Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, the reigning National League MVP, will arrive to camp later this week after his wife, Chelsea, announced on Twitter on Sunday, the birth of their third son.
The Freemans had their son, Charlie, in 2016. Through the aid of a surrogate, Brandon John, was born Dec. 30. Chelsea gave birth to Maximus Turner (named in part for the Braves’ former ballpark where Freddie Freeman got his start) on Valentine’s Day.
The family detailed their fertility struggles in an ESPN report Monday.
“We tried for a couple of years, and it didn’t happen,” Freddie explained. “We were talking with doctors, and they suggested surrogacy. We jumped at that, because we wanted to be blessed with more kids.”
The couple had initiated efforts with a surrogate when Chelsea herself became pregnant.
“We went from one to three,” Freddie Freeman told ESPN.
Braves manager Brian Snitker explained Monday that Freeman would be delayed in his arrival to camp.
“Not a big deal at all,” Snitker said. “Most of the time, he gets hot the first 10 days then gets bored for 10 days and gets it back going. Not worried about him at all. I’ll be honest with you, he doesn’t need to be here. I’m glad he’s doing what he’s doing right now.”
Because of coronavirus protocols in place at all MLB spring training sites, including the Braves’ facility in North Port, Fla., Snitker said Freeman will have to spend “a couple days” away from his teammates after reporting. Other position players already have had their intake testing, so they’ll be cleared for the first full-squad workout Tuesday.
Freeman, 31, is entering the final year of a $135 million, eight-year contract.
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