Should the Braves Retire Freddie Freeman’s Number
The thought of whether or not the Braves should retire Freeman’s number is a topic that has come up a lot this week.
Again, I think just like with his legacy, it will depend on how things play out. Can you really retire the number of a player who goes to another team that constantly knocks you out of the playoffs (if that were to happen)?
I’ve seen some say that Andruw Jones’ number isn’t retired and he deserves it more than Freddie. While Andruw is one of my favorite players of all time, he never won a World Series or an MVP in Atlanta.
I do think AJ’s number should be retired, though, because I also think he should be in the Hall of Fame as the best defensive center fielder of all time.
If Freddie Freeman ends up going into the Hall of Fame — and I would assume it’s a Brave — then you would almost have to retire his number.
Greg Maddux would be the only player who has their number retired with the Braves that played fewer seasons in Atlanta than Freddie.
Freeman ranks sixth in franchise history in WAR by position players. Everyone ahead of him has their number retired except Andruw.
It’s a toss-up for me right now — I wouldn’t be bothered either way if they decide to retire it or not. Again, a lot will depend on how the rest of his career plays out.
Let me know in the comments if your feelings on Freddie Freeman have changed with everything that transpired this offseason, and if you think the Braves should retire his number.