USA WBC manager Mark DeRosa thought that Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman was a lock for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He is California-born, a former MVP, and the face of American baseball. So, of course, he’d be rocking the red, white, and blue… right? But, imagine the shock when Freeman announced that he was going to play in the WBC, but only under the Canadian flag. But this decision was not random.

The decision had a personal reason behind it. Freeman’s mother, Rosemary, was born in Ontario. She passed away when Freeman was just a child, and so his playing for Canada is a silent homage to her memory. But while DeRosa respected the decision, what he couldn’t understand or respect was the Atlanta Braves’ decision to let a player like Freeman walk away in the first place!

DeRosa, still sounding stunned, said, “To me, Freddie Freeman in Atlanta is Dale Murphy, is Chipper Jones…. No one around Freddie thought he was declining.” According to him, the deal with the Dodgers happened rather quickly, and then Freeman was off to LA. What’s shocking to him is that the numbers Freeman asked were not even gigantic numbers.

Freddie Freeman had spent over 12 years with the Atlanta Braves. He hit .295, got on base nearly all the time, and even won the 2020 MVP. He even led the Braves to their World Series in 2021. He was the heart and soul of the clubhouse. The one the fans wanted to see retire in a Braves jersey. But sadly, after a bit of mixed communication, mismanagement, and maybe a little ego on all sides, he became a Los Angeles Dodger.

And for the Braves, it’s been tough watching their icon wear the blue jersey. Since coming to LA, Freeman has gotten even better. His gameplay, even through the adversaries last season, is not unknown to anybody. Freeman won the World Series MVP title, and it’s a testament to his performance. He even got the player of the week accolade just a week back- so his grind is on.

Now, Atlanta sure did move on with Matt Olson, who, in his own right, has been phenomenal. He hit 54 home runs last year and drove in 139, so maybe on paper it’s a win for them too. But surely when the socials flood with Freeman’s highlights, Braves fans still might feel a pinch.

Los Angeles Dodgers on the bunt for an under-the-radar star?

Freeman’s team, meanwhile, is seeing plenty of changes! Two of the World Series champs were let go, and Andrew Friedman stands tall for the decision taken. According to him, he and the team are looking at the greater good. Honestly, though, this was not always how Friedman was. The president of baseball operations was extremely cautious and surgical with decisions. One such decision is trades. He was always mindful to preserve the farm system while making some veteran add-ons. But that was when LA was climbing its way to the top. Things are a lot different now.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the reigning champs, and they are sitting atop the table now, too. Friedman has shown that he is not afraid to open the checkbook when needed. And if he scans the market for a piece, then there is one name rounding the block—Isiah Kiner-Falefa. He is currently playing for the Pirates, who are struggling to no end. Now, Falefa isn’t one of the flashiest names out there, but Dodgers Nation’s Jason Fray feels that he is the type of player LA needs. And it’s easy to see why. Falefa is flexible and can play everywhere from the infield to the outfield.

Given the Dodgers are managing injuries, rest days, and matchups, this is gold. Plus, Falefa is also on an expediting contract, so LA won’t have to spend more. His 277 average, .328 OBP, one homer, eight RBIs, and a 0.3 WAR in 35 games are great too.

So remains to be seen if Friedman would be one of those margin moves that pays off big time. Let us know what you think in the comments.