When you think about David Freese, you might think about a guy who put together arguably the most clutch World Series performance in history and led his team to a title. There is no questioning that Freese is a hero in St. Louis, but does the soon-to-be 29-year-old infielder have the tools needed to become one of the game’s best players? If you ask teammate Lance Berkman, it is a definite possibility.
According to MLB writer Anthony Castrovince, Berkman had this to say on Tuesday when asked about Freese: “If you’re looking for your next $200 million contract, he’s got a chance. He’s that kind of player.”
Freese still has a long way to go if he is hoping to earn that kind of money, but he could be poised for a breakout season in 2012. In only six games, Freese has already belted three home runs and driven in 10. Last season, he hit .297 with 10 homers and 55 RBI in 97 games for the Cardinals. Now that he is entering what are considered the prime years of a baseball player’s career and is going to be an everyday starter, Freese will have a chance to put up big numbers.
If Joey Votto and Prince Fielder have taught us anything over the past several months, it’s that $200 million contracts are becoming more and more attainable. Prior to his MVP season in 2010, many people had never even heard of Votto. If they still hadn’t heard of him before he signed a $225 million extension with the Reds last week, they have now. With a monster season in 2012, Freese could soon become a very rich man.
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