It’s 2024, and Freddie Freeman is a certified Dodgers icon, lighting up the World Series with his explosive performance. But the path that led Freeman from the Atlanta Braves to Los Angeles wasn’t a sure bet—far from it.
In fact, his journey to L.A. was full of twists and tension, and one person played a pivotal role in Freeman’s free agency saga. That one person is his former agent, Casey Close.
The Atlanta Braves Days
The story starts right after the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series win. Freeman was a lifelong fixture for many Braves fans, and he’d made it known he wanted to stay in Atlanta. The Braves were on board too—at first. They offered Freeman multiple deals, reflecting their desire to keep him in their clubhouse. But as fans would come to learn, the smooth process they envisioned would spiral into months of drama and miscommunication.
At the heart of the breakdown was Close, who many believe failed to keep the Braves updated during the critical stages of Freeman’s free agency. Close’s strategy revolved around squeezing out an extra year for Freeman, pushing the Braves beyond what they felt comfortable with for a then 32-year-old first baseman.
Braves Negotiations Hit a Wall
The Braves reportedly repeatedly upped their offers as the clock ticked into early 2022. Atlanta aimed to lock Freeman in for five more years. Their highest bid reached $140 million, but Close countered with a firm six-year, $175 million demand. It was a deal the Braves saw as too long-term for their plans.
March 11, 2022, marked the fateful day when negotiations fell apart. Close reportedly had given the Braves an ultimatum: either meet his six-year demand or settle on a five-year deal for $165 million, a price the Braves felt didn’t reflect their goal of a shorter commitment. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos didn’t hesitate to look elsewhere, and by March 13, Atlanta traded for first baseman Matt Olson, sealing Freeman’s fate.
The Aftermath and a New Beginning in L.A.
Heartbroken by how things turned out, Freddie Freeman made his way west. He signed a six-year, $162 million deal with the Dodgers on March 18, 2022. In the early months, Dodgers fans worried if Freeman saw the team as a consolation prize, especially when ace Clayton Kershaw wondered aloud if they might be “second fiddle” in Freeman’s heart. And it wasn’t long before Freeman took matters into his own hands, severing ties with Close and Excel Sports Management, making it clear he felt let down by how they handled the talks with Atlanta.
A New Legacy and Fan Favorite Status
Freddie Freeman didn’t just settle in L.A.; he thrived. Dodgers fans quickly embraced him, and “Freddie” chants filled Dodger Stadium. Freeman has shown resilience and determination despite personal challenges, like his young son Max’s diagnosis with Guillain-Barré syndrome and his own recent ankle injury. He rallied, impressing fans and teammates alike, and has redefined his role with Los Angeles.
With the Dodgers one game from winning it all, Freeman’s 2024 World Series performance is the stuff of legend. He’s made his mark from a walk-off grand slam to a streak of five home runs over multiple Series appearances. This journey has come full circle for a player who almost never left Atlanta.
