Freddie Freeman: Does potential move to third base hurt value?

The Braves are in a bit of a conundrum with their star player, Freddie Freeman. With rumors of a move to third base, does that hurt his fantasy value?

The Atlanta Braves will have quite the roster decision to make in about a month. Their franchise first baseman Freddie Freeman is currently on the DL but will be ready to return shortly after the All-Star break. The problem? There is already someone playing well at first base. Matt Adams.

However, Freeman is open to changing is position upon return and playing third base for the rest of the season. Would the switch help or hurt his fantasy value?

Mark Bowman, Braves beat writer for MLB.com, tweeted that Freeman proposed moving to third base about two weeks ago. He confirmed with the front office with how serious he is about it. The move to third base will keep Adams, a bounce back hitter with Atlanta, in the lineup and takes out Rio Ruiz.

Freeman is on the DL with a fractured left wrist. Luckily, he throws with his right arm but fielding ground balls could create an issue if hit hard enough or bends the glove the wrong way.

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Neither man has played third base but keeping Adams at first base maximizes his value for a possible trade. Freeman should have a better time adjusting to the move to the hot corner than Adams. Freeman is already focused on returning to be a premier third baseman.

The move also helps fantasy owners. Any owner of Freeman will have him slotted at first base when he returns. But, you had to pick up someone to take his spot in the meantime.

Now, when Freeman returns, you have to bench that replacement player. If he’s been doing bad, this is a no-brainer, but what if that player isn’t bad? What if you picked up Yonder Alonso or Adams and can’t part with him because of their production?

Freeman will get third base eligibility in standard ESPN leagues after 10 games. That could take longer or shorter based on your league settings. If you don’t have a corner infield spot, you can now slot Freeman at third base and bench your current third baseman if needed.

Granted, this is all based on your league format and roster construction. Having as many eligible positions as possible is nothing but a positive in my book. If Freeman reaches 20 games at third, he will carry that eligibility into drafts for 2018, again, in ESPN leagues, and that throws any early rankings out the window.

In 37 games played, Freeman still leads the team with 14 home runs and has 25 RBI, 35 runs and a .341/.461/.748 line. Having his bat in fantasy lineups supported by Matt Kemp and Adams will be welcomed, especially with all of the injuries this season.

Speaking of Adams, he’s been a whole new player since joining the Braves. In 48 at-bats with the St. Louis Cardinals, he had one home run, seven RBI and a .292 average. In 115 at-bats so far with Atlanta, he has 10 homers, 27 RBI and a .296 average. No wonder the Braves don’t want to take him out of the lineup.

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Freeman moving to third base looks to be positive on all fronts. This keeps Adams’ hot bat in the lineup. Freeman will gain eligibility at third for this and next year. The only thing to watch is how his wrist holds up while fielding ground balls.

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