Once the Braves acquired Matt Olson from the A’s Monday, the Freddie Freeman era came to an end in Atlanta, but until now, we didn’t know he would land.
After 15 years in Atlanta, Freeman is finalizing a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers—just a 35-minute drive from his hometown of Fountain Valley, California.
Opting to test the waters in free agency, Freeman declined the Braves’ offer of a 5-year, $135 million contract before the lockout as the 32-year-old first baseman sought a 6th year in the deal. ESPN's Jeff Passan is reporting that Freeman got the extra year with the deal coming out to 6-year, $162 million.
The Dodgers were always seen as the favorites to sign the 2020 NL MVP if he were to leave the Braves, but the Red Sox, Rays and Yankees also had a rumored interest throughout the process.
Earlier today, Freeman officially penned his farewell to the Braves organization and the fans in a post on Instagram.
As for the Braves, they inked their new first baseman to an 8-year, $168 million contract following the trade. To acquire the 2x gold glove recipient, the Braves did part ways with OF Christian Pache, C Shea Langeliers, RHP Ryan Cusick and RHP Joey Estes.
Despite getting one the best young first baseman in the sport to replace him, Braves GM Alex Anthopolous clearly felt the magnitude of the decision to move on from Freeman as he called it the “hardest transaction” he’s ever made earlier this week.
It will look different on opening day without Freeman in the lineup for the Braves, but if it was going to be someone else at first base, Olson is as good as it gets.