To be sure, Freddie is exactly what the Yankees need: A great fielding, lefty-hitting, playoffs-tested, team-oriented 1B. Stick him between Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, and the batting order would be set for five years.
This conjecture reminds me of Hemmingway's final scene in The Sun Also Rises: In the back of a cab, Lady Brett leans into Jake and says, "We could have had such a damned good time together." His bleary response, "Yes, isn't it pretty to think so."
To me, that sums up the chances of Food Stamps Hal Steinbrenner signing Freeman: It sure is fun to imagine. Who brought the edibles? I need another brownie. Or two.
Hal hasn't gone all-in on spending since the winter of 2013-14, when he signed Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury, Masahiro Tanaka and Brian McCann. The Yankees that year finished second - to, gulp, Baltimore.
Ever since, Hal's great obsession - and achievement - has been to keep the Yankee payroll at or below the luxury tax threshold. Considering that he voted in November to maintain the current tax structure - (that is, he voted against the Yankees' self-interest) -why would anyone think he'll suddenly start writing checks, as his father once did?
The Yankees exist as a means to increase the Steinbrenner family's wealth. Hal's got sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, trust-funds, horses, dogs, cats, boats and waterfront renovations - all counting on him. Yeah, it would be nice if the team also wins - (sort of like the sun also rising..., no?)
The way Hal talks, you'd think he is the only billionaire on the planet who did not practically double his wealth during the pandemic.
I cannot find any statement, anywhere, where he or Brian Cashman have suggested the Yankees would join a bidding war over Freeman.
Now and then, let's close our eyes and imagine the old Yankees springing to life. We could have a great season, a damned good time together.
Isn't it pretty to think so?