When Freddie Freeman Left the Atlanta Braves Finally, they landed with Los Angeles DodgersThe long history of Freeman with the Braves caused shock within the industry.
According to multiple sources, Freeman has now fired Excel Agency, which represented him in offseason negotiations. Casey Close, Freeman’s lead agent, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Freeman was contacted by agents Monday by the Players Association, who sent him an email directing them to stop contacting him. This is a standard practice in which players don’t wish to be harassed by agents. Freeman is currently self-represented in baseball’s central database.
Freeman, 32, was back in Atlanta after signing with the Dodgers. He was emotional and weeping intermittently from the time he met reporters to the point when he was given an ovation from Braves fans at Sunday Night Baseball’s end.
Sources claim that Freeman told some of his former teammates that he would change agents after expressing frustration at the way his March free agency ended.
In the days following the end of the owners’ lockout, the Braves offered $135 million for five years. According to March’s report, Close, who is the lead negotiator in Excel, contacted Alex Anthopoulos (head of baseball operations) and presented two proposals for Freeman. Anthopoulos gave Freeman an hour to respond.
Sources say that Anthopoulos and Close agreed to no offers after the deadline expired. Braves – believing that Close’s deadline meant Freeman was about close to a deal, probably with the Dodgers – quickly pounced to make a blockbuster agreement. Oakland Athletics All-Star Matt OlsonOlson, who was 27 years old, was signed to an $868 million contract. This effectively ended any possibility Freeman would ever return.
Freeman reached out and shared his shock with former Braves teammates. Freeman signed for the Dodgers within a week. It covers six years and $162million. However, it also includes $57 million in deferred salaries. Given the California state taxes and heavy deferrals, this deal could have a lower value than what the Braves offered.
Freeman was initially critical about the Braves’ handlings of negotiations. Freeman then spoke with Anthopoulos and discussed the negotiations. He apparently made peace with Anthopoulos. He was a complete embracer of the ceremonies that took place last weekend. They included a ring presentation by Brian Snitker (his friend and ex-manager); Snitker witnessed Freeman’s emotion and encouraged him relax.
Friends of Freeman within the Braves organization believe his weekend-long emotion was linked, in some degree, to lingering anger or sadness that he had been offered a position with another team after his negotiations ended. Freeman, who was considered the face and embodiment of the Braves’ brand, won the MVP Award in 2020. He also participated in the World Series championship.