• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

Freddie Freeman Fires Excel, Who May Have Botched Braves Deal

  • Agent Casey Close reportedly did not disclose Atlanta’s final offer to Freeman, who ended up in Los Angeles.
  • The Braves replaced Freeman with Matt Olson, who signed the largest contract in team history.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Freddie Freeman’s return to Atlanta was always going to be emotional — but very few could have foreseen the whirlwind of drama it would whip up.

Following the Dodgers’ series against the Braves last weekend, Freeman fired his agent, Excel Sports Management’s Casey Close, who reportedly didn’t disclose Atlanta’s final offer to Freeman, per Fox Sports’ Doug Gottlieb.

Gottlieb explains, “Freeman was unaware of how willing to play ball the Atlanta Braves were … He found out over the weekend just how close Atlanta had come in their final offer, called up Casey Close and said, ‘You didn’t tell me about this offer? You’re fired.’”

It’s the latest twist in a saga stretching back to last season that saw Freeman shockingly leave Atlanta when all indications pointed toward him being a lifelong Brave.

Here’s how we got here, per ESPN’s Buster Olney:

  • With his contract expiring, the Braves initially offered Freeman a five-year, $125M extension during the 2021 season, bumping it up to five years, $140M after the lockout.
  • Freeman and Close had insisted on a sixth year, so Close presented an ultimatum: six years/$175M or five years/$165M.
  • Atlanta rejected both offers, instead trading for Oakland’s Matt Olson and subsequently signing him to an eight-year, $168M contract — surpassing Freeman for the largest deal in team history.
  • Shortly after, Freeman signed a six-year, $165M pact with the Dodgers.

Now, we know that there was allegedly another deal on the table — which Freeman may have accepted had Close not interfered.

Close, of course, had a profit incentive to get Freeman a more lucrative deal — something the agent vehemently denies.

In a statement to FOS’ A.J. Perez, Close said, “Gottlieb tweeted a wholly inaccurate characterization of our negotiations with the Atlanta Braves on behalf of Freddie Freeman. We are immediately evaluating all legal options to address the reckless publication of inaccurate information.”

Freeman is having a typically productive, if less powerful, season. He has a .306 average — but his .486 slugging percentage is his lowest since 2015. The Dodgers (46-28) have the best record in the National League.

Olson, meanwhile, is batting .253 on .481 slugging, but leads the majors in doubles, and the red-hot Braves (44-32) now trail the Mets (47-29) by only three games in the NL East.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.

Lachlan Murdoch’s Victory Brings Stability to Fox Sports Rights Future

The network’s status quo is solidified in the complex financial settlement.
opinion

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from NFL’s Week 1 Broadcasts

Many viewers decried the addition of ads to NFL RedZone.
StubHub

StubHub Seeks Big Valuation in Revived IPO Despite $112M Loss

The ticket marketplace looks to raise as much as $851 million.

Featured Today

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
Tennis
September 5, 2025

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Caitlin Clark
September 4, 2025

Caitlin Clark Says She Won’t Return From Injury This Year

She only played 13 games this season.
James Harden
September 4, 2025

James Harden’s Houston Restaurant Shut for Falling $2 Million Behind in Rent

A sign on the door says the locks have been changed.
exclusive
September 3, 2025

Angel Reese Faces Uncertain Future In Chicago After Publicly Torching Teammates 

Some sources say Reese’s future in Chicago may not be reparable.
September 3, 2025

No American Men in US Open Semifinals After 2024 Breakthrough

Two American men played in the semifinals last year.