Freddie Freeman enters the free agency market with his value at an all-time high after winning the 2021 World Series with the Atlanta Braves. The 32-year-old first baseman played a big part in landing Atlanta its first World Series title since 1995, tying Fred McGriff's franchise record for most homers in a postseason with five.
Freeman sets numerous records in World Series win
Freeman hit his record-tying fifth postseason homer in Game 6 of the World Series, blasting a solo shot in the top of the seventh inning to give Atlanta a commanding 7-0 lead. Freeman made history with that home run as he became the first Braves player with multiple RBIs and extra-base hits in a World Series clincher. He also tallied an RBI double in the fifth inning of Game 6.
Freeman is a Braves lifer, and it is hard to imagine him playing for another franchise, especially after this World Series win. He was selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 MLB Draft and made his big league debut for Atlanta in 2010.
Freeman is one of only five active players in the majors who have played at least 10 years for a single team when capturing their first World Series title. Only the Washington Nationals' Ryan Zimmermann (15 years) and the Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw (13 years) hold longer streaks than Freeman.
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Braves pay tribute to Freeman ahead of his free agency
The Braves' top brass hold Freeman in high esteem. After the World Series win, manager Brian Snitker paid tribute to his star first baseman, saying, "He's everything that the Braves epitomize. I mean, when you talk about a Braves-type player, it's Freddie Freeman." Snitker added that Freeman is his rock, and he does not know what he would do without him.
Braves chairman Terry McGuirk echoed his manager's sentiments, saying, "The character of the man comes first. That's what leads our team as a person and in the clubhouse. Freddie is a very, very special guy. We value him so highly."
The main question now is how much the Braves are willing to pay to retain the services of their franchise player. Freeman undoubtedly wants to be paid handsomely as he enters the free agency market for the first time in his illustrious career.
Freeman issued a statement about his upcoming free agency when he stopped by the Fox set after winning the World Series in Houston, saying, "Did I think I'd be sitting here with no contract? No, I didn't. This is a crazy game, a crazy business. But everyone knows where my heart is. And that's the Atlanta Braves."
The pressure now is on Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos to seal the deal with Freeman and make him stay in Atlanta for many more years to come.
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