For months, speculation about Freddie Freeman‘s next destination in MLB took him to a variety of potential landing spots, from the Atlanta Braves to the Los Angeles Dodgers and even the New York Yankees.
However, Braves fans knew that the Braves re-signing him eventually was still the most likely scenario: they love him there, and he loves the city and the franchise.
He is fresh off getting his first World Series win, and the marriage appeared set for an extension.
But the Braves are wary about investing top dollar in an aging star.
They haven’t been ruled out, but their chances are not looking good at the moment.
There is a ‘growing belief’ that Freddie Freeman will not return to the Braves, per @Buster_ESPN pic.twitter.com/25OvmEfPyA
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) February 22, 2022
According to ESPN insider Buster Olney, there is a “growing belief” Freeman won’t return to the Braves.
That’s right: the Braves are not crazy about re-signing the MVP of the 2020 season in the National League and the hitter who had five home runs during Atlanta’s run to the World Series in the playoffs.
Fans Are Not Thrilled About The Prospect Of No Freddie
Obviously, fans started to react on social media upon hearing the Freeman news on Tuesday.
Braves fans hearing the Freddie Freeman rumors pic.twitter.com/811ebxMbxT
— Zane Trower (@zanetrower) February 22, 2022
Fans can’t understand how the Braves could let the chance of making Freeman a Brave for life pass: he remains a top bat (he hit .300 with 31 homers and 120 runs scored in 2021, with a huge showing in the playoffs) and is a clubhouse leader, not to mention a respect figure among baseball and a Braves ambassador.
Atlanta fans have no baseball, and may not have Freeman either.
just waiting for baseball to begin with all these Freddie Freeman not re-signing with the #braves rumors going around pic.twitter.com/aAZW6GUJ8i
— chip (@chiphoosier) February 22, 2022
One can understand their frustration, especially since the Braves’ contention window remains wide open after Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies, among others, signed team-friendly deals in recent seasons.
I don’t want to live in a world where Freddie Freeman isn’t playing for the Atlanta Braves.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) February 22, 2022
Only time will tell if Freeman does indeed wear a different uniform than the Braves’, but fans have every right to be annoyed.
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