3 free agents the Boston Red Sox should try to sign after the MLB lockout
Boston Red Sox free agent target No. 2: Freddie Freeman
Speaking of more natural fits on the free agent market, Freddie Freeman may just be the best of the bunch. Freeman is fresh off winning a World Series with the Atlanta Braves, and he is set to cash in one last time on the free agent market now. Freeman and the Braves have an obvious affinity for each other, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Freeman change his colors if he receives more money elsewhere.
Freeman followed up an MVP campaign in 2020 with another really solid season to help lead Atlanta all the way to a championship. Freeman hit .300 on the dot with 31 home runs and 83 RBI’s, and has continued his development into one of the best all-around hitters in baseball. Not to mention, Freeman is a first baseman, which is one of Boston’s top positions of need.
The market for Freeman didn’t really take off before the lockout, but it’s rumored that he is looking for somewhere in the ballpark of a six year, $180 million deal. Expensive yes, but completely worthy for a player of Freeman’s caliber. The question sadly becomes whether or not Bloom would be willing to fork over that sum of cash for one player.
There really isn’t a better fit on the market than Freeman at this point for the Red Sox. He plays first base, which they basically patched together all season long last year, and adds some more production from the left side of the plate for Boston. Rafael Devers was pretty much the main source of offense from the left side last season, with Schwarber and Alex Verdugo chipping in from time to time as well.
In terms of a move that would push the Boston Red Sox closer to their next World Series victory, Freeman would be one of the top moves to accomplish that goal. Sure, he is already 32, so shelling out a ton of money on a player reaching the end of his prime could be dangerous, but so far Freeman has only gotten better with time. It’s clear he’d be a fantastic fit with this team, and it’s now up to the front office to decide if they feel the same way.