JUPITER, Fla. • One of the curiosities entering spring training was the number of free agents still available, including one Favorite Son of St. Louis, David Freese.
Despite a successful year with the Angels and an offer to return there, Freese hit the open market as a free agent for the first time -- and stayed there quite awhile. Jobs filled. Suitors turned elsewhere. And, as exhibition games started, Freese remained what he had never been before, a free agent.
Until Friday.
The St. Louis native and 2011 World Series MVP has returned to the National League Central, signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.