CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 29: Dexter Fowler #24 of the Chicago Cubs flies out in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians in Game Four of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Former Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler defended Freddie Freeman’s former agent amid allegations made by Doug Gottlieb.
This week, a report indicated that Freddie Freeman was parting ways with his agent Casey Close of Excel Sports Management after being angry with how free agency negotiations went. As if the story could not escalate any further, Fox Sports Radio’s Doug Gottlieb took to Twitter to claim the reason why Freeman has moved on from Close is because he never told him about Atlanta’s final offer and that the first baseman found out about it recently.
Gottlieb’s allegations were disputed by Close and Excel Sports Management. Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler also came to the defense of Close on Twitter, saying he “has always been honest and forthright.”
Dexter Fowler defends Casey Close, Freddie Freeman’s former agent
As for the statement in question, Close said that he and Excel are “immediately evaluating all legal options to address the reckless publication of inaccurate information” made by Gottlieb.
The negotiations this offseason between Freeman and the Braves was among the top stories of the Hot Stove season. Freeman wanted a six-year commitment from Atlanta, but they were only willing to go five years.
The Braves showed that they moved on by acquiring Matt Olson from the Oakland Athletics to effectively replace Freeman. An eight-year contract worth $168 million solidified it. Freeman, on the other hand, signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Freeman returned to Atlanta this past weekend as a member of the opposing team, and he was overcome with emotion throughout.
Close did not take long to call out Gottlieb for his claims, and he received some support from Fowler.