The Los Angeles Dodgers just added another impact player to their star-studded roster. On Friday, the team announced that they signed All-Star first-baseman Freddie Freeman to a six-year deal.
The Dodgers didn’t disclose the financial terms of the agreement, but reports indicate that Freeman will get $162 million over the next six years. The 32-year-old former MVP was one of the most coveted free agents left on the market this offseason.
Freddie Freeman previously spent 12 MLB seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He was considered the Braves’ legend and was one of the most important contributors to the franchise’s World Series run last season. However, the Braves opted not to resign Freeman and instead traded for All-Star Matt Olson.
The Dodgers were happy to pick up Freeman, who is still considered one of the best players at his position. He played 159 games in the 2021 regular season, hitting .300 with 31 home runs and 83 RBIs. He earned his fifth All-Star appearance and made the All-MLB Second Team.
In Los Angeles, Freeman will have an opportunity to be a part of a powerhouse team that already has some world-class hitters like Mookie Betts and Will Smith. Before his arrival, the Dodgers were already favorites but now solidify their position as the team to beat in all of MLB.
“I don’t know if I’ve come across a guy, whether it be a trade or a call-up, that was as excited as Freddie Freeman was to be a Dodger,” said Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts. “He didn’t sound like a veteran on the phone, which is the best compliment I can give a player.”
