The Atlanta Braves shockingly completed a trade for Oakland Athletics star first baseman Matt Olson earlier Monday after months of rumors surrounding the All-Star. Not only did the Braves have to part ways with some of the most talented prospects in their farm system to acquire Olson, but the deal for the Athletics star represents the end of the Freddie Freeman era in Atlanta. Freeman, who spent all 12 seasons of his career in Atlanta, is all but gone with Olson set to handle the first base duties. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos spoke about the Olson trade but got emotional when discussing its implications for Freeman, as reported by David O'Brien of The Athletic.

Alex Anthopoulos spoke about the Olson trade, saying that it was the “toughest decision he's ever had to make as a GM.” It very well may have been, but not for reasons having to do with the Athletics star. It has everything to do with Freeman.

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By trading for Olson, the Braves were essentially waving the white flag in contract negotiations for Freeman, who repeatedly expressed a desire to return to the only franchise he's ever known. It had to be emotional for Anthopoulos to carry out such a move knowing the full implications of it.

However, it's even more emotional for Braves fans who are at a loss for words to explain where things went wrong with Freeman and Atlanta.