Is Freddie Freeman a Top 5 First Baseman of All Time?

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Just Baseball Show

Freddie Freeman's Legacy and Hall of Fame Potential

Freddie Freeman's career achievements suggest he is not only a surefire Hall of Famer but could also finish as one of the greatest first basemen in baseball history. Assuming he can maintain his performance similar to last year over the next four years, Freeman is projected to reach significant milestones. In particular, his Wins Above Replacement (WAR), as measured by Baseball Reference, currently stands at 64 and is expected to surpass 70. This milestone would align his career achievements with those of other notable first basemen like Jim Thome, Frank Thomas, and Jeff Bagwell.

Furthermore, Freeman's potential in hitting benchmarks such as 3,000 hits and over 400 homers positions him among elite company. The rarity of first basemen reaching these figures emphasizes the significance of his accomplishments. Noteworthy historical figures like Albert Pujols, Eddie Murray, and others have reached this level, indicating that Freeman is on the path to join a prestigious group.

The discussion also touched on the curious distinction in public and media reactions to player announcements, comparing Freeman's plans with former announcements like Zach Wheeler's. Moreover, the conversation hinted at the complexities of Hall of Fame voting, recognizing that despite potentially unanimous qualifications, Freeman might not receive universal acclaim due to voter idiosyncrasies.

Overall, Freeman's prospective career trajectory and accumulating accolades not only underscore his exceptional talent but also spotlight the broader discussions regarding player evaluation and recognition in the sport.