MLB Rumors: Player Agent Blasts Braves For False Narrative Tied To Freeman Issue

The week saw a bit of controversy tied to Freddie Freeman with player-agent Casey Close placed in the hot seat. After spending most of his MLB years with the Atlanta Braves, the 32-year-old first baseman ended up getting shipped to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Given that five-time All-Star had sounded off about wanting to stay with the Braves for the rest of his MLB career, the move to Los Angeles was a bit odd. Now, it seems that the blame has been pinned on Close, a development that the player-agent did not take too kindly.

“I will not stand by as the circumstances surrounding Freddie Freeman’s departure from Atlanta are mischaracterized,” the Excel Sports Management agent said in a statement via the Associated Press.

Last week, Freeman was in tears when he returned to Atlanta. He was presented his World Series ring by Braves manager Brian Snitker.

At about the same time, word got out that Freeman had fired Close. However, he explained that their relationship was fluid even if the buzz was that the player's agent was fired.

It seems that part of this claimed that Close never informed Freeman about the Braves’ final offer. According to Doug Gottlieb, the 32-year-old only found out about it when he returned to Atlanta.

He further explained that while this is not unusual, Close allegedly knew that Freeman would have opted to stay with the Braves. The 58-year-old denied these claims and vowed to resort to legal actions if necessary to clear his name.

Close also got some surprise backing from MLB legend Derek Jeter. Both are not close but the 48-year-old bats that Close is a trusted advisor and friend.

“I have known Casey since I was 18,” Jeter began on Twitter. “Over the last 30 years, we have had our share of differences of opinion, but to this day, he remains a trusted advisor and friend. He is a man who values morals, integrity and above all else honesty and transparency,” Jeter stated.