SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- When news of the Matt Olson trade first hit Scottsdale Stadium earlier this week, there was shock. And then there was a realization of what that likely meant for the National League West.
With the Atlanta Braves deciding not to bring franchise cornerstone Freddie Freeman back, the Giants expected the first baseman to end up with their rival. On Wednesday, Freeman did. He agreed to to a six-year, $162 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to ESPN.
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Freeman, the 2020 NL MVP, gives the Dodgers one hell of a replacement for Corey Seager, who bolted for the Texas Rangers before the lockout. When the signing freeze ended last week, both NL West playoff teams wanted another left-handed bat. The Giants stuck to their methods and agreed to a one-year deal with former Dodger Joc Pederson. The Dodgers made the big swing as they have often in recent years, bringing Freeman back to Southern California.
Freeman is a SoCal native and chose the Dodgers over the Braves -- who would never meet his asking price -- and practically the entire AL East. The Blue Jays, Yankees, Red Sox and Rays were all known to have varying levels of interest.
Ultimately, Freeman ended up in Los Angeles, adding another monster left-handed bat to a lineup that already includes Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger from that side and Mookie Betts, Justin Turner, Trea Turner, Will Smith and Chris Taylor from the right side. With Freeman at first base, Muncy is expected to mostly play second.
Freeman played 12 years for the Braves and his final act was bringing the city another World Series title. He hit .300 last year with a .393 OBP, .503 slugging percentage and 31 homers. Freeman has at least 23 homers in five of the last six years. The exception was 2020, when he hit 13 in 60 games and posted a 1.102 OPS while winning his first MVP award.
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Freeman has finished among the top nine in NL MVP voting for four consecutive seasons. He's one of the best players in the game, and he now stands in the Giants' way as they attempt to defend their NL West title.