The expectation is that Freddie Freeman will remain with the Atlanta Braves. The defending NL MVP has not known any other franchise, and as the Braves work to lock in their core, the expectation is that he will eventually get his extension. It is just a matter of time.
But each day that passes brings Freeman one day closer to free agency. It is not necessarily a journey that he wants to take, as Freeman has indicated that he has no desire to leave the Braves organization.
'I am an Atlanta Brave': Pending free agent Freddie Freeman doesn't want to leave https://t.co/gJnEFDG4zG
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 28, 2021
Freddie Freeman wants to be lifelong member of Atlanta Braves
The Braves have set the table for Freeman to be a part of the organization for the long term. They traded their top two first base prospects at the deadline, seemingly indicating that the position will remain his for at least the foreseeable future.
Now they need to make that happen. While Atlanta has moved to lock in Charlie Morton and Travis d’Arnaud for the 2022 season, those are relatively minor moves comparatively. Likewise, while Ronald Acuna Jr. will be back next year, Freeman is the player that makes it all come together.
Freeman will not exactly be easy to keep. If he does reach free agency, he will have plenty of suitors given his resume and continued production. While he may not be in the MVP discussion this season, Freeman has posted a solid 135 OPS+ with 31 homers and 25 doubles over his 675 plate appearances.
In the end, money will talk. The Braves are likely to get a team friendly discount, but they will still need to open the vaults to bring Freeman back. However, this is something they absolutely need to do, as he is part of the heart and soul of the franchise.
Freddie Freeman has no desire to leave the Atlanta Braves. It is now up to the front office to make him that offer he cannot refuse.