Dodgers' Freeman: Braves only called me twice during offseason
If the Atlanta Braves intended to bring back Freddie Freeman for this season, they certainly didn't try very hard, according to the new Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman.
"I got two phone calls all offseason (from the Braves)," Freeman said at his introductory press conference Friday. "I got more from Andrew (Friedman) to my agent in a matter of a couple hours. … So I don't know how to interpret that."
"When the Dodgers and other teams expressed interest and wanted to communicate … to want to get me here, that was huge for me," he continued.
The California native added that he expected to play his entire career with the Braves but is happy to move closer to home.
"I didn't think I'd ever get to free agency if we're being honest about it. … If it wasn't going to be the Braves, I think (this) was the best decision," he said. "When the team that plays at home wants you to come home, too, I think that's what makes it such an easy and special decision."
Freeman officially signed with the Dodgers on Friday, four days after the Braves traded for fellow first baseman Matt Olson. Freeman was stunned when he heard about the Olson acquisition.
"The emotions were all over the place, to be honest," Freeman said. "I got the news when I was at (a) workout that the trade had happened. I had no idea that was going to happen. ... I didn't really speak for a couple of hours."
Before signing a six-year, $162-million contract with the Dodgers, Freeman spent his entire 12-year career with the Braves, helping them win a World Series in 2021, which came one season after he was named National League MVP.
Reports claimed Freeman was seeking a six-year deal worth around $180 million from Atlanta.
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos was emotional after completing the Olson trade earlier this week, presumably because it meant the end of Freeman's tenure in Atlanta.
When Freeman was asked about Anthopoulos' reaction during his introductory press conference on Friday, he provided an underwhelming response.
"I saw them. That's all I'll say," he said.