Following Freddie Freeman‘s emotional return to Truist Park, he announced that he is switching agencies because he believes they mishandled his free agent negotiations. As tears ran down Freeman’s face throughout the entire weekend, it couldn’t be more clear that he was wearing the wrong uniform. Unfortunately, there’s no going back now.
His agents played a dangerous game, which Freeman was also a part of, and they lost. Alex Anthopoulos called their bluff and pulled the blockbuster trade for Matt Olson off, who quickly signed an eight-year extension with the team. In the blink of an eye, Freeman’s career in Atlanta was over.
Understandably, people have wondered how the negotiations between Freeman and the Braves would affect Dansby Swanson‘s looming free agency. Swanson is also represented by Excel Sports; however, he said in a statement today that Freeman’s departure from the agency will not play a factor in his decision this Winter. Swanson also confirmed he will remain with Excel Sports.
There’s no reason not to take Swanson for his word, but with that being said, I find it hard to believe that he watched what transpired with Freeman this weekend and it had absolutely no effect on him.
At the very least, Freeman’s situation should serve as a caution to all free agents. It is not the Atlanta Freddie Freemans or the Atlanta Dansby Swansons. This is the Atlanta Braves, and nobody is irreplaceable. If Swanson decides to play games, just know the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
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