We’re two-plus months into the 2022 MLB season, and Freddie Freeman’s move to the Los Angeles Dodgers remains one of the stranger and more awkward stories in baseball. On Tuesday, it took another turn.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Freeman fired his agents at Excel Sports Management and is now listed as self represented.
Freeman returned to Atlanta this past weekend for the first time as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He received his World Series ring, had his share of emotional, teary scenes and even took an inadvertent elbow from his replacement, Matt Olson.
But the circumstances that led to Freeman leaving the Braves — his home for 12 seasons — remained a source of frustration for Freeman. During negotiations, in which the Braves had offered Freeman $135 million over five years, Freeman’s representation reportedly made contact with Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos after the lockout to give him an ultimatum and deadline.
Realizing that a deal wasn’t happening, the Braves made the decision to trade for Olson. Freeman signed with the Dodgers for six years, $162 million — $57 million of which is deferred.
And while Freeman has had a fine season thus far with the Dodgers, even the Dodgers players are noticing how Freeman misses being with the Braves. Clayton Kershaw had this to say to the AJC over the weekend:
“It was very cool (to see Freeman’s reception Friday night). He’s obviously been a big contributor for our team. And I hope we’re not second fiddle. It’s a pretty special team over here, too. I think whenever he gets comfortable over here, he’ll really enjoy it. It was a good night for him (Friday).”
“Second fiddle.” Ouch.
At the very least, Kershaw confirmed that Freeman still isn’t comfortable with the Dodgers. And Freeman’s decision to fire his agents right after visiting Atlanta only adds credence to the notion he regrets leaving the Braves.
As you could expect, MLB fans had plenty to say about the news.