Sunday, February 18, 2024
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2024
Freddie Freeman is a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Dodger infield. Everyone in baseball expects Freeman to have another stellar season.
Before the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani, their free agent signing of Freeman was the greatest signing that the Dodgers have done since 1999 when they signed right-handed starter Kevin Brown.
Most people didn’t see Freeman leaving the Atlanta Braves ever. Since 2011, his first full season, Freeman was the face of the franchise. While with the Braves, he became one of the elite players in the National League. Freeman won a Gold Glove award, three Silver Sluggers, the 2020 National League MVP, and 2021 world championship.
After the 2021 magical season for the Braves, the franchise didn’t negotiate with Freeman’s in good faith, breaking Freeman’s heart. Two days after the Braves traded for first baseman Matt Olson and signed him to a lucrative contract, Freeman signed a 6-year $162 million contract.
The 2022 season was difficult for Freeman, but it didn’t affect his on-field performance. When the Dodgers went to Atlanta in June, Freeman’s tearful return to Atlanta angered many Dodger fans and Clayton Kershaw, but Freeman played hard on the field, including producing the game-winning hit. Freeman led the National League with 199 hits. His .321 batting average was the second highest in the National League. He had 21 home runs and 100 RBI.
Freeman had another stellar 2023 season and finished third in the National League MVP, behind Ronald Acuña, Jr., and his teammate Mookie Betts. While Freeman committed one error, he didn’t earn a Gold Glove. He became the first baseman to have at least 200 hits, 20 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 100 RBI. Freeman was the starting first baseman for the National League All-Star team.
During the 2023 season, Freeman hit his 300th career home run, a grand slam, against the Saint Louis Cardinals. He had an MLB-leading 59 doubles. He had a .331 batting average, 211 hits, 29 home runs, and 102 RBI.
While Freeman only had one hit during the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he made great defensive plays.
This upcoming season, Freeman must anchor the infield. He is the only great fielder on the Dodger infield. He must help both Betts, becoming an everyday second baseman, and Gavin Lux, becoming an everyday third baseman. Freeman needs to catch errant throws by third baseman Max Muncy.
Freeman is slated to bat in between Betts and Ohtani. Thus, Freeman will get pitches to hit. He understands why he slumps, so he decreases the length of his slumps.
Saturday, Freeman, the Dodger best hitter not named Ohtani, faced Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the newest Dodger ace. “That’s some crazy stuff. I’m glad he’s on our team.” Freeman said after moments after walking out of the batting box after managing a couple line-drive fouls down the third-base side and literally shaking his head to team personnel and media gathered. “Control like I’ve never seen.”
To have success in the 2024 season, the Dodgers need reliable Freeman to produce the way he has in his first two seasons as a Dodger.
The quote is from Dodgers.com.
