The New York Yankees’ first base situation is far from settled at the moment. Yes, we don’t even know if there will be a season in 2022, but the Bombers still don’t know who will be there manning the cold corner. They do have some options, though.
Luke Voit remains on the roster, and while he isn’t good defensively and is somewhat injury-prone, his bat speaks for itself. The last time he was fully healthy, he led the league with home runs in 2020, with 22.
Of course, the Yankees can also employ DJ LeMahieu at first, Gleyber Torres at second, and Gio Urshela at third. They still need a shortstop, though.
However, the most attractive options for the Yankees to deploy at first base is, by far Freddie Freeman. And the reigning World Series champion and 2020 MVP will reportedly be willing to listen to what the Yanks could offer.
Could the Yankees land Freeman?
Atlanta Braves Hall-of-Fame third baseman Chipper Jones appeared Tuesday on the Dukes & Bell podcast (link to NJ Advance Media article here) and talked about Freeman.
“I haven’t talked to Freddie in quite some time, but I’m sure he’s probably a little frustrated this wasn’t done in spring training last year. … The bottom line is, Freddie I believe before it’s all said and done will be playing where he wants to play. I know he’s a West Coast guy. I know he has a home here in Atlanta. But Freddie, if he wants to play for the Atlanta Braves, will be playing for the Atlanta Braves. … The Braves have made some offers, didn’t make him happy. He’s being courted by some of the prettiest girls on the block right now, he’s gonna listen to them.”
The takeaways from Chipper’s words is that New York may not be his most likely destination, but he will listen closely if they approach him with an offer.
Freeman hit 31 homers in 2021, with 120 runs scored and a .300/.393/.503 line.