Freddie Freeman on playing at home in the World Series, Free Agency and Ron Washington

Freddie Freeman has spent his entire career with the Atlanta Braves and will suit up for this home World Series game Friday night at Truist Park. Freeman has been the heart and soul of the this team for a long time. He was shining light throughout the rebuild and helped the Braves return to the postseason. It is the biggest moment of his and his teammates career but they are doing the best they can to not get caught up on the pressure of playing in the World Series for the first time.

“I have been here a long time, that means I’m getting old,” Freeman said. “We’ve been in the playoffs the last four years, so everyone knows what the feeling is like.”

“We’ve got two games under our belt, but the first one at home, you’re still going to get those jitters,” Freeman added. “Game 2, they weren’t the same as Game 1. You felt like it was a normal game, but tonight’s going to be awesome. The crowd is going to be amazing. A lot of us have a good head on our shoulders, and we know what we need to accomplish to get this thing done.”

All of Freeman’s focus is on the World Series this weekend but somewhere in the back of his mind, the uncertainty with his contract status remains. Freeman was asked about his pending free agency and said he is trying to not think about it but did acknowledge the fact that this weekend could be his final games as a member of the Atlanta Braves.

“I’m trying to not think about that,” Freeman said. “I was talking to my agent yesterday actually, and it kind of came up that this is three more games here. I haven’t envisioned playing anywhere else because I haven’t gotten to that point yet. Since 2007 I got to put on a Braves uniform with the Gulf Coast League team. It’s all I’ve ever known.”

“But it is a little weird that by next Sunday, Monday, I could be a free agent, which is very, very weird to me,” Freeman added. “It hasn’t hit me because I’m trying to put that off because a little bit more important things at task right now.”

Freeman once again reiterated that his preference is to remain in Atlanta.

“I think everyone in this room knows I want to stay here,” Freeman said.

Ron Washington was thought to be a candidate for San Diego’s managerial opening before they hired Bob Melvin away from the Athletics Wednesday night. Oakland now has an opening and Washington has ties there as well having coached there prior to joining the Braves. Freeman was asked what his thoughts would be if a team called him and asked about Washington.

“I’d say that man deserves it,” Freeman said of Washington. “That man, I don’t want him to leave, but he deserves every opportunity if a managerial job opens up for him. He’s an unbelievable leader. He has the enthusiasm. He has the drive to win, to care about. He loves coaching. He loves just bringing young men up and just being the better of themselves.”

“As much as I want Wash to stay, if someone came calling, he’d be the first on my list.”