The Atlanta Braves faced a difficult decision this off-season.
Save the face of the franchise after winning the World Series or choose a younger, cheaper version of its position. The brave chose the latter.
Atlanta traded for first baseman Matt Olson of Auckland A in March, signaling the end of Freddie Freeman’s era after 12 seasons. Freeman eventually signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who made their first trip to Atlanta this season on Friday. Before the match, Freeman was overwhelmed with emotions.
When he first appeared in front of a media building in the Braves press room as a visitor, he initially walked away from the podium without saying a word.
He returned a few minutes later in tears, struggling to express his emotions.
“I don’t even know if I can go through this,” Freeman said. “I don’t know – all the emotions – it’s hard to put into words. I’m just glad to be back. This organization, the people, the people in the media, who have covered my family with grace and love for the last 12 years. This is difficult. …
“I’ve always told you how much I love Braves and this city. I thought I loved this city and organization a lot, but – you can say how much I really love this organization and this city. I even know how I’m going to spend this weekend to be honest. “
Freeman received a ring from the World Series, a standing ovation
Before the first pitch, Freeman received his ring from the World Series with a standing ovation and the chanting “Freddy, Freddy” from the host audience.
His voice cracked as he addressed the fans after the presentation of the ring.
Fans responded with another standing ovation before Freeman’s first strike.
Freddie Freeman went on the field before his first game as a visitor to Truist Park. (Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
Freeman was a cornerstone of the Atlanta franchise, where he played the first 12 seasons of his career in MLB from 2010-21. During his tenure, he made five All-Star teams and won five silver players, one gold glove and was named NL MVP in 2020. He helped the Braves win their first World Series victory since 1995. season. His contractual status as a waiting free agent loomed over the championship series.
The story continues
Freeman, 32, entered the off-season without a new deal, and Braves traded for Olson on March 14. Olson, 28, made 39 home runs last season while making his first MLB All Star appearance. He signed an eight-year, $ 168 million sequel to Braves a day after joining the team. The next day, Freeman signed a six-year, $ 162 million deal to join the Dodgers, which the Braves beat last season’s NLCS.
Freeman’s maintained his high level of play in Los Angeles, reducing .308 / .386 / .494 with eight home runs, 45 RBIs and six stolen bases in 68 games. Meanwhile, Olson reduced .247 / .347 / .461 with 10 home runs and 38 RBI in 71 games with Atlanta.
The Dodgers entered Friday’s game with a record of 43-25, a good one-game lead over the Padres at NL West. The Braves rose 18-3 to a record 41-30 to last in four games against NL-East leader New York Mets. Both teams plan to make an extended field for the playoffs this season and could very well cope again in the postseason.
But for now, Freeman is only worried about spending the weekend. Braves and Dodgers are scheduled for a series of three games until Sunday. The Dodgers won Friday’s game 1-1. Freeman did 1 for 3 on the board with two walks and a run.
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