Monday, the Braves made a seismic move by acquiring A’s All-Star Matt Olson, a trade many interpreted as an admission of defeat, alluding to the likely departure of free agent Freddie Freeman. The former MVP will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest players to ever don a Braves uniform, pacing all MLB first baseman in both hits (180) and runs scored (120) last season. It was only fitting that Freeman, the longest-tenured player on Atlanta’s roster, secured the final out of last year’s World Series, clinching the Braves’ first title in 26 years.
The 32-year-old is still weighing his options, gauging interest from the Red Sox, Yankees, Rays and his hometown Dodgers, among other suitors. Freeman’s 12 seasons with the Braves produced five All-Star appearances, three Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove Award. Assuming this is it for the former second-round pick, Freeman will finish his Atlanta tenure with 1,704 hits, 271 homers, 367 doubles, 776 walks, 941 RBI and 969 runs scored, ranking among the Braves’ all-time top 10 in each category. For his contributions, Dansby Swanson thinks his soon-to-be ex-teammate should have his number retired.
Braves fans, at least the ones who made their feelings known on Twitter, didn’t seem all that receptive to Swanson’s suggestion, bemoaning Freeman for leaving the team high and dry. Of course, Atlanta’s front office is equally to blame for not ponying up the funds necessary to keep a franchise cornerstone in the prime of his career. With the wound still fresh, Braves fans don’t yet have the benefit of perspective, fueled by the frustration and heartbreak that are yearly staples of MLB free agency.
The Braves, at least relative to other teams, have been unusually choosy about what numbers they retire, letting Andruw Jones’ No. 25 remain in circulation. Freeman was a well-liked and impactful player for the Braves, but does he belong in the same class as all-time greats like Hank Aaron, Greg Maddux, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Warren Spahn and Eddie Matthews? We know where Swanson stands, but ultimately, it will be up to the Braves and their fans to decide Freeman’s legacy.
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