Freddie Freeman, Braves on playoff collision course with emotions attached

The postseason is about to begin, and there is a possibility that fans can see Freddie Freeman take on the Atlanta Braves.

The MLB regular-season has officially reached its conclusion, and we are now in playoff mode. 12 teams, six from each league, are vying for the chance to be the last team standing, hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy.

On the National League side of things, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the No. 1 seed on that side of the bracket, by way of having the best record in all of baseball. After falling short of the World Series last year, the Dodgers signed first baseman Freddie Freeman, one of the top free agents available.

Those Dodgers could be on a collision course with the second-seed in the NL bracket –Freeman’s former team in the Atlanta Braves.

MLB could really get a Freddie Freeman vs. Braves NLCS this year

Last year, the Braves got past the Dodgers in the NLCS to make it to the World Series for the first time since 1999. Then, they defeated the Houston Astros in six games to win their first Commissioner’s Trophy since 1995. It was the first World Series title for Freeman, and he was set to hit free agency that winter. Surely, it would be a no-brainer for the Braves and Freeman to reach an agreement on a new deal, right?

Well, negotiations were tense, as both sides could not reach an agreement on a deal. Freeman reportedly sent two offers to the Braves— $165 million over five years and $175 over six years, per MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. Yet, the team turned down both offers.

The Braves officially moved on by acquiring first baseman and Atlanta-native Matt Olson from the Oakland Athletics, and signed him to an eight-year, $168 million. After the Braves made the move, Freeman signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Dodgers.

Freeman made his return to Atlanta back in June, and he was very emotional in his return. From the pregame press conference, to the World Series ring presentation, to getting a standing ovation from Braves fans at Truist Park. Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw said after Freeman’s return that he hoped the team wasn’t “second fiddle.”

Back in June, it was reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney that Freeman had parted ways with Excel Sports Management, his representation.

In his first year with the Dodgers, Freeman led the National League with a .407 on-base percentage, 47 doubles, 117 runs scored, 199 hits, and 708 plate appearances. Freeman also recorded a .325 batting average, 21 home runs, and 100 RBI.

The Dodgers had the NL West and top seed in the postseason virtually locked up in the latter portion of the season. The Braves, on the other hand, managed to fight their way to a fifth NL East title, despite the fact that the New York Mets held first place for the majority of the season.

Considering that Los Angeles and Atlanta are the top two seeds, the only way they will meet is if they both reach the NLCS. Given the storyline between Freeman and the Braves, it will certainly be a must watch series.