Boils down to Freddie’s agents trying to play hardball and losing. Braves made him an offer in 2020 that was low because of COVID, they wanted more. Braves upped the offer before the 2021 season, they wanted more. Braves upped the offer to 5/140 after this season, they wanted more. Anthopolous gave them a deadline- said the Braves needed to move on- and they made two counter offers something like 6/168 or 5/165. AA turned them both down and made the trade for Olson within about 24 hours, got the extension done while he was en route to Atlanta.
A handful of quotes from Chipper saying that Freddie wanted to stay and chipper warned him that he’s “playing a dangerous game” and “Alex has a job to do.” Apparently Freddie was heartbroken when the Braves moved on.
Honestly not sure how to read it other than AA did exactly what he should have done.
Hudson2 (03-18-2022)
From the espn+ article regarding Olson's extension
In his history of negotiations with Anthopolous, Abbott says, "Alex is someone you don't negotiate against. He's someone you negotiate with. ... You work with him and tell him what you want."
This exchange was no different. Atlanta's first proposal was $140 million over seven years, and when Abbott countered, it kicked off rapid-fire haggling. Olson boarded a plane in Arizona at 11:50 p.m., and Abbott told his client to get on Wifi because he'd need to get in touch with him during the flight. After some back and forth, Abbott proposed $168 million over eight years, with a club option for a ninth year. When Anthopoulos agreed, Abbott texted the numbers to Olson, who has made about $6.1 million in his career to date.
Olson responded: Are you serious?
When Abbott confirmed the numbers, Olson replied: Holy s---.
He still could barely believe it -- he asked Abbott if the money was all guaranteed.
Yes. All of it.
Its wild that Freeman haggled for money that will make no difference to his family long term (especially when you consider after tax dollars).
I wish we could have him back as well as the prospects.
Awful.
Natural Immunity Croc
Andruw doesn’t get near enough love from Braves fans for going behind Boras’s back to get that deal done.
The 14 year division streak is as much about players sacrificing to keep the team together than anything else. Phil Jackson talked about the “dance of the wounded egos” and how once you have had team success, individuals begin prioritizing themselves. It’s incredible how the Braves had so many players bigger than that during the streak.
DirkPiggler (03-18-2022), JohnAdcox (03-18-2022), Mrs. Meta (03-18-2022), The Chosen One (03-18-2022)
Tapate50 (03-18-2022), The Chosen One (03-18-2022)
Hard to not wish him well in all his future endeavors at this point and turn to the Olson page
Ivermectin Man
Freddie sounds super salty.
Forever Fredi
Forever Fredi
Hudson2 (03-18-2022), Mrs. Meta (03-18-2022), The Chosen One (03-18-2022)
I have a tough time with Freddie playing victim here. He’s acting as if AA did some grand betrayal.