Does latest Dodgers-Freddie Freeman buzz help Dodgers in free agency?

Right before the lockout began, Los Angeles Dodgers fans were gifted with a juicy rumor to hold themselves over as we wait for transactions to be permitted once again in a few months.

According to rumors and reports, the Dodgers were among the teams expressing serious interest in Atlanta Braves free agent Freddie Freeman, who just won a World Series with the organization that drafted him. The Braves had a month to do right by their franchise icon, but opted to stand pat for whatever reason.

Freeman remains a free agent and the Braves could be in serious danger of losing him with the Dodgers and Yankees among those entering the bidding. Not a position you want to be in if you’re trying to save money.

Even with that buzz, many still figured Freeman was a lock to return to Atlanta. How could he not? Were the Braves really going to let him go after what he just helped them accomplished? Freeman, at this point, is a player you bend to in negotiations, no questions asked.

Could the latest Braves-Freddie Freeman buzz help the Dodgers in free agency?

However, it seems, according to one reporter, that things aren’t so peachy between Freeman and the World Series champs. And if that’s the case, how much does it aid the Dodgers in landing his signature post-lockout?

Here’s what David Vassegh of 570 LA Sports revealed recently:

"“What makes this all the more interesting is that Freddie Freeman, from my understanding of people close to him, he has grown very impatient with the Atlanta Braves. Because the Atlanta Braves were taking the strategy of waiting to see where the market goes before offering him a contract.”"

Forcing your top employee to grow “very impatient”? That leaves the door open for the Southern California native to come to the Dodgers, who could use an All-Star first baseman and reconfigure their infield a little bit to cope with the loss of Corey Seager.

Put Freeman at first. Move Max Muncy to second base or DH (depending on his elbow injury). Use Gavin Lux at second base or as a utility player. Trea Turner is your shortstop. Justin Turner is your third baseman. Boom. All-MLB infield right there, for the most part.

But the main focus here is Freeman’s reported frustrations with the Braves. If he feels disrespected or slighted, that opens the door for LA to offer him the money he wants and have him return closer to where he grew up.

The start of the offseason was almost as bad as it could’ve possibly gotten for the Dodgers, but there’s hope for it to finish strong and make fans forget about the departures and overall inaction on the team’s behalf.

Projecting Dodgers’ 2022 infield if they can sign Freddie Freeman

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still reportedly interested in Freddie Freeman. Here's what the 2022 infield would look like if they can sign him.