Tom Glavine has some interesting thoughts on Freddie Freeman’s frustrations in free agency

Atlanta Braves legend Tom Glavine has a better understanding of what Freddie Freeman is going through in his high-profile free agency than just about anyone.

Tom Glavine never thought he would leave the Atlanta Braves, but he can definitely relate to the mounting frustration Freddie Freeman is going through in his high-profile free agency.

Glavine left Atlanta after the 2002 MLB season for the arch-rival New York Mets. Drafted out of high school by the Braves, Glavine won two Cy Young Awards, four Silver Sluggers, and the 1995 World Series in an Atlanta uniform.

While he was already a lock for Cooperstown upon his New York departure, Glavine gave great insight on Dukes and Bell on what Freeman is going through.

"“I got to a point in the negations where nothing was going on, and I think at that stage of the game you get frustrated,” said Glavine on 92.9 The Game in Atlanta last month. “Then, other teams enter into the mix when they can and that always makes things more difficult because you don’t know how that’s all going to play out. In my scenario, I certainly had conversations with other teams. I circled back with the Braves and tried to get something done and it didn’t work out.”"

Glavine spent five seasons with the Mets from 2003 to 2007 prior to briefly returning to the 2008 Braves before retiring. While he “would be shocked if (Freeman) didn’t sign back with the Braves”, Glavine has “seen stranger things happen.”

While there are similarities in Glavine and Freeman’s free agencies, there are big differences, too.

Atlanta Braves: Tom Glavine relates to Freddie Freeman’s free agency frustration

When Glavine hit free agency in 2003, this was on the heels of Ted Turner selling the Braves to Time Warner. Atlanta went from a top-three spender in baseball to middle of the pack. Glavine was in his late 30s when his contract was up. It should be noted that fellow starter Greg Maddux pitched one more year with the Braves before leaving in his free agency the following offseason.

Given that Freeman is a good bit younger than Glavine was in his big free agency, he is not a lock for Cooperstown. In fact, he risks potential hall of fame enshrinement if he struggles playing for somebody else. Do not think for one second playing for only one franchise does not matter. It is a boost that could ultimately serve Freeman should he be up future for hall of fame consideration.

The two other big things to point out is that Freeman is an every day position player, while Glavine toed the rubber every fifth day. Freeman’s free agency also coincides with the absolutely nasty lockout MLB is dragging is everyone through. Being a star player at a premium position makes Freeman absurdly valuable. Hitting free agency in a lockout could also serve as a bridge to return.

This comes down to if the Braves will offer Freeman a six-year deal at fair market value. Who cares if he falls off a cliff physically? He has already earned every penny of that contract. Freeman becomes a baseball ambassador for life for Braves Country as soon as he puts pen to paper here. Of course, if the Braves do not want to pay up, then Freeman could walk like Glavine did in 2003.

Glavine may not have wanted to leave, but baseball is a big business where star players get paid.