DENVER – As uncertainty continues to swirl over Freddie Freeman’s potential free agency after this season, the Braves first baseman remains adamant he wants to spend his entire career with the franchise.
Freeman, 31, was in Denver this week for his fifth All-Star Game (and third consecutive start). The reigning National League MVP spoke with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution during the NL team’s batting practice and reiterated his desire to re-sign with the Braves.
“Yes, 100 percent (I want to stay),” Freeman said. “I hope something gets done. I wish something had (already) been done so we’re not talking about this. But I’m just the player. I don’t bring contracts down or offer contracts or talk and all that. I hope I’m here. I really do. I love this organization with all my heart.
“I’ve been here since I was 17 years old and I turn 32 in September. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, so I truly do hope something gets done. But I can’t control that, unfortunately, or we wouldn’t be having this conversation. So I hope, either in the next three months or if they really want it to go to free agency or whatever, I really hope something works out where I’m still putting on this uniform every day.”
Earlier in the season, Freeman repeatedly said there were no contract talks with the club. Freeman, who debuted in 2010 and has been a staple in the team’s infield since 2011, is completing an eight-year contract worth $135 million. During the deal, Freeman became the face of franchise, remaining committed through a rebuild until the Braves re-emerged in 2018, when they won their first of three consecutive division crowns.