Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman signed a six-year, $162 million contract as a free agent in the offseason, but reportedly wasn't happy with the negotiations that led to his departure from the Atlanta Braves.
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Freeman parted ways with his representatives and told friends he is "angry" about how his free agency played out. Freeman responded to the report by calling it a "fluid situation" in a statement.
Freddie Freeman’s statement:
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 28, 2022
Last weekend in Atlanta was a very emotional time for me and my family. I am working through some issues with my longtime agents at Excel. My representation remains a fluid situation and I will update if needed.
Freeman later told reporters that he learned a lot about how his free agency played out after he "talked to the other side."
Over the weekend, Freeman returned to Atlanta for a three-game series against the Braves and received his World Series ring. Dodgers star pitcher Clayton Kershaw said it was "very cool" to see the reception the first baseman received from the Atlanta crowd, but also seemed to suggest that Freeman may have some regrets about leaving the Braves.
“He’s obviously been a big contributor for our team. And I hope we’re not second fiddle.”-Clayton Kershaw to @GabeBurnsAJC https://t.co/pwblmMvTDx pic.twitter.com/JiafX6FQMi
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) June 26, 2022
Freeman, 32, was drafted by the Braves in 2007 and made his MLB debut in 2010. He was a five-time All-Star with the team and earned NL MVP honors during the shortened 2020 season. Freeman is batting .304 this season with eight home runs and 46 RBI.
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