Most of the rumors surrounding the Dodgers and Freddie Freeman this offseason seemed hard to fathom because it seemed right that the former MVP first baseman would eventually return to Atlanta, where he is a franchise icon.
The fit seemed perfect, especially as Freeman is hugely popular, having just won a World Series with the Braves, a highly profitable team based on their own public financial disclosures.
But on Monday, it became clear that Freeman would not be returning to the Braves, who instead traded for the A’s Matt Olson to play at first base. Atlanta general manager Alex Anthopoulos fought back tears during a fight with reporters and, according to Battery Power’s Chris Willis, said, “I’ve been here for four years, this is my fifth year, this is the hardest decision and deal I’ve ever made.” or accepted.” should have done.”
Jeff Schultz of The Athletic said that the loss of Freeman to the Braves was far worse than a public relations disaster. “The Braves are a weak team today because Liberty Media is as emotionally invested in its baseball team as a canned food company is in its pork and bean line,” Schultz wrote.
But a loss to the Braves is a win to some other team, and suddenly Freeman’s signing with the Dodgers doesn’t seem so far-fetched. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the Dodgers’ interest on Friday.
“I wish Freddie Freeman was in the Dodgers uniform. Who wouldn’t? Roberts said. “He’s certainly in the conversation for us, but ultimately it will be his decision.”
The Dodgers players made no secret of their interest in Freeman, even more so than Justin Turner, who joked with former teammate Alex Wood on Twitter about Freeman signing with another NL West team.
Max Munsey, whose main position is the same as Freeman, said last week that it would be “amazing” to play Freeman.
Upon learning of the Braves’ trade for Olson on Monday, some Dodgers reacted. From Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register:
“Obviously that leaves Freddie for us,” Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw said. “I don’t know. I feel great about our team as it is now. I feel like we have a real chance to win with the guys from this club. Freddie is a really good baseball player.”
Now we wait for Freeman’s choice, removing one rather large obstacle from the Dodgers’ path.