I Will Leave For Him To Play, Atlanta Braves Top Sensational Star Announced His Departure.
Freddie Freeman’s departure from the Atlanta Braves is poised to be the most agonizing move of the offseason, likely for both parties involved. However, one Braves icon isn’t expressing any sympathy for the departed first baseman.
Chipper Jones criticized Freeman for his handling of the situation, implying that Freeman didn’t genuinely desire to remain with the Braves if he allowed things to unfold as they did.
“I conveyed this to Freddie, and I have no qualms about sharing it publicly, including with Freddie: I disagree with the way he handled this,” Jones stated on 680 The Fan in Atlanta. “If you want to stay in Atlanta, then stay in Atlanta. Perhaps you take a slightly lower offer to be content and stay in a place that feels like home. The moment Freddie turned down the 5-year, $135 million offer after the All-Star break, I warned him, ‘You’re playing a risky game. If you entertain other offers, chances are you won’t return. By holding out for that sixth year, maybe until January, Alex Anthopoulos (Braves GM) has a job to do.'”
Although Freeman ultimately received his sixth year, it came from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both contracts carry an annual value of $27 million, but California’s tax rates mean Freeman won’t pocket as much as he would have in Atlanta.
The Braves acquired first baseman Matt Olson before Freeman signed with the Dodgers, a move that Freeman admitted stung. Jones contends that if Freeman truly wanted to remain with the Braves, he would have committed to Atlanta sooner. Jones believes the Braves were justified in proceeding with their offseason plans. While Freeman may have a different perspective, it’s now too late to change the outcome.
