Chipper Jones: Freeman being courted by 'prettiest girls on the block'

Baseball Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones believes the franchise could have its hands full keeping free-agent first baseman Freddie Freeman in the fold.

"The Braves have made some offers, didn't make him happy," Jones told the "Dukes & Bell" radio show in Atlanta on Tuesday. "He's being courted by some of the prettiest girls on the block right now, he's gonna listen to them."

Freeman's representatives reportedly met with the Toronto Blue Jays before the lockout. The New York Yankees were also said to be keeping tabs on the 32-year-old.

Despite interest from other clubs, Jones hopes Freeman takes his history with the Braves into account when making his decision.

"I hope that he thinks about his legacy here in Atlanta and they can come to some sort of an agreement to bring him back," Jones said. "Because I'd love nothing more than for his number to go right in there in between Dale Murphy and Bobby Cox. In between the 3 and the 6, a couple down from the No. 10 because we've talked about it often, and I think it would be a shame if that didn't happen."

Freeman is one of the top players to not sign a free-agent contract before the lockout.

The five-time All-Star had another strong campaign in 2021, hitting .300/.393/.503 with 31 home runs and 83 RBIs while helping Atlanta to its first World Series championship since 1995.