Champion Braves open camp with Acuña, Morton but no Freeman

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Braves manager Brian Snitker held court in front of a "2021 World Champions" banner, peaking occasionally at the nearby bullpen, where World Series hero Charlie Morton threw a side session. Around the corner, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Cristian Pache pulled up in matching, glitzy-gold SUVs and posed for a photo.

"It's like the first day of school," October star Tyler Matzek said.

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With one notable absence: All-Star free agent Freddie Freeman.

Big leaguers filed into camps across Florida and Arizona on Sunday for the first official day of spring training following a 99-day lockout. Fans rejoiced over sights familiar and new — Astros ace Justin Verlander returning from injury, All-Star Marcus Semien fielding grounders in Rangers' red and blue.

It's been over a decade since Freeman wasn't in Atlanta's camp, but the 2020 NL MVP remains a free agent — and one reportedly being courted by the big-money Yankees and Dodgers.

Snitker texted Freeman shortly after the firewall preventing management from speaking with players dropped at the end of the lockout Thursday. He’s unsure what his former first baseman will do, and didn’t ask. He just wanted to speak to an old friend.

"I hadn’t talked to him since we left the parade," Snitker said. "I just said, ‘Man, I can talk to you now.’

"I was just asking how family was. There was nothing professional or business or anything. Just checking in on him. Let’s face it, he’s going to be a good friend the rest of my life, regardless of professionally what happens."

Atlanta Braves manager, Brian Snitker, smiles as he talks to the media during the start of Major League