Braves: Freddie Freeman return could look a lot like Albert Pujols-Cardinals reunion

Freddie Freeman dropped his representation due to how his free agency negotiations played out this past offseason. Is a return to the Atlanta Braves in the card?

This past offseason, the Atlanta Braves and first baseman Freddie Freeman could not agree to terms on a contract extension. That eventually paved way for Freeman to sign a six-year, $162 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his return to Atlanta as a member of the visiting team, and he was overcome with emotion throughout the series.

On Tuesday, June 28, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that Freeman has told friends that he was angry about how his free agency negotiations have played out and that he has moved on from his representation, Excel.

With this information, could a return to the Braves be in the cards in the future, a la Albert Pujols’ reunion with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason?

Is a Freddie Freeman-Braves reunion in the cards?

FanSided senior editor Mark Powell brought up the potential of a reunion between the Braves and Freeman a few months ago. But given how Freeman dropped his representation and his reaction when returning to Truist Park, that is not out of the realm of possibility.

Pujols left after winning the 2011 World Series to sign a lucrative 10-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. He was waived by the team during the 2021 season and signed on with the Dodgers for the remainder of the season. Then, this offseason, Pujols signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract to return to the Cardinals for the first time in 10 years.

The thing is, it will not happen until his deal with the Dodgers expires, which will be after the 2027 season. Atlanta did bring in his replacement in the form of Matt Olson, whom they acquired from the Oakland Athletics and signed to an eight-year, $168 million contract, which will run out after the 2030 season (2029 if club option is declined). Even so, that is not exactly a deterrent for bringing Freeman back (i.e. play designated hitter).

Could a reunion happen? Sure. But let’s not gloss over the fact that Freeman is a couple of months into his first season with the Dodgers. There are still five more seasons to go.