Prior to MLB team owners unanimously voting to impose a lockout at the beginning of December, it was widely presumed Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves would quickly agree to a new contract.
The five-time All-Star has been the face of the franchise for over a decade and just led Atlanta to their first World Series title since 1995.
However, negotiations between Freeman and the Braves never gained much traction as they were believed to be in disagreement over a sixth year. The two sides may very well continue their relationship, but the 32-year-old at minimum must consider the possibility of playing elsewhere.