It’s the answer Braves fans were hoping to hear from general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

“Our payroll is going to climb from ‘21 to ‘22, and we have a lot of things to do,” Anthopoulos told reporters in an end-of-season video news conference.

The Braves’ GM didn’t get into specifics on what that payroll number would be, but gives credit to attendance and the fans for making that happen and driving revenue.

Anthopoulos was asked about first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is now a free agent. “I can’t say a whole lot other than what I’ve said in the past: We love him. He’s great. We want him to stay. He wants to stay. Our goal is to sign him and to keep him a Brave. We’re in the free agent process now. That’s probably all I can say at this point.”

It was Friday at the Braves’ World Series victory celebration at Truist Park that three teammates of Freeman made their feelings know publicly about bringing the 2020 MVP back. When shortstop Dansby Swanson took the mic to speak, he ended his remarks with “it might get me in trouble, but re-sign Freddie.”

Other free agent/off-season questions include how many of the postseason stars and key trade additions in late July will be able to return. That list includes Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall and Joc Pederson.

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