Freddie Freeman finally speaks out about Dansby Swanson leaving Braves

Dansby Swanson has signed with the Chicago Cubs. This is old news. Freddie Freeman commented publicly on the issue Thursday. What should Braves fans think?

In back-to-back offseasons, Atlanta has lost Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson — two core members from their World Series-winning team.

Freeman left for the Los Angeles Dodgers, an emotional farewell that literally brought him to tears in his return to Atlanta. Swanson made the logical choice, signing with the Cubs. His wife, Mallory Swanson, plays for the NWSL Chicago Red Stars.

It’s tough to knock any player for leaving. Freeman fired his agent shortly thereafter, signaling some sort of regret, but he appears to have settled into the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse by now. Swanson is already over it based on his recent comments. And that’s for the best.

The Braves, meanwhile, have moved on from both. Freeman was replaced via trade by Matt Olson. Swanson will be replaced by Vaughn Grissom, most likely, who was one of the team’s top prospects.

Braves: What Freddie Freeman said about Dansby Swanson

Freeman and Swanson are quite fond of one another. Freeman was at Swanson’s wedding this winter. They stay in touch.

So, when Freeman says the Swanson made the right decision, it carries some weight.

“Oh, it’s not easy,” Freeman said about leaving Atlanta. “But he’s got a really good head on his shoulders. He’s got a good team around him, people who have been through it. He’s going to be just fine. He’ll take to Chicago very nicely. Mal’s already been there for a few years playing, so they’re going to be feet on the ground, settled already. Everything’s going to be just fine.”

It’s honest, and frankly true. Looking back, the Braves split from both Freeman and Swanson made sense at the time. Freeman stings a bit more given he was the backbone of an era of Atlanta baseball, but fans will learn to love him once the sting of his departure is gone.

Sometimes, a split is for the best.