From Braves Blue to Dodger Blue: Former Atlanta Stars Celebrate World Series Glory with Los Angeles
The champagne flowed freely in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse, but for several key players, the celebration represented more than just another championship—it marked a triumphant continuation of careers that began hundreds of miles away in Atlanta. When the final out was recorded in the 2025 World Series, a remarkable narrative unfolded: multiple former Atlanta Braves had found championship glory wearing Dodger blue.
Leading this contingent of former Braves-turned-champions stood Freddie Freeman, the beloved first baseman whose emotional connection to both organizations has created one of baseball’s most compelling modern stories. His journey from Atlanta icon to Los Angeles cornerstone has become a testament to professional resilience and the evolving nature of baseball careers in the 21st century.
The Freeman Factor: Building a Championship Legacy
Freddie Freeman’s path to his third World Series title reads like something from a Hollywood script—if Hollywood scripts were written with batting gloves and pine tar. The Georgia native, who spent twelve seasons cementing his legacy in Atlanta, now adds another chapter to what is becoming a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
What does it take to remain elite when the bright lights of October shine their brightest? Freeman’s performance throughout this World Series provided the answer. While his .207 batting average and .688 OPS might not jump off the stat sheet, those numbers tell only part of the story. Championship baseball isn’t always about gaudy statistics—it’s about delivering when the pressure reaches its peak.
Freeman’s dramatic walk-off home run in Game 3 served as the series’ turning point, a moment that reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the game’s most clutch performers. This coming just one year after his World Series MVP performance in 2024, Freeman has established himself as a player who elevates his game when championships are on the line.
“You don’t win championships with numbers alone,” observed veteran baseball analyst Michael Peterson. “You win them with moments, and Freeman has made a career of creating October moments that transcend statistics.”
Beyond the Box Score: The Supporting Cast
Kirby Yates: The Bullpen Architect
While Freeman’s heroics captured headlines, the Dodgers’ championship was built on contributions from throughout the roster—including several other former Braves. Relief pitcher Kirby Yates, though he didn’t appear in the World Series itself, becomes eligible for a ring after contributing significantly throughout the grueling 162-game season.
Yates’ journey reflects the modern reality of baseball, where championship teams are built not just on star power but on depth and specialized roles. His veteran presence and bullpen experience provided the Dodgers with valuable insurance throughout their championship campaign, demonstrating how success in October often depends on contributions from players who might not appear on the postseason roster.
Evan Phillips: The Reliable Arm
Another former Braves pitcher celebrating in Dodger blue is Evan Phillips, whose transition from Atlanta to Los Angeles has proven remarkably successful. Phillips’ role in the Dodgers’ bullpen contributed significantly to their championship foundation, his development into a reliable major league contributor representing the culmination of years of perseverance.
Phillips’ journey illustrates the unpredictable nature of baseball careers. Sometimes, a change of scenery—and organization—can unlock potential that previously remained untapped. His championship moment serves as validation for every player who has ever struggled to find their footing before ultimately discovering their perfect role.
The Rosario Subplot: A Potential Double Champion
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline belongs to Eddie Rosario, who finds himself eligible for his second World Series ring—potentially with two different organizations. The outfielder, who earned 2021 National League Championship Series MVP honors while helping Atlanta reach that year’s World Series, now stands to celebrate with Los Angeles.
Rosario’s situation creates a fascinating baseball footnote: contributing to championship success for both the Braves and Dodgers within a relatively short timeframe. His experience during Atlanta’s 2021 championship run, where he delivered clutch hits throughout the postseason, provided him with valuable October experience that undoubtedly benefited the Dodgers during their championship push.
How rare is this accomplishment? In an era where player movement has become increasingly common, Rosario’s potential double championship with different National League teams places him in exclusive company.
The Other Side of Celebration: A Former Brave’s Heartbreak
Not every former Atlanta player found themselves celebrating when the final out was recorded. Starting pitcher Kevin Gausman experienced the other side of October baseball, finding himself on the losing end of the World Series while wearing a different uniform.
Gausman’s two starts during the series resulted in a 4.26 ERA across 12 2/3 innings, with losses in both Game 2 and Game 6. His experience serves as a stark reminder that October baseball can be brutally unpredictable, even for accomplished veterans.
The former Braves pitcher came tantalizingly close to his own championship moment, standing just two outs away from victory before the Dodgers rallied in the ninth inning. Such moments define October baseball, creating lasting memories—both triumphant and heartbreaking—for players and fans alike.
The Bigger Picture: Baseball’s Evolving Landscape
This championship celebration for former Braves players reflects broader trends in professional baseball. In today’s game, beloved players often find success with multiple organizations throughout their careers, their journeys creating interconnected narratives that span franchises and fan bases.
While their championships come wearing different colors, their connections to Atlanta remain integral parts of their baseball stories. For Braves fans, watching former favorites succeed elsewhere can be bittersweet, but it also speaks to the organization’s ability to develop talent that continues to impact the game at its highest levels.
As the Dodgers celebrated their hard-earned victory, the presence of multiple former Braves served as a powerful reminder: in modern baseball, the paths to championship glory are more diverse than ever. Players move, organizations evolve, but the pursuit of October excellence remains constant.
The 2025 World Series didn’t just crown a champion—it highlighted the interconnected nature of today’s game, where past and present collide in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.