When Chipper Jones warned former Braves star Freddie Freeman not to get caught up in free agency drama
In March 2022, Atlanta Braves legend Chipper Jones appeared on Atlanta radio station 680 The Fan and opened up about his conversation with Freddie Freeman over the perils of free agency.
As per Jones, he cautioned Freeman not to get involved in free-agency drama and accept whatever offer he had on the table from Atlanta.
"You’re playing a very dangerous game. You go out on the free agent market, you get courted by all the pretty girls that are on the block, chances are, you’re not gonna come back. If you take your time waiting on that six-year (deal) into January, (Atlanta) has a job to do," recalled Jones about having a discussion with Freeman when he was offered a five-year, $135 million deal by the Braves.
Freeman declined the Braves' qualifying offer and became a free agent after the 2021 season. The Braves were keen on retaining the third baseman and reportedly increased their offer to five years and $140 million.
However, Freeman was insistent on a sixth year. That proved to be a sticking point in negotiations. The Braves ended up signing Matt Olson from the Oakland Athletics to an eight-year contract, parting ways with Freeman.
Freddie Freeman landed deal with Los Angeles Dodgers
Nobody in the MLB expected the love affair between the Atlanta Braves and Freeman to end the way it did. Freeman signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers after playing with the Braves from 2010 to 2021. On April 8, 2022, he made his Dodgers debut against the Colorado Rockies.
In an intriguing turn of events, on June 24, 2022, Freeman received his 2021 World Series ring before the LA Dodgers' game against the Braves at Truist Park.
After representing Team Canada in the 2023 WBC, Freeman is preparing to launch his second campaign with LA. Opening Day is around the corner, with all MLB teams set to play on March 30.