It is the end of an era for the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are moving on from Freddie Freeman, and the loss is already impacting the team and the players who called him a teammate. His departure all but became official when the Braves acquired first baseman Matt Olson from the Oakland Athletics on Monday in exchange for four prospects: outfielder Cristian Pache, catcher Shea Langeliers, and right-handers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes.
Freeman, who has only ever played for the Braves, is now looking at free agency. He made his MLB debut in 2010 and has built quite the resume since then. He is a five-time All-Star, a Gold Glove Award winner, a World Series champion and a National League MVP.
His impact has made a lasting impression on the Braves -- some even think his No. 5 should be retired from the team.
Speaking with reporters, Braves star Dansby Swanson said, "I think really the simple answer here is No. 5 should never be worn again."
“The easiest thing to say is the number 5 should never be worn again [by a Braves player].”
— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) March 15, 2022
—Dansby Swanson on Freddie Freeman’s impact pic.twitter.com/t8DRVipPwo
Reliever Tyler Matzek also spoke about the mark Freeman has left on Atlanta, saying, "When I think Atlanta Braves, I think Freddie Freeman."
Current Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud was if he wanted to change lockers and occupy Freeman's old spot, but he declined.
"I can't replace those shoes," he said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Dodgers, Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays and Red Sox (so basically all of the AL East) are known to be interested in signing Freeman.
