Freeman stung by ATL departure, thrilled by Dodgers landing

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Freddie Freeman admits he’s nonetheless baffled and harm by the best way his 15 years with the Atlanta Braves ended.

The star slugger can also be thrilled that the messy breakup allowed him to begin the following chapter of his spectacular profession near house with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Freeman joined the Dodgers on Friday for his first exercise since agreeing to a $162 million, six-year contract to be a centerpiece of Los Angeles’ powerhouse roster.

“Everybody has simply welcomed me with open arms,” Freeman stated from the balcony of the Dodgers’ spring coaching advanced after lots of of followers beneath cheered whereas he donned a white Dodgers jersey for the primary time.

“They know the way a lot I care about profitable and household,” Freeman added. “If I used to be going to go away a spot I used to be for 15 years, coming house and being on this group might be the most effective factor that would have occurred.”

Freeman arrived on the Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch coaching advanced in a swimsuit and tie, however instantly obtained some good-natured ribbing from his extra laidback new teammates. Freeman is a Southern California native who most likely ought to have recognized higher, however he’s keen to slot in again house.

“It’s probably not a swimsuit group, I assume,” Freeman stated with amusing.

The 32-year-old slugger shortly become Dodger Blue for the primary showcase of his famously constant swing within the batting cages.

The Dodgers paid high greenback to get Freeman after his spectacular profession with the Braves, together with a 12-year run with the big-league membership culminating within the 2020 NL MVP award and the 2021 World Collection title.

Freeman will make $27 million a 12 months with Los Angeles, however $7 million is deferred in every of the primary three seasons and $12 million in every of the final three for a complete of $57 million. That cash is payable in installments of $4 million every July 1 from 2028-35, and $5 million every July 1 from 2036-40.

However the huge new contract and vivid future hasn’t quelled all of Freeman’s harm. He was the face of the Braves, however the slugger feels they turned their again on him.

Freeman additionally was not satisfied by the tears from Alex Anthopoulos when the Braves normal supervisor mentioned his departure: “I noticed them. That’s all I’ll say.”

Though Freeman obtained simply two telephone calls from the Atlanta entrance workplace through the offseason, he nonetheless figured he could be returning to the one crew for which he had ever suited up. He saved the religion even when he obtained a contract supply finally season’s commerce deadline, countered it — and by no means obtained one other supply.

His optimism vanished Monday when the Braves swung a dramatic commerce with Oakland for Matt Olson, who obtained a $168 million contract a day later.

Freeman was understanding at house in Orange County when he heard in regards to the Olson commerce, which “blindsided” him.

“I had no concept that was going to occur, something like that,” Freeman stated. “Once I obtained informed, feelings had been everywhere. I couldn’t actually converse for a few hours, attempting to determine what was happening.”

As soon as he gathered himself, Freeman and his agent entertained provides from a number of groups. The Dodgers simply made essentially the most sense.

“I talked to my spouse and I stated, ‘I feel it’s time to go house,’” Freeman stated. “I’ve obtained my 67-year-old dad and my 86-year-old grandfather who’s now going to have the ability to watch me play daily, identical to 15 years in the past in highschool, in order that’s what’s particular to me. To placed on a uniform that cares about profitable and strives to win yearly, that’s all you possibly can ask for.”

The five-time All-Star first baseman is anticipated to be a direct staple on the coronary heart of the Dodgers’ batting order and at first base as they search their second championship in three seasons.

“We couldn’t be extra excited so as to add him as a staple of our lineup for years to return,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stated.

Freeman batted .300 with 31 homers and 83 RBIs whereas enjoying in 161 common season video games final 12 months. He then hit .304 with 5 homers and 11 RBIs within the postseason whereas main the Braves to their first title since 1995, with a six-game victory over the Dodgers within the NLCS alongside the best way.

The Dodgers have made the playoffs in 9 consecutive seasons, they usually ignored their regular aversion to lavish long-term contracts to lock up Freeman, who lives within the Costa Del Mar neighborhood of Newport Seaside through the offseason, about 25 minutes from his boyhood house.

Freeman by no means actually thought he would depart Atlanta, however the Dodgers have had their eyes on him for a very long time, Friedman acknowledged.

“The previous few years, each time he obtained to first base, Justin Turner would have a dialog with him about how good he would look in Dodger Blue,” Friedman stated with a smile. “I feel there may positively be some tampering costs in opposition to Justin Turner.”

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Extra AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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