Atlanta Braves fans are paranoid that they’re going to end up losing Freddie Freeman after recent reports suggested as much.
Freeman remains a free agent thanks to MLB lockout, and recent rumors leaked by ESPN’s Buster Olney suggest he’s fed up with the Braves and more likely to sign elsewhere.
FanSided’s Braulio Perez summed up the Braves fan angle of Olney’s report, and it wasn’t pretty:
"“According to Olney’s sources, the Braves offered Freeman a five-year deal worth $135 million. Freeman turned that down, as he was hoping to get a six-year contract. With the two at a stand still contract wise, Atlanta could look elsewhere for someone to man first base.”"
Freddie Freeman rumors: Braves fans are a mess after latest report
It’s tough to blame them, especially considering the only thing separating the Braves from re-signing Freeman is likely one more season included in his contract offer.
The Braves are stealing money from Ronald Acuña and Ozzie Albies. If they let Freddie Freeman walk without making the best offer, their fans should be furious. What a joke that would be. https://t.co/NBtRTCNeve
— Chris Towers …Is A Real Boy (@CTowersCBS) February 22, 2022
When Freddie Freeman signs with another team pic.twitter.com/IKDeUnEmSE
— Jeff (@AlwaysOverPar) February 22, 2022
I really want and hope Freddie Freeman is an Atlanta Brave for life.
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) February 22, 2022
But… PAY THE MAN WHAT HE DESERVES
Where is everyone getting these Freddie Freeman contract numbers and His assumed departure? We’re almost 3 months into a lock out where nobody is allowed to have contract negotiations? There should be zero new info
— Jordañ Harris (@jhare727) February 22, 2022
As much as the Braves can eat shit broadly speaking, the idea of them letting Freddie Freeman walk is so offensive. Players like that, who are so loved and *want* to stay, should always stay. It's such a special thing, and cheap ownership fucking it up is so heinous.
— Britt (@abrittoutside) February 22, 2022
FWIW, I don’t trust a single report about Freddie Freeman. I still think he ends up back in Atlanta.
— Ben Yoel (@Ben_Yoel) February 22, 2022
When Freddie Freeman signs with another team...
— SportzStew Ⓥ (@sportzstewcom) February 22, 2022
Braves fans like...#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/zxYJftbkVQ
There were many, many more.
Freeman simply wants what he’s worth, and the Braves’ main concern is how he’ll age defensively. Yet, with the designated hitter coming to the National League, that concern should disappear rather quickly.
Perhaps it will, and this is merely noise from before the lockout. But if the Braves let Freeman walk despite the fact they got bargain deals with Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña Jr., it’s an insult to fans across the state of Georgia and elsewhere.
After winning a World Series, Atlanta should make Freeman a Brave for life. There is no excuse.