Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman will be a free agent after the 2021 campaign. However, he doesn't want to play for another organization.
Freeman, who has spent his entire career with the Braves, told USA Today Sports that he would love to spend his entire career with the franchise.
"I've been in this organization for 15 years, nearly half of my life, and it means everything to me," Freeman said. "I am an Atlanta Brave. I love his organization. I don't know anything else.
"The grass isn't always greener on the other side, you know, and the grass is pretty green here. I know there is a business side to everything, but I really do hope we can work it out where I'm staying here. It's weird it's even gone down to this. But there's nowhere else I want to go.
"It would mean the world to me to spend my entire career here."
While Freeman doesn't want to leave Atlanta, a "gap" reportedly exists between the Braves and the veteran first baseman as the two sides look to hammer out a deal.
Freddie Freeman and Braves have been talking but there’s still a gap so free agency appears a surprisingly strong possibility. Both sides want to get it done and that’s the likelihood eventually. Reminiscent of Turner/LAD and HOF Jeter/NYY talks, great FA who stayed. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 9, 2021
Freeman should command another lucrative contract as he finishes out his eight-year, $135 million deal. He's hitting .300/.393/.509 with 31 home runs and 82 RBI this season.
The 32-year-old has been a staple in Atlanta's lineup over the years and is part of the reason why the club is still atop in the NL East following Ronald Acuna Jr.'s season-ending injury.
Freeman has spent his entire 12-year career in Atlanta. He's a five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. The former MVP has never been a free agent before, and it certainly seems like the Braves want to keep it that way.
The Braves are first in the NL East with an 83-72 record, 2.5 games ahead of the second-place Philadelphia Phillies. With the season winding down, the clock is ticking on Freeman's contract situation.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!