The Atlanta Braves made the tough decision to move on from Freddie Freeman this offseason, opting against re-signing the franchise legend and instead facilitating a trade for Matt Olson. With Freeman now in LA, having signed a multi-year deal with the Dodgers, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos opened up on the impact the longtime first baseman's departure has had on the team. Via Audacy Sports, Anthopoulos admitted the Braves' clubhouse was a bit “rattled” after Freeman's exit from Atlanta.

“…I do believe having those things in place at that moment in time considering how emotional it was with the signaling of Freddie not coming back – and the clubhouse was rattled, I think that goes without saying that that’s fair to say…,” said Anthopoulos via The Athletic Baseball Show

Anthopoulos didn't try to hide the fact that Freeman's departure shook up the clubhouse. It would be virtually impossible for it not to have had that effect. Freeman had spent more than a decade in Atlanta manning first base and was a clubhouse leader and one of the veteran players on the team. Not having him around will certainly take some getting used to, but Anthopoulos is confident in Olson's ability to take over the position and step into a leadership role.

The Braves are hoping to repeat as World Series champs and the addition of Olson will certainly help them achieve their goal. However, letting Freeman join a fellow National League contender in the Dodgers could prove to be a costly mistake from the franchise, the impacts of which are already trickling into the clubhouse in Atlanta.