The Atlanta Braves are set to host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday. The Braves earned a competitive 3-2 Game 2 win to even the series at 1-1. With Chris Sale on the mound on Tuesday, this Braves ball club will enter Game 3 with confidence. One intriguing storyline in reference to this matchup is Freddie Freeman's return to Atlanta.

Freeman hasn't played with the Braves since 2021. He led Atlanta to a championship in 2021 but signed with the Dodgers in free agency that offseason. Still, many Braves fans give Freeman a warm welcome when he returns to Atlanta, as he played with the team from 2010-2021.

So, should fans cheer Freeman in Game 3 of the NLDS on Tuesday night? Should they boo him? What kind of reception should the star first baseman receive?

Article Continues Below

In all reality, Freeman may still receive a warm welcome from the fans in Atlanta. There is reason to consider booing the superstar, though. Freeman left Atlanta years ago to sign with one of the Braves' biggest opponents in the NL. He's led LA to back-to-back championships as well. Freeman has been gone long enough where the nostalgia may not be as impactful as it once was.

Matt Olson is the Braves' star first baseman now, and he's been incredibly reliable. He plays every day and helps give his team opportunities to win. Olson was initially traded from the Athletics to the Braves, but he chose to stay in Atlanta by signing a long-term contract extension.

Freddie Freeman is a likable player and the chances he receives an extremely harsh reaction in Atlanta are slim. Still, it wouldn't be surprising to hear at least a smattering of boos when the first baseman is announced at Truist Park.