Braves: What would a Freddie Freeman extension look like?

Now that the Braves have secured their World Series title, the next order of business will be securing their franchise first baseman.

https://twitter.com/theScore/status/1455757777335373825?s=20

“Being in this organization means everything to me”

-Freddie Freeman, just now

— Austin Riley’s Rakes (@RileysRakes) November 3, 2021

Freddie Freeman is the first player in @Braves history to have muliple extra-base hits and multiple RBIs in a potential World Series clincher pic.twitter.com/e9Vw2E15RS

— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) November 3, 2021

We all want Freddie back; I’m sure that’s safe to say. Both sides have expressed mutual interest, but what type of contract could Freeman garner from the Braves? I don’t expect a considerable hometown discount; while it would be nice, I’m going to assume that it’s off the table for now. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has already given us some insight into the payroll going into the offseason.

 

The Length:

Freeman just turned 32 years old, so his next contract is probably going to be his last. With the Braves wanting him to play with the team for the rest of his career, six to eight years makes sense. With Freeman’s playstyle likely staving off severe decline, I’m comfortable with that. Factor in that he plays first base, and the DH will probably be in the National League relatively soon, I have very few reservations.

Contract Length: 7 Years

 

The Money:

Freddie has earned every penny of whatever he gets. He has won an MVP and brought a championship to the city. What else is there to say? The highest-paid first baseman in Major League Baseball is Miguel Cabrera, earning $30 million in 2021. Albert Pujols is not far behind him at $28 million. Both guys are on the tail end of those contracts, but Freeman deserves that type of money. Will his price tag be that high? That’s to be determined. I think he clocks in a little bit lower.

Contract Value: $26.5 million AAV

 

The Contract:

Maybe this is a bit low for Freeman, but the Braves are likely at his mercy. I would love for the Braves to get a discount, but I don’t see it being a big one. We’ve seen Alex Anthopoulos work his magic before. I think this is an appropriate range.

The Contract: 7 years, $180-$200 million. ($25.7-$28.5 million AAV)