5 star free agents Yankees can sign when lockout ends

3. Freddie Freeman

Oh baby! Don’t get too hot now! Freddie Freeman was supposed to return to the World Series champion Atlanta Braves. That was as good as a foregone conclusion as could possibly be once he raised the Commissioner’s Trophy.

But here we are. Freeman is still widely expected to work out a deal with the only team he’s ever known … but he hasn’t. And the Yankees have been mentioned here, so it’s not exactly outlandish to continue talking about this. The Dodgers are also said to be involved, which shows that there’s dialogue about some serious cash.

Factor in the buzz that revealed the Braves were reportedly talking to the Athletics about first baseman Matt Olson, and they truly might be preparing for Freeman’s departure if they’re not going to meet his contract demands. Heyman noted the Gold Glove first baseman was seeking six years and $180 million.

Freeman is a Braves legend. That’s why this doesn’t feel as real as it should. Then again, shouldn’t team legends not sit on the market this long? The Braves have had over a month to figure this out. With their most important player. And it’s gotten to the point where he’s floating around unsigned during a lockout.

Maybe that puts a bad taste in his mouth and then the Yankees strike while the iron is hot.