The Los Angeles Dodgers signing Freddie Freeman in free agency was a stunning development in free agency, as most considered a new contract would be reached with the Atlanta Braves.
Freeman had long expressed a belief — and desire — of spending his entire career with the Braves, but failed contract negotiations led to a separation. Blame for how that came to be has been placed on all parties involved, with Casey Close of Excel Sports Management taking increased scrutiny.
Close has adamantly denied reports of not providing the Braves’ final contract offer to Freeman, who has declined to publicly address the topic. Freeman also has not confirmed or denied if he fired Close.
The saga has been ongoing since his emotional return to Truist Park as a visiting player for the first time. Clayton Kershaw recognized the special moment it was but also said he hoped the Dodgers were front of mind for Freeman.
While the saga could serve as a distraction, manager Dave Roberts dismissed having any concern over it impacting the Dodgers clubhouse.
“No, I’m not. I think that athletes, teams have a way of compartmentalizing. I think that that’s something that Freddie’s got to deal with,” he said.
“Certainly there’s more talk of it in our clubhouse, but when the first pitch is thrown, we’re here to win a baseball game. So it has not affect. Us losing the last couple nights, believe me, that had nothing to do with us losing baseball games.”
Despite being emotionally overwhelmed while playing in Atlanta, Freeman went 4-for-12 with one double, one RBI, three walks and six strikeouts. The Dodgers took two of three games, including winning in extra innings for the first time this season.
Freeman focused on Dodgers
When discussing his career with the Braves during the Dodgers’ introductory press conference, for their visit to Dodger Stadium and again when returning to Atlanta, Freeman continued to maintain he didn’t need or want closure on that era of his life.
However, he more recently said he needed to close the door on the past and his focus is with the Dodgers.
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