It’s been a tough week for Atlanta sports fans, losing both Freddie Freeman and Matt Ryan. But Freeman doesn’t seem to care much about the Braves’ sorrows.
When Braves general manager Alex Anthopolous was forced to discuss his trade for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson, he teared up, knowing all too well what it means for the future of the franchise.
Freddie Freeman was gone, and he had been chased out by Anthopolous’ own doing.
Freeman later claimed he didn’t get much notice from the Braves, and found out about the trade via his phone. His family — specifically his mother and wife — were heartbroken he’d played his last game with the only franchise he’d ever known. At least, that’s the story Freeman wants to tell.
The Braves’ version is that Freeman gave them an hour to accept a counteroffer that was far more than the contract he’d end up accepting via the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Every breakup is nasty, even one where both parties know it’s in their best interest to move on. Freeman got to go back home, and the Braves received a younger, similar replacement in Olson.
Braves: Freddie Freeman not falling for Alex Anthopolous’ tears
Freeman was asked if he saw Anthopolous’ choke up in the aftermath of trading for Olson.
His response, while candid, did appear to show a bit of angst.
“I saw them, that’s all I’ll say,” Freeman said.
That doesn’t sound like a man who feels any remorse about the situation.
Whether Anthopolous’ tears were real or for show remains to be seen — we’ll likely never know. But Freeman’s days in Atlanta are behind him, and the reporting about his departure is only making the divorce more messy.
He will not be this generation’s Chipper Jones, and he’s fine with that.