Freddie Freeman’s official contract details should insult Braves

The official details of Freddie Freeman’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers is probably not making the Atlanta Braves very happy.

Freddie Freeman was perhaps the biggest free agent remaining on the open market once the MLB lockout was lifted. Yet, he did not return to the Atlanta Braves, who pivoted to trading for Matt Olson of the Oakland Athletics. Instead, Freeman signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers to further cement the team as a powerhouse in the National League.

Freeman was introduced by the Dodgers on Friday and official details of his contract were revealed. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, $57 million of Freeman’s $162 million guaranteed will be deferred to 2028 through 2040. Effectively, this makes the first baseman’s six-year contract worth $140 million.

This deal could leave the Braves feeling insulted.

Freddie Freeman’s Dodgers contract is less than what Braves offered

Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that the Braves were unwilling to offer Freeman a deal for six-years.

ESPN’s Buster Olney reported (subscription) that Freeman’s camp did reach out to Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos for two late offers, one being a five-year, $165 million deal and the other being a six-year deal worth $175 million. But, Anthopoulos only had one hour to accept either one. Neither deal was accepted.

Freeman revealed during his introductory press conference that he only received two phone calls from the Braves the entire offseason.

Atlanta obviously moved on from Freeman and pivoted to Olson, who was part of Oakland’s fire sale. It took outfielder Cristian Pache, catcher Shea Langeliers and right-handed pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes to land Olson. The team quickly negotiated an eight-year, $168 million contract with their new first baseman.

It has to sting for Braves fans to lose Freeman, but both the player and the team have moved on.