Freddie Freeman was one of the best hitters in baseball before breaking his wrist in May. With Freeman approaching a return to the field, he may not be taking up his usual position at first base – he could move across the diamond to third.
In theory, this seems ridiculous, given that Freeman has never played third in the majors (and only very briefly in the minors, years upon years ago) and that he’s the Braves’ franchise player. But considering the relentless production of Matt Adams at first base and the lack of production the Braves have gotten at third (mainly from Adonis Garcia and Rio Ruiz), moving Freeman over to third would at least help fill a hole in the lineup.
The possibility of Freeman moving to third was brought up on Tuesday night.
Snit says the Braves are evaluating and discussing any and all options to keep Adams in the lineup once Freeman returns
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 20, 2017
Braves beat writer Mark Bowman discussed the possibility, while also stating Freeman would need another month to return.
If the Braves go this route, Freeman would be the most likely to make the move to the hot corner. He played third base throughout his high school career, and he has always had the kind of unselfish approach that would lead him to do whatever necessary to benefit the team.
The potential move was praised by another Brave who switched positions to accommodate another bat in the lineup – Chipper Jones.
Much smaller glove, long throws, slow rollers? Gonna have to marinate on this one! Kudos to @FreddieFreeman5 for being a team first leader.
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) June 21, 2017
On Wednesday, the move picked up more steam as Freeman took grounders at third base before the Braves’ evening game with the San Francisco Giants.
Video of Freddie Freeman acquainting himself with third base. #Braves pic.twitter.com/DAyVMJDzwu
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 21, 2017
Atlanta third base coach (and infield instructor) Ron Washington seemed impressed.
After Freeman made this last throw, Wash said, "Chipper who?" pic.twitter.com/LgXPQybwMS
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 21, 2017
Will this work? It remains to be seen, but the underlying logic is sound. Since coming over from the St. Louis Cardinals, Adams has raked, slashing .296/.349/.635 with ten homers, already the third-highest total on the team in just 29 games. Meanwhile, Braves’ third basemen haven’t hit a lick, slashing just .247/.293/.362 with only six homers, better than just the Yankees and Marlins.
When all is said and done, I doubt Freeman ends up as a regular third baseman for the Braves. If he was coming back next week, maybe the Braves would roll him out at the position. But with another month until his return, *something* will likely end up happening with Adams, either a slump, injury, or trade, to restore Freeman to first base instead of third.
