Former Braves Freeman, Fried return to Atlanta for MLB All-Star game

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Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks to media during the 2025 National League Media Availability at Coca-Cola Roxy on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

ATLANTA - Four years of return visits to Atlanta has prepared Freddie Freeman for another Tuesday night, this time as the starting first baseman for the National League in the All-Star Game.

Freedie Freeman returns to Truist Park

What they're saying:

Freeman, now in his fourth season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, played his first 12 seasons in Atlanta. He makes no effort to hide his emotions when he returns and says he won’t be surprised if another warm reception from Atlanta fans creates another emotional response.

"Now that I’m here, I think it’s going to be special," Freeman said before Monday night’s Home Run Derby. "For the last four years, every time I come back, the fans, they’ve given me such great big, standing ovations, so I don’t expect anything.

MLB All-Star continues with Home Run Derby

The busy Atlanta weekend isn't done just yet. Top talent is on display Monday night on the diamond and on the stage as Beyonce and the All-Star experience hit our city. Monday is probably the biggest event of All-Star week, besides the all-star game itself it's the home run derby!!!!!

"I’m just happy to be back and play in front of these fans again. So if they give me one, believe me, I’ll take it all in. I think you guys know, whatever I feel on the field, I let it come out. So we’ll see what happens tomorrow."

Max Fried returns to Braves Country

What we know:

Freeman won’t be the only former Atlanta star making his return. Max Fried, who leads the American League and is tied for the MLB lead with 11 wins in his first season with the New York Yankees, returns following eight seasons with the Braves. Both players still have homes in Atlanta and get to sleep in their own beds this week.

Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees talks to media during the All-Star Workout Day at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)

Fried won’t be able to participate in the game due to a blister on his left index finger.

Fried left Atlanta to sign an eight-year, $218 million contract with the Yankees in December.

Freeman said he was "so happy" Fried landed the big contract.

"I think we all know Max and how wonderful a person he is," Freeman said. "And to see him get that contract rightfully, he deserves. He’s, you know, a big-game pitcher pitching on the biggest stage. ... And it’s really hard in your first year of a new contract, new team. ... And for him to go out there and have (success), it’s awesome. Especially in pinstripes in the Bronx, when there’s a lot of pressure on you."

All-Star game in Atlanta

Dig deeper:

Fried was replaced on the All-Star roster by Yankees teammate Carlos Rodón but is still attending the festivities in Atlanta. The Yankees may start Fried in a three-game series at AL East-leading Toronto on July 21-23 after opening the second half by visiting the Braves.

MLB All-Star continues with Home Run Derby

The busy Atlanta weekend isn't done just yet. Top talent is on display Monday night on the diamond and on the stage as Beyonce and the All-Star experience hit our city. Monday is probably the biggest event of All-Star week, besides the all-star game itself it's the home run derby!!!!!

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it was clear how much it meant to Freeman to return to Atlanta as an All-Star.

"It’s something that I know once they announced that it was going to be held here, it was marked on his calendar," Roberts said. "And then that was kind of his goal, was to get back here and get in front of the Braves’ faithful that cheered him on for, what, 11, 12 years. So he’s sleeping in his own bed for a couple nights."

Freeman said he has visited with Braves manager Brian Snitker and some former teammates but spent more time relishing his relationship with the Atlanta fans.

"It’s special," he said. "I think every time I come back, I try to portray what Atlanta means to me. Oh, it’s special every time I come back and the receptions they’ve given me the last four years. So I spent a lot of wonderful years here. ... I’m excited to be back."