Latest Freddie Freeman rumors would be great news for the Phillies

Will Freddie Freeman re-sign with the Atlanta Braves?

It’s hard to imagine Freddie Freeman wearing any uniform other than that of the Atlanta Braves, but it could very well happen this year.

After 12 big-league seasons with the Braves, Freeman is now one of many stellar free agents waiting for the lockout to end so they can find a team.

During the beginning of the offseason and throughout the first months of the lockout, Freeman returning to Atlanta seemed a foregone conclusion. However, this week, rumors began circulating that the “growing belief” around the MLB world is that Freeman will not re-sign, as the two sides cannot agree on the particulars of a contract. According to ESPN‘s Buster Olney, the Braves could be looking to replace Freeman with Matt Olson or Anthony Rizzo.

While Braves fans would be despondent over the loss of their longtime star, it would certainly benefit the rest of the National League East, namely, Philadelphia Phillies pitchers, who wouldn’t have to face him nearly as often.

In a typical 162-game season, divisional rivals play one another 19 times. As such, the third and fourth-most career plate appearances of Freeman’s career are against Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. He’s held his own against both, particularly Wheeler:

Against Wheeler (64 PA): .438/.563/.646, 1.208 OPS

Against Nola (68 PA): .250/.338/.400, .738 OPS

He also handled former Phillies well, including Vince Velasquez, Nick Pivetta, and Jake Arrieta. However, he hasn’t fared as well against Zach Eflin, against whom he’s hit .133/.278/.400 with a .678 OPS in 36 plate appearances.

On the other hand, some Phillies fans took the news to mean that their team should be the one to sign Freeman. His Gold Glove defense would be an upgrade from Rhys Hoskins, but the signing is close to impossible. Either way, Freeman leaving the division would be a win for the Phillies.