The Atlanta Braves celebrated Freddie Freeman over the weekend, but the star first baseman struggled with emotions in his return. On Tuesday, he fired his agents.
Freeman never really intended to leave Atlanta, and Tuesday’s news all but confirmed that. They played hardball with the Braves, and Alex Anthopoulos called Freeman’s bluff, trading for Matt Olson to replace him.
The veteran first baseman was left with little option but to sign with his hometown Los Angeles Dodgers at that point. While he welcomed the opportunity at first, a return to Atlanta over the weekend clearly gave him conflicted emotions.
Freeman had to delay media availability and fought back tears during his ring ceremony. Every at-bat was filled with what at the time seemed like regret. Now, we have some confirmation.
Braves: 3 photos that prove Freddie Freeman has conflicted feelings
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 24: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers gets emotional as he is speaks to the fans prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 24, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Freddie Freeman fought back tears as he was introduced and received a standing ovation.
The longtime Brave never thought this day would come, as he hoped to retire with Atlanta. Clearly, his agency sought to get him the highest dollar amount, and didn’t take that emotion into account.
Yet — they failed to even achieve the baseline of highest monetary value, per various reports. Now, Freeman is a Dodger, with his Atlanta days potentially behind him forever.
Jun 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hugs Atlanta Braves hitting consultant Chipper Jones (10) before a game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Freeman was greeted by Chipper Jones near the dugout as Atlanta baseball fans in attendance watched.
This had to be extraordinarily painful for Freeman, who unlike Chipper, will not play his entire career with the team that drafted him. Instead, Freeman will certainly be a team legend, but also the one that got away.
A return could happen at some point down the road, but Freeman will no longer be in his prime, as he is currently with the Dodgers. For Freddie, this is all so fresh, and clearly not what he intended.
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 24: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers stands with his family after receiving his World Series Ring from his 2021 season with the Atlanta Braves prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 24, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
It was never clearer that something was off with Freeman than when he stood with his family, taking in Truist Park as a visiting player for the first time. It just didn’t feel right, and not just to Braves fans.
These days, it’s more important than ever for athletes to have representation they can trust, and who has their best interests at heart. Unfortunately for Freeman, that doesn’t appear to have been the case here.
A miscommunication can make or break a great sports story.
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