When Freddie Freeman was resolute on signing off his major league career with Atlanta Braves

All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman played for the Atlanta Braves for 12 seasons before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nevertheless, there was a time when he was resolute about retiring with the Braves.

Former Braves general manager John Coppolella took over the team's overhaul during the 2015 offseason and traded numerous players.

In March 2016, Freeman was questioned by Schultz Jeff, a former sports columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, regarding the possibility of being traded by the Braves.

Freeman responded by saying:

“No, that never crossed my mind.

"Every time I knocked on the door, they opened it and let me come through. Three years later, they give me an eight-year deal. Why would I ever want to leave? They’ve given me everything I’ve ever hoped and dreamed of. Just because you trade some of my friends, it’s going to make me want to leave? I never once thought of leaving the Braves.”

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"The 1st cycle of 2016! FREDDIE FREEMAN!" - FOX Sports: MLB

Freeman participated in 158 games in 2016 and had a batting average of .302, 43 doubles, 34 home runs, and 91 RBIs.

Atlanta Braves closed the door on Freddie Freeman in 2022

Arizona Diamondbacks v Los Angeles Dodgers

Freddie Freeman's contract with the Atlanta Braves expired in 2021. The team offered him a five-year, $125 million contract, but Freeman turned it down and elected free agency.

To retain him, the Braves allegedly upped their previous offer to five years and $140 million, but Freeman and his representative insisted on a sixth year. His agent reportedly gave the Braves an ultimatum and offered them two proposals. However, the organization rejected both and withdrew their previous offer.

To everyone's surprise, Matt Olson was acquired by the Braves from the Oakland Athletics for an eight-year contract, effectively ending Freeman's time with the team.

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