujols, and that only happened because the Cardinals couldn’t match the Angels’ offer. All indications are that the Braves will spend the money to bring Freeman back, and the two sides will eventually work towards a deal.
If, for some reason, Freeman doesn’t return to the Braves, the Red Sox need to pounce. Since his debut in 2010, only five players can top Freeman’s .384 on-base percentage, while only Tim Anderson, Juan Soto, and Trea Turner can best his .311 average over the last two years. A remarkably consistent player who has only missed four games over the previous four years, Freeman would be a perfect addition to a Red Sox lineup that lacks left-handed thump besides Rafael Devers.
As one of the best players in the game, Freeman will undoubtedly require a serious financial investment for the Red Sox to get him. But since he is already 33, he won’t command the same long-term risk as Correa, Story, or Bryant. If the Red Sox are serious about competing for a championship this year, they should go all-in on bringing in Freeman.