There is no denying that Freddie Freeman remains an important part of Atlanta Braves history and one of the best hitters to ever put on the uniform. However, Freeman's exit inspired a frustrating comparison with Matt Olson that simply wouldn't find its end. There was no erasing the decision to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Olson was one of the league's best first basemen, giving both teams a clear win. In the years since, Freeman has won two World Series with the Dodgers while Olson wasted no time winning over Atlanta fans.
It seems that the 2026 season has finally put to bed the endless comparisons or debating what might have been. Watching Olson help lead the Atlanta offense and the gift of time has helped ease a comparison that it seemed simply would endlessly continue.
This isn't to say that Freeman doesn't still have a place in Atlanta's heart as a 2021 World Series champion and the face of the franchise in years past. What it does mean is that choices were made long ago, and it was far past time to put the discussion to bed and embrace the greatness of Olson for his own unique contributions.
Braves Appear to Finally Have Put Comparisons with Freddie Freeman to Bed
Part of what has made turning the page easier is seeing Freeman carve his own legacy with the Dodgers. The veteran now has three World Series titles in five years, with the first being with Atlanta before repeating each of the past two seasons. This is clearly cementing a Dodger legacy while Olson is focused on putting together an incredible resume of his own for the Braves.
Both players are unique in their hitting styles, but are unquestionably among the league's best at the position, with an easy argument being formed that they are the two best. With this in mind, it has grown easier for Atlanta fans not to forget Freeman, but to put the contributions in the past and understand that this is a part of the business.
Chipper Jones and former Braves legends spending their entire career with the organization is a rarity. Teams aren't often going to benefit from being able to have a franchise player stay in today's league, and Freeman serves as evidence of this fact.
With that said, Olson has wasted no time carving his own unique Atlanta resume and setting up what fans are hopeful is another potential World Series run. One that would even further the obvious fact of Atlanta fans finally putting Freeman firmly in the rearview.
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