3 reasons the Chicago Cubs won’t try to sign Freddie Freeman

I want to start this piece off by saying even though there’s a new report out there that makes it seem likely Freddie Freeman will hit free agency at year’s end rather than agree to an extension with the Braves, it still feels unlikely he won’t be playing in Atlanta in 2022 and beyond. But then again, I never thought Anthony Rizzo would play for any other team but the Chicago Cubs – and we all know how that went.

There are a ton of different aspects that come to play when thinking about the Cubs making a hypothetical run at Freeman this winter. But first, let’s circle back to the rumor regarding the longtime Braves first baseman and the ‘gap’ that reportedly exists in ongoing talks.

While the front half of that tweet from Jon Heyman centers around that gap and the ‘surprisingly strong’ chance he hits free agency, the back half carries a very different tone. One that makes you, again, think Freeman winds up spending the rest of his career with the Braves, the team that drafted him way back in the second round of the 2007 draft.

Once again, Freeman is doing what he does on an almost annual basis – doing just about everything in an above-average fashion. He’s batting .292/.388/.498 on the year and has done an excellent job in the on-base department, drawing 75 walks to just 93 strikeouts in a league-leading 598 plate appearances.

For obvious reasons, you’d love to have a guy like this in the Cubs clubhouse. Aside from his longstanding ties to Atlanta, the fact Chicago wouldn’t pony up money for Rizzo and, in fact, low-balled him in talks makes it seem highly unlikely they cough up the cash for Freeman, who turns 32 this weekend and no doubt wants a lengthy extension.

You also have to consider the emergence of Frank Schwindel, the reigning National League Player of the Month, as well as the fact that a potential reunion with Rizzo will undoubtedly be more cost-effective, although there is debate over whether or not the Cubs would even be open to that.

3 reasons the Chicago Cubs won’t sign Freddie Freeman: #1 – Frank Schwindel

Right now, there are very few hitters in baseball capable of holding a candle to Frank Schwindel. National League Player of the Month in August, an NL Player of the Week in the first week of September – the guy’s just on one right now.

Given his breakout second half in what’s amounted to his first real regular taste of big league action, you have to think that, heading into 2022, the starting first base job is Schwindel’s to lose – and with good reason. At least to this point, opposing pitchers haven’t figured out how to get him out and he’s shown a proclivity for coming up in the clutch.

He’s got an otherworldly 181 OPS+ this season, buoyed by an insane .662 slugging percentage entering action on Friday. Schwindel has done everything asked of him – and then some – and barring a late-season fall-off, he’s done everything needed to head into next spring as the top dog at first base, likely backed up by Alfonso Rivas.

Given the team’s clear desire to focus on replenishing a farm system that, even now, lacks impact talent at the upper levels, shelling out a massive deal for someone like Freeman doesn’t make a whole lot of sense – especially when you have Schwindel ready and waiting to seize the job.

3 reasons the Chicago Cubs won’t sign Freddie Freeman: #1 – Pitching Needs

At the end of the day, though, one simple truth will keep the Cubs from pursuing Freeman this winter: they have much, much bigger fish to fry.

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Chicago’s starting rotation can’t even be considered big league quality at this point. It looks – and has performed – like they belong in Baltimore, where pitchers seemingly go to fail, watching their careers die on the vine. If Hoyer doesn’t add several quality arms this winter, 2022 will be a painful year on the North Side.

Right now, Kyle Hendricks can be safely penciled into next year’s rotation. You’d assume the likes of Keegan Thompson, Justin Steele and Adbert Alzolay will all get looks, too, but they’re certainly not locks – especially with Alzolay’s recent run of success coming out of the bullpen.

Zach Davies is a free agent at year’s end, as well, meaning really it’s Hendricks – who hasn’t pitched like an ace this season – and Alec Mills in the rotation. That’s not exactly the stuff postseason dreams are made of, despite the Cubs ace’s lengthy history of big-game successes.

The thought of Freddie Freeman in a Cubs uniform is fine and dandy, but right now, it’s not realistic or feasible. These are just three of the reasons why we’ll never see it happen – on top of the fact he sure feels like a guy who’s going to retire a Brave one day.