Braves Appear To Be At Odds With Freddie Freeman On New Deal

Freddie Freeman reportedly turned down a five-year, $135 million offer from the Braves and the two sides are now supposedly at a stand still. The All-Star first baseman is looking for a deal closer to the $200 million mark, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.

That's steep for a 32-year-old, and based on that initial offer, they're not really that close, are they?

"Freddie Freeman was on the mind of every team seeking a first baseman, with Freeman rejecting Atlanta's five-year, $135 million offer, and seeking closer to a six-year, $200 million deal," Nightengale wrote.

Realistically, Braves fans shouldn't freak out just yet. With franchise cornerstone Ronald Acuna Jr. locked up through 2029 at a massive discount and second baseman Ozzie Albies also tied to the team for the foreseeable future, there's no reason to expect any other ending for Freddie Freeman.

The five-time All-Star is asking the Braves, who've taken advantage of discounted contracts throughout their core, to finally write a fat check. Braves fans know they've never done this for anyone, however now should be the time. Freeman is a contact-first locker room anchor that's done nothing but rake during his entire stay in Atlanta, and that production will be needed again come 2022 when the Phillies and Mets are expected to get better.

Of course those teams have always disappointed in the NL East as the Braves are the class of the division, but the Braves shouldn't push their luck. Atlanta and Freeman will likely find a middle ground before pitcher's and catchers report -- it just stinks that a perfect marriage is forced to renew their vows.