There is growing belief that Freddie Freeman could leave the Braves in free agency

There may be a MLB lockout going on, but that isn’t stopping the rumors from rolling in.

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Freddie Freeman is leaning towards leaving the 2021 World Series champion Atlanta Braves in free agency due to a disagreement in contract discussions.

Olney reports that a prior to the lockout, the Braves offered the All-Star first baseman a five-year, $135-million contract. Freeman is apparently looking for a six-year, $180-million pact in free agency, which gives him an extra year and an additional $3 million per season compared to the Braves offer.

The 32-year old, who has spent his entire career with the Braves organization, has posted a .295 batting average, .893 OPS, 271 homers, 941 RBI, and 776 walks overt a span of 12 MLB seasons and 1565 regular season games.

He is also a five-time MLB All-Star, and has won three Silver Slugger Awards, an NL MVP, NL Hank Aaron Award and a World Series title throughout his career.

Toronto Blue Jays were a team linked to Freeman prior to the lockout.