The Atlanta Braves clubhouse was “rattled” after losing Freddie Freeman and things may get more fraught with arbitration approaching.
The Braves took a calculated risk this offseason, letting long-time first baseman Freddie Freeman go in free agency while trading for his replacement in Matt Olson from the A’s.
On one hand, they got younger and slightly cheaper at Freeman’s position. On the other hand, they didn’t appear to make much of an effort to keep a veteran franchise legend who just helped them win a World Series.
Just losing the influence of Freeman in the clubhouse could have a major impact.
Braves were “rattled” losing Freddie Freeman
GM Alex Anthopoulos admitted as much on The Athletic’s Starkville podcast by describing the clubhouse as “rattled” after Freeman’s departure.
However, Ken Rosenthal has some questions about how the ripple effects could sow discontent in Atlanta.
After all, the World Series champs have five players heading for arbitration hearings this year. The entire league has just 31 scheduled.
For players like Max Fried, the hero of Game 6 of the World Series, that means holding an arbitration hearing to contest a difference of just $250,000. Austin Riley is also due for arbitration over that amount.
Considering both those players were part of a World Series run, the fact that Atlanta is willing to go to arbitration over that amount could send the wrong message. The Braves risk getting a reputation of not being interested in rewarding players who took them to the promised land.
After all, they gave Olson the biggest contract in franchise history instead of giving it to a player who gave them more than a decade of service and a championship.
As Rosenthal wrote, “the Braves’ internal dynamics bear watching…it’s not out of the question the deal will create resentment among certain players.”