Houston Astros Should Absolutely Not Deal for Freddie Freeman

The Cost Would Be Too Great

Sep 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) drives in a run with a hit against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Freddie Freeman, who is 26 years old, will make $12 million dollars in 2016.  That in and of itself is not so bad for a player of his caliber.  However, the following five years, he will make $20.5m, $21m, $21m, $22m, and $22 million in his final contract year of 2021.  Again, he is one of the more consistent players in the league, and his left-handed bat would protect Carlos Correa quite nicely in the order, but the cost does not end there.

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Since you would be paying for a premium player in his prime with control over the next six years, you would be paying for the entire contract AND the cost of the deal to acquire him.  There is no doubt that the Braves will demand a king’s ransom for their star player should they decide to move him.  What would the Astros be comfortable with giving in return?

Surely, a couple of star pitching prospects like Vincent Velasquez, Michael Feliz, Mark Appel or Joe Musgrove would be part of the deal.  Add uber-prospect and future first baseman, A.J. Reed to the pot and throw in another young talent as well.  Then, you might be in the ballpark to bring Freeman to Houston.  I just don’t see Jeff Luhnow being able to swallow that.  One of the main reasons why is my next point.

Next: The Future is Now