The 2021-22 offseason in MLB brought us a few surprises.
First of all, it was divided in two parts, because of the lockout.
Secondly, we saw lots of shocking moves and players go to unexpected destinations.
Kris Bryant went to Colorado, and the Texas Rangers spent $500 million on their middle infield, for example.
Who in their right state of mind imagined Freddie Freeman leaving the Atlanta Braves?
And who had Kenley Jansen, the longtime Los Angeles Dodgers’ closer, leaving California?
As destiny had it, Freeman went to the Dodgers and Jansen to the Braves.
Funny how things work out, huh?
Baseball Insists On Pairing Freeman With Jansen
The Braves refused to give Freeman a six-year deal and, instead, the star first baseman signed a six-year, $162 million pact with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers decided to prioritize the acquisition of Craig Kimbrel and, as a result, the Braves handed Jansen a one-year, $16 million pact.
Their fates, once again, collided on Tuesday.
“Kenley Jansen gets his first save against the Dodgers. The final out: Freddie Freeman,” Bally Sports Braves tweeted.
Kenley Jansen gets his first save against the Dodgers.
The final out: Freddie Freeman. pic.twitter.com/oTdqC6Dbz7
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 20, 2022
In the ninth inning of last night’s game, Freeman flew out to deep left-center field, near the warning track, but the ball found the center fielder’s glove and that’s when the Dodgers’ hopes ended.
Jansen, who has a 5.40 ERA for the season, finally notched the first save of his season.
Freeman, on the other hand, is hitting .295/.373/.432 with one home run in 11 games for the Dodgers, and is likely to contribute all season for a top team.
Jansen is also expected to bring some stability to the Braves’ bullpen.
Both men remain stars on their primes, and their teams expect big things from them.
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