Freddie Freeman: The Albert Pujols of the Atlanta Braves

It was unthinkable that Freddie Freeman would leave the Atlanta Braves at the start of free agency. The Braves had just won their first World Series since 1995, and Freeman had become the face of the franchise. He had spent his entire professional career with the franchise; it was inevitable that he would be a part of the organization for the rest of his life.

Then free agency happened. The Braves and Freeman were far apart in their contract expectations. While the two sides negotiated, they were unable to get anywhere. Freeman grew more frustrated, to the point where he verbalized his annoyance. Meanwhile, other teams were in contact with his representatives, to the point where he may not remain with the Braves after all.

Atlanta Braves have Albert Pujols situation with Freddie Freeman

The St. Louis Cardinals were in a similar situation a decade ago. Albert Pujols had established himself as a franchise icon, someone who appeared destined to carry on the tradition of the likes of Stan Musial and spend their entire career with the franchise. He was a beloved figure whose departure seemed unthinkable.

Until it happened. The Angels offered Pujols a ten year deal worth $240 million, prying him away from St. Louis. That deal was a shock to the baseball world, as it had been assumed by virtually everyone that Pujols would be a part of the Cardinals’ organization for life.

That is where the Braves are with Freeman. He had been widely expected to return to the Braves until just before the lockout. His frustrations became known, as did the attention he had been receiving from other teams. While the Braves may still be the favorites to retain his services, it is no longer the given that it had seemed at the onset of free agency.

From a baseball standpoint, one can understand why the Braves may be wary of signing Freeman to that type of long term deal. He just completed his age 31 season, as Pujols had done when he departed St. Louis. While he is still in his hypothetical prime, the downside will likely begin in the next two or three years. Someone such as Matt Olson, who the Braves have been linked to, would be a better investment.

But it is also a matter of what this departure would say to the fanbase. The Braves reportedly made a $100 million profit last year, showing that they have plenty of resources to keep Freeman with the franchise. Letting an icon go on the heels of winning the World Series would be a horrendous look, especially since they could afford him.

Freddie Freeman may not end up returning to the Atlanta Braves. This could be another Albert Pujols situation where an icon unexpectedly leaves.