Freddie Freeman has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The first baseman signed a contract worth six years at $162 million. Freeman, a native of Southern California, is coming off his eight-year, $135 million contract he signed in 2014. Many around baseball believed that the World Series champion would return to the Atlanta Braves. But, there was a strong possibility that Freeman may leave the only team he ever knew. Freeman won’t be back with Atlanta after the Braves traded for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson. It’s a move Alex Anthopolous wouldn’t have made without first knowing Freeman is heading elsewhere.
BREAKING: Freddie Freeman has agreed to terms with the Dodgers on a six-year, $162 million deal according to @JeffPassan and me.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) March 17, 2022
Freddie Freeman Is A Household Name
Freeman was the best available first baseman. He comes with impressive leadership and a good bat. Furthermore, hit .300 with 31 home runs and 83 RBI last season. During his MVP season in the condensed 2020 season, Freeman had 73 hits, 23 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs, and 53 RBI. He hit .341/.462/.640 in all 60 regular-season games. Freeman has been incredible since his first All-Star campaign in 2013, hitting .302 for 25 home runs and 86 RBI.
The team wasn’t the only ones interested in Freeman. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Tampa Bay Rays offered the former NL MVP before the lockout. AL East counterparts, the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees, showed interest.
Sources: The low-revenue Tampa Bay Rays made superstar Freddie Freeman an offer before the lockout. Yankees very interested. Jays, Dodgers, others could fit. It’s a surprise Braves didn’t lock him up before lockout; they remain in mix. (New daily feature: actual baseball news)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 7, 2022
As teams clear through the lockout, the Dodgers have focused on different options for their needs. Adding Freeman will make the Dodgers a favorite to win the NL West. The addition of Freeman also welcomes the return of southpaw pitcher Clayton Kershaw. They will be joined by former MVPs Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Along with Trea Turner, Max Muncy, and Justin Turner. In his career, he’s hit .295/.384/.509 with 1,704 hits, 969 runs, 271 home runs, 941 RBI, and 53 stolen bases.
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Players Mentioned:
Matt Olson, Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, Trea Turner, Max Muncy, Justin Turner
