Why Freddie Freeman never became a free agent for the Yankees

The Yankees were said to be interested in Freddie Freeman three years ago when he became a free agent.

But somewhat mysteriously — even after negotiations with his incumbent, beloved Braves became difficult — the Yankees were barely connected after an initial conversation with Freeman, who may have nearly locked the World Series MVP against them with home runs in each of the first four games.

But now a possible explanation has finally emerged.

“He didn’t want to come here,” a Yankees official said. “He wanted to stay in Atlanta, and if he couldn’t stay in Atlanta, he wanted to go to LA.”

Earlier this winter, it was believed the Yankees were interested in completing a potential $180 million deal for Freeman, who was born in Southern California but loved his Braves days.

If it were true, this could have worked – if he had longed to cum.

Another person familiar with the situation agreed that the Braves and Dodgers, in that order, were at least the two best options for one of the top five hitters in the MLB.

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Freeman, approached by The Post before Game 4, declined to discuss his geographic preferences, which was no surprise as he prepared for the potential decisive win in the series.

“I had a conversation with [GM Brian Cashman]. They never made an offer,” Freeman told The Post.

Cashman recalled a Zoom meeting he and manager Aaron Boone had with Freeman, only that they couldn't keep up.

When talks with the Braves fell through, Freeman ultimately signed a Dodger-deferred contract worth $162 million over six years, worth $140 million to $145 million.

As it turned out, the Braves' five-year, $140 million offer was probably better financially, but when they gave up hope of making it, they traded for Matt Olson, signing him to an eight-year, $168 million contract. Dollar.

Freeman then moved on and is said to be excited as a Dodger – understandably so.