Maybe some members of the Dodgers actually are put off by Freddie Freeman’s clear adoration for that Atlanta Braves.
If so, Dave Roberts isn’t one of them.
Freeman, a Southern California native, landed with the Dodgers this year after 12 MLB seasons with the Braves. Freeman had cemented himself as a franchise legend, but negotiations that fell apart to keep him in Atlanta resulted in Freeman going to L.A. and Matt Olson replacing him with the Braves.
This weekend marked Freeman’s return to Atlanta, with the Dodgers traveling to Truist Park. It was his first time there as a visiting player, and it also allowed for Freeman to get his 2021 World Series ring. He was visibly emotional the entire time, which some fans found off-putting. And when Clayton Kershaw said he hoped the Dodgers wouldn’t play “second fiddle” to the Braves, it sparked speculation that Los Angeles players were among those uncomfortable.
Appearing on “The Show: A NY Post Baseball Podcast” with Joel Sherman and Audacy MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the Dodgers manager defended Freeman.
"I think I used the word resolution,” Roberts said of Freeman’s Atlanta return. “I know Freddie doesn’t like the word closure, and I think that it’s reasonable in the sense that he spent 15 years in an organization, 12 in the big leagues, pouring his heart and soul into that ballclub, the organization, the fans and family too, he raised his kids there.
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“For me, I am very sympathetic towards that. And honestly guys, I love a person -- as I really try to pride myself on getting better each year and each day of being transparent. And Freddie is emotional, he wears his emotions on his sleeves, we’re all different. You East Coasters are a lot more tough and don't show your emotions, but you know what? Freddie is a West Coaster, man. And that’s OK with me. For me, he’s honest about his feelings. It hasn’t, obviously, affected his performance with the Dodgers. He plays to win, he’s a pro. But I don’t think that you can compare Atlanta to Los Angeles right now, the sample is not even close.
“So for me, I think Clayton said something a little tongue and cheek, took a little out of context – I know that they’re good. They’re two of my favorites and they’re going to help us win a lot of ballgames.”
Freeman reportedly fired his agent this week after the free agency fiasco, but he is now signed in Los Angeles through the 2027 campaign.
To Roberts’ point, the sample size in Los Angeles is small right now, and there is plenty of time for him to build a similar bond with the Dodgers that he had with the Braves.
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