he has been trying to figure out how to get FF past waiver wires in a trade with someone....
Well, obviously a trade of FF now isn't going to happen. The team has come together, mainly around remarkable performances and improvements by the new guys, the pitching and a miraculous walk year performance out of neck. I also expected a bigger decline out of the catching duo. So, hurrah Braves. It does happen. The stars do align.
Even with that trading Freeman, still wouldn't be the worst idea in the world
given the right return. I know, I know....MVP, blah, blah.
Freeman is really good. No question. And he may win the MVP, but I doubt it as he has cooled significantly, especially in the power department. I think a strong argument can be made that he's not even the best player on the Braves right now, but Acuna is.
IF you could swing a trade with the Astros in the offseason where you send Freeman for Whitley, Tucker and Alvarez, I think long term that deal would make sense. You are moving Freeman's money, which allows more payroll flexibility and getting back one of the top OF prospects in baseball, a true #1 starter prospect and a longer term 1B/OF guy who in 2-3 years may be the next Freeman. Freeman is just what Houston needs because they are several years into their window. The Braves are starting their window but by the time they are in the middle, Freeman will either be gone or diminished by age in all likelihood.
In the mean time what's better: A Duda/Reynolds short term 1B platoon for $10M combined, plus Whitley, Tucker & Alvarez (plus whatever the extra $12M in payroll flexibility brings)
OR Freeman at $22M per year on the backside of his peak?
I know what I'm saying is blasphemy since many are player centric instead of team centric. I also know that Freeman probably sells a lot of merchandise (but I would be willing to bet that Acuna could be marketed into that position).
