Yankees’ arch-rivals trying to steal top free agent first baseman, can Cashman save the day?

With the Atlanta Braves securing Matt Olson from the Oakland Athletics in a blockbuster trade, the New York Yankees are left picking up the pieces and trying to figure out a new strategy. Ever since the lockout came to an end, general manager Brian Cashman has been connected to Freddie Freeman, who won the World Series in Atlanta last season.

Freeman is a phenomenal player, hitting .300 with 31 homers and 83 RBIs in 2021. He recorded a 15.4% strikeout rate and a 12.2% walk rate.

The issue is, the Yankees will have to unload a deal worth upward of $150 million for his services, and after acquiring Josh Donaldson and his massive contract, Cashman may be unwilling to spend the additional money.

According to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network, the Yankees are still involved in the Freeman sweepstakes, but there’s a good chance he lands on the West Coast, closer to home.

Nonetheless, the Yankees will have a bit more competition for his services, as the Boston Red Sox have now joined the race, eyeing an upgrade at first base.

In addition to the Red Sox, the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, and Los Angeles Dodgers are all involved, but we’ve seen Cashman pull rabbits out of the hat in the past with last-second lucrative deals.

Considering the team’s most recent trade with the Minnesota Twins, coming out of thin air, we shouldn’t rule out the potential for the Yankees to make a big offer to Freeman and lute him in using their available money.

Adding a big lefty bat to the hitting order would be a tremendous grab for the Bombers, especially since Freeman could hit 40+ homers in Yankee Stadium with a short right porch. Featuring a 45.7% hard-hit rate last season and 226 hard-hit balls, it is clear he offers tremendous upside and offensive qualities.

Since the Yankees took a more conservative offensive approach at shortstop with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, adding a big bat like Freeman feels realistic.