Just as the Atlanta Braves are heating up, winning 18 of their last 28 games and climbing back into contention, the national baseball conversation has taken a puzzling turn—back to Freddie Freeman’s free agency departure from over three years ago.
Following Sunday’s convincing series win over the Boston Red Sox, the Braves have surged to the top of the National League since April 19, outperforming fellow contenders like the Mets, Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers. With Spencer Strider set to rejoin the rotation and Ronald Acuña Jr. nearing his return from a rehab assignment, Atlanta seems poised for a strong summer push.
But instead of focusing on the team’s resurgence, MLB Network chose to revisit the well-worn narrative of Freeman’s exit. During Monday’s episode of MLB Now, hosts Brian Kenny and Mark DeRosa harshly criticized Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos for choosing Matt Olson over Freeman, reopening a debate many in Atlanta are tired of rehashing.
Freeman has certainly thrived in Los Angeles, becoming one of the league’s most consistent offensive forces. He leads the NL in OPS (1.097) this season and was pivotal in the Dodgers’ World Series win. Olson, on the other hand, has had an uneven start to 2025 but showed signs of life with a strong series in Boston.
Still, Braves fans are left wondering why this conversation continues to dominate headlines. The situation was far from simple at the time, despite how revisionist history makes it appear.
It’s worth noting that Olson has been the second-most productive first baseman since 2022, trailing only Freeman according to FanGraphs and he’s over four years younger. Anthopoulos didn’t simply let Freeman walk; the Braves made an effort to keep him, but Freeman’s camp pushed for a top-dollar, long-term deal. There was even controversy over whether his agent withheld a final offer from Atlanta to protect Freeman’s image.
In the end, Freeman prioritized financial security with a six-year, $162 million contract from the Dodgers, while the Braves chose to invest in a younger star. Anthopoulos made a calculated decision that aligned with his philosophy and the team’s long-term goals.
Freeman has defied aging expectations and excelled, but the constant finger-pointing at the Braves front office ignores the context and complexity behind the decision. It’s time to move forward—and let this saga rest.
