It has been nearly four years since former Atlanta Braves stalwart Freddie Freeman left the organization, and still, it is hard to watch the legend in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform.
It doesn't help matters that Freeman has quickly cemented himself as a postseason performer with Los Angeles. Whether it was a late homer in this year's National League Championship Series or a game-winning grand slam in the 2024 World Series, the veteran 1B has lived up to every moment. It is a spark and leadership that the Braves have been missing for the last four seasons.
In no way is this meant as a shot at current first baseman Matt Olson, but rather pointing out the reality. The Braves downgraded from the National League's best to someone in the top-five conversation at the position. Objectively, that downgrade cost themselves a clubhouse leader and a player who could've made a major difference in how each season has ended since the Braves' 2021 World Series run. Atlanta punted on a franchise player, and it has continued to haunt them, watching as the former franchise player cemented his legacy for his next franchise.
Braves Continue to be Haunted by Freddie Freeman in 2025
It isn't just the postseason reliability that makes Freeman so missed in Atlanta. One of the biggest pitfalls for the offense over the last two years has been a lack of situational hitting and streaky hitters that cause the entire lineup to go silent. There isn't a season that has gone by that it isn't glaringly obvious this is a team that misses its former leader and a tone setter in the lineup.
Atlanta's front office opted to outthink itself and pay Olson top dollar instead of locking up its proven star. It was a decision that speaks to ego and a failure to anticipate the road ahead. This is evidenced by the incredible performance from the infielder over the last two postseasons, both of which have ended in the World Series, with the Dodgers currently seeking their second straight title this fall.
While many are going to be quick to point to the Dodgers' top spending as the reason behind this success, it is important to note that all the franchise has done is take advantage of the failures of other franchises. Whether it is Atlanta failing to pay Freeman or the Boston Red Sox opting not to pay Mookie Betts, the Dodgers are benefiting from others' mistakes.
For the Braves, this is going to continue to be a painful storyline that the franchise has written for itself. Freeman should've started and ended his career wearing only one uniform. Atlanta kicked a franchise legend to the curb, and not a season has gone by since that doesn't look like a massive mistake.