Most MLB fans, and specifically Atlanta Braves fans, didn’t think they would be saying goodbye to longtime franchise icon Freddie Freeman while he was still in his prime.
That’s exactly what happened this week: the Braves decided to go younger and cheaper, trading for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson and extending him on an eight-year, $168 million pact.
Freeman, a free agent, is asking for six years and $180 million, so the Braves prioritized Olson’s age advantage (27 to 32) and the fact he could extend him without paying him until he was close to 40.
It’s a business decision, one that Freeman probably understands.
Fans?
Not so much: they will miss their beloved star, even if they rightfully recognize that Olson is very, very good.
Freeman couldn’t let the opportunity to say goodbye to the Braves’ fans pass.
Freddie Freeman pens goodbye letter to Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/TLWv9ekFcz
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) March 16, 2022
A Touching Letter
In an open letter, he said, among other things, that it was an honor to play in front of Atlanta’s fans.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It has been a blast to have you cheer for me and I hope I was able to bring smiles to a lot of your homes over the years. I gave everything I had day in and day out and I hope you guys saw that as well,” he wrote.
He went on to say that fans were there when he was a baby faced kid getting married and raising three children.
It was a very touching letter from a very classy man, one that will be forever in the fans’ hearts.
Even neutral fans and outside observers have grown to like and respect Freeman for his contributions to the game.
The entire baseball universe is now paying attention to see where he will continue his outstanding career, one that could eventually take him to the Hall of Fame.
