Braves: Brian Snitker admits to texting Freddie Freeman during free agency

It may not seem like much, but Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker admitting to texting Freddie Freeman during the offseason could be key to him re-upping with the Braves in his free agency.

With the MLB lockout over, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker admitted to texting Freddie Freeman during the offseason.

Freeman is one of the biggest names still out there on the free agent market. He has spent his entire professional career in the Braves organization. While the dialogue between Freeman and Snitker had probably nothing to do with baseball, it is a good thing for Atlanta’s chances to retain its franchise cornerstone. Keep in mind how long Snitker has been with the Braves organization.

While this will all come down to general manager Alex Anthopoulos and the rest of the Atlanta front office, Snitker’s long-standing relationship with Freeman absolutely carries weight.

Freddie Freeman free agency: Brian Snitker texted Braves 1B during offseason

Prior to taking over the big-league club midseason in 2016, Snitker had been part of the Braves organization dating back to 1977. A big reason why so many Braves players love playing for him is Snitker had managed most of the homegrown players down in the minor leagues, including Freeman. Snitker’s ability to win big in the clubhouse has helped his team win on the field as well.

These are the little things that go unnoticed when a player hits free agency. Snitker genuinely cares about Freeman. Over the last 14 years, Freeman has grown from a promising prospect to the face of the franchise of a World Series championship-winning organization. Frankly, the only person more deserving of a league championship than Freeman was the Braves’ lifer skipper.

That is where it gets interesting. Snitker understands Freeman must do what is best for his family, but over the last 14 years, they have been family in the Braves organization. Playing for a bigger market team like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees may make sense financially, but Freeman would be walking away from key people like Snitker who do care deeply about him.

It is his choice, but leaving the Braves would mean Freeman will no longer be managed by Snitker.