Freddie Freeman agent Casey Near suggests Atlanta Braves perpetuating ‘false narrative’

Agent Casey Shut accused the Atlanta Braves of perpetuating a “untrue narrative” regarding the departure of first baseman Freddie Freeman from the business, stating in a assertion to ESPN that he “will not stand by” as allegations about his role in Freeman becoming a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers continue on in the wake of the months-long fallout from the move.

Queries surrounding Close’s portion in Freeman leaving Atlanta for the Dodgers came to a head Wednesday, when radio host Doug Gottlieb accused Shut in a tweet of withholding the Braves’ remaining provide from Freeman. In a earlier statement, Shut named that “a wholly inaccurate characterization” and reported Excel Athletics is “evaluating all authorized solutions to address the reckless publication of inaccurate data.”

In a comply with-up assertion Thursday, Close reported: “I will not stand by as the conditions bordering Freddie Freeman’s departure from Atlanta are mischaracterized. Since March, the Braves have fostered a narrative about the negotiations which, stated plainly, is fake. Aspect of that fake narrative is the recommendation that I did not communicate a deal supply to the Freemans. To be obvious, we communicated each individual provide that was created, as nicely as every communication Excel had with the Braves firm all over the overall process. I have a 30-yr reputation in this company for integrity and honesty, and I have constantly operated with the utmost character. At Excel, we are privileged to represent lots of exemplary athletes, some of whom have picked out to commit their overall occupations with a single franchise. We often place the player’s plans and ideal interests very first and will generally proceed to do so.”

Negotiations on a deal extension in between the Braves and Freeman, who was with the organization from the 2007 draft as a result of their Globe Sequence earn in 2021, begun in earnest previous period. Immediately after the events could not appear to an settlement right after the trade deadline, Freeman submitted for no cost company but did not sign right before the Dec. 1 lockout. The disconnect Shut describes regards what transpired subsequent the reopening of no cost company.

In a cellphone discussion, Near told ESPN 3 former features — 1 towards the starting of the 2021 season and two in August, the last 1 for 5 a long time and $135 million — have been communicated formally by way of email. Near claimed the Braves hardly ever produced a official give for Freeman, 32, for the duration of absolutely free company and that the purported closing present — for five a long time and $140 million — was floated March 12 by Braves common manager Alex Anthopoulos as a likelihood. Close stated he relayed the discussions about the prospective present to Freeman but insisted it was not firm.

Although the Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays had expressed curiosity in Freeman, conversations experienced centered on parameters of a potential offer, not provides. Various media studies mentioned Shut issued an ultimatum to the Braves: They had 1 hour to take both a five-yr, $165 million deal or six-year, $175 million deal. Shut instructed ESPN: “I under no circumstances issued an ultimatum to the Braves or place a deadline on the negotiations.”

On March 14, two days immediately after the discussions finished, the Braves traded a prospect-laden package to Oakland for All-Star 1st baseman Matt Olson, whom they soon signed to an 8-12 months, $168 million agreement. On March 17, Freeman agreed to a 6-year, $162 million offer with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Braves have not publicly addressed in detail the Freeman discussions and declined remark when arrived at by ESPN.

The rousing ovation Freeman gained in his return to Atlanta in excess of the weekend highlighted the intricate repercussions of his no cost agency. Even though Freeman reported just before the collection “I have no regrets” above signing with the Dodgers, the lingering outcome is palpable. Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw told the Atlanta Journal-Structure “I hope we’re not next fiddle” in Freeman’s intellect.

Freeman’s return to Atlanta around the weekend coincided with his firing of Excel Sports activities Administration, whose baseball division is run by Near and employs Freeman’s longtime working day-to-day agent, Victor Menocal, in accordance to ESPN’s Buster Olney. Freeman, when requested irrespective of whether he had fired Excel, named his romance with the agency “fluid.” Freeman would be the 2nd popular shopper to depart from Excel this wintertime. Trevor Story, who signed a six-yr, $140 million cost-free-agent deal with the Boston Purple Sox, then left Excel for Wasserman.