"I’d give my right arm before we trade Freddie Freeman" - When Braves' controversial ex-GM refused to let 8x All-Star go after tanking accusations

It was a rough year for Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves during the 2015 season. They finished the year with a record of 67-95, just two games from finishing in last place in the National League East.

After the season came to a close, Atlanta traded their shortstop, Adnrelton Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels. After that move, the club was accused of tanking.

General manager at the time, John Coppolella quickly grew frustrated with the constant tanking accusations. He reiterated the fact that they were not doing so as he had no plans to trade their All-Star away, via USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

"I cannot make it anymore clear: We are not trading Freddie Freeman. We are not. I'd give my right arm before we trade [him]. It's not happening," said Coppolella.

Coppolella had a plan in place, and that certainly did not include trading Freeman away. He wanted the fans to judge the moves the club made in the next couple of years. However, he knew it was a tough spot for the fanbase to be in.

"There is a method to this madness. Judge our trades in two or three years. Not now" said Coppolella.

Years later, Freddie Freeman and the Braves won their first World Series in 26 years

Atlanta Braves - Freddie Freeman (Photo via IMAGN)

Over the next two seasons, the Braves did not have much better luck. They finished 68-93 in 2016 and 72-90 in 2017, missing the postseason during both those years.

However, things would start to take their turn for this club. In 218 and 2019, the club would make the postseason. It was an exciting time, despite them not winning a round in the NL Divisional Series.

The following year, they would make the postseason again but would have some success in October. They made it all the way to the NL Championship Series during the 2020 season.

In 2021, they would build on that success and make it all the way to the World Series. They beat the Houston Astros 4-2 in the series taking home their first World Series title in 26 years, and their fourth overall.

Freddie Freeman was vital for the team's successful season, alongside Jorge Soler and Dansby Swanson. Atlanta leaned on him and a few others when their young star, Ronald Acuna Jr. tore his ACL and had his season cut short.