The idea that Freddie Freeman will play for a franchise other than the Atlanta Braves is a strange one. He has spent his entire career in the organization and seemed destined to be their next franchise icon. Freeman and the Braves just belonged together.
But there are some cracks in that relationship. The Braves and Freeman were unable to get an extension done during the season. He remained in free agency when the lockout began. And now, according to Buster Olney, there is a growing belief that he will leave the organization once the lockout comes to an end.
Could Freddie Freeman really leave the Atlanta Braves?
Such a thought was virtually impossible in the days following the season. Freeman had finally gotten his title, bringing a championship back to Atlanta for the first time in a generation. His status as one of the greatest players in franchise history appeared to be cemented, with a long term deal only serving to further his resume.
Those cracks started to appear before the lockout. Freeman was reportedly getting frustrated with the process, especially with the difference between his asking price and the Braves offer. It is a sentiment that Chipper Jones repeated recently, driving the point home that Freeman’s return was not the given it had seemed to be.
There have been plenty of teams linked to Freeman if he departs Atlanta. The Blue Jays, Yankees, and Dodgers, in particular, have been mentioned as possible landing spots. In fact, Freeman’s representatives reportedly reached out to the Blue Jays as well to gauge their interest. He will have plenty of options should he want to leave.
The expectation is still that Freeman will return to Atlanta. The cracks in the relationship are expected to be repaired. Even if teams cannot have official discussions regarding a contract, one has to imagine that the Braves and Freeman’s representatives have had talks since the lockout began. There is still hope, even if it seems to be fading.
There is a growing expectation that Freddie Freeman will leave the Atlanta Braves. What had been unthinkable could become reality.