Braves: Alex Anthopoulos comments on a Freddie Freeman contract extension

After the Travis d’Arnaud extension, everyone is wondering when we will hear similar news regarding Freddie Freeman, who is set to become a free agent after this season. Hell, Jake even wrote a short piece talking about it just hours ago. But unfortunately, it doesn’t look like this thing is getting done anytime soon. Here’s what Alex Anthopoulos had to say about it before tonight’s game:

#Braves GM Anthopoulos on Freddie Freeman extension: "The goal is to sign him. He’s been very clear his goal is to stay. Beyond that, we never discuss specifics on contracts and things like that. But you’re starting from a very good foundation when both sides want it to happen.”

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 20, 2021

Once again, it doesn’t look like much has changed, but there are a couple of things I want to say.

First and foremost, I do believe a deal gets done eventually. Both sides clearly want it to happen, and eventually, Freeman should ink a lucrative contract with the Braves. Secondly, I don’t believe for a second the two sides haven’t started talking figures. From both perspectives, that makes absolutely no sense. I imagine there have been several talks between Freeman and the Braves. I also believe there is a substantial gap between the sides in terms of numbers, and that’s understandable.

Think about it: Freeman just came off an NL MVP, but it was a 60-game season. If he’s looking for MVP money, which he should be, I understand why the Braves might be hesitant to hand him something in the $300 million range. Freeman’s likely betting on himself, knowing that if he goes to unrestricted free agency, his price tag will shoot up exponentially. He’s doing a damn good job of it too with the way he’s playing. Still, I do think a deal gets done. The Braves have plenty of room financially to give him a healthy raise and extend him for a long time, but Alex Anthopoulos has proven to be a wizard at negotiating. That could be what’s taking place; all we can hope is that it just doesn’t backfire.