The Atlanta Braves are ready for their leader and friend, Freddie Freeman, to return and help the club defend their World Series title.
There is no question. Freddie Freeman‘s teammates are ready for him to return to the club where he’s spent his 11-season career.
In 2021, Freeman led the Braves to a World Series Championship gaining MVP honors in the process. The lefty hit .300/.393/.503 with a +135 wRC. He smashed 31 home runs and has 271 for his career. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are rumored to be in the hunt for Freeman.
Braves players express frustration over Freddie Freeman free agency
Pitcher Charlie Morton believes Freeman has already secured legendary status the likes of Eddie Mathews, Henry Aaron, and Dale Murphy, but returning to the Braves would solidify that status.
Charlie Morton on Freddie Freeman: “You see these banners up here with these numbers retired and everything like that. If he isn't there already, if he spends a few more years here, he's going to be one of the guys with his number retired and a Braves legend.”
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 13, 2022
For some Braves, they don’t know the team without Freeman. Braves reliever Tyler Matzek, for one, is ready for his friend and teammate to arrive at their spring camp.
“All I know is I want Freddie here.”
— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) March 13, 2022
—Braves reliever Tyler Matzek pic.twitter.com/UNv36Q0ew7
Cristian Pache perfectly summed up why Freeman is so important to the Braves and their fanbase. It’s not just what Freeman does on the field. It’s so much more.
Freddie Freeman is an extraordinary player and a better human being. He is much loved and admired by all Braves fans for his personality, leadership, approach, dedication and his great positive attitude, which inspires the other players, especially the younger ones like me. https://t.co/46QQoVUPyJ
— Cristian Pache (@cristianpache25) March 13, 2022
Braves manager Brian Snitker has put in his effort to keep a player he’s worked with for over 14 years. Freeman is a huge part of the Atlanta Braves. The fans and the team would love to have him back. It’s honestly hard to imagine Freeman in any other uniform.
It’s believed the Braves wouldn’t be able to offer financially what the Dodgers or Yankees could. While a hometown discount may not provide as much financially, there is a lot to be said for what it would provide Freeman, his family, and his Braves family.
Freeman has a lot to consider on what he will do regarding a new contract. Will he just comfort but less money to stay with the Braves or make himself and his family financially stable for years to come with a huge contract with a storied franchise in either the Dodgers or Yankees.
A decision should arrive soon with a shortened Spring camp officially opening on Monday.