The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star first baseman Freddie Freeman continues to put the finishing touches to his MVP candidacy for the 2023 campaign. Freeman had two runs and a stolen base in an 8-3 win over the Detroit Tigers while accomplishing a feat rarely seen for his position.
Freeman now has a total of 20 stolen bases this season to go with 26 home runs. The 2023 is only the 16th season in which a first baseman joined the 20-20 club. Also, there were only 10 players before Freeman who played 1B full-time and managed to achieve the feat.
“This is one thing I never thought I’d do in my career,” Freeman said about joining the 20-20 club. “First basemen usually aren’t the speed demons.”
Before 2023, Freeman only reached double digits in stolen bases twice in his career. He also never had more than 13 stolen bases in a single season.
The 34-year-old player also became the first player since 2009 and Brian Roberts to have 50 doubles and 20 stolen bases in a single season. He is also the only first baseman to ever reach this statline.
Freeman has been exceptional for the Dodgers this season, batting .355 in 148 games. His performances helped the Dodgers continue their reign in NL West, where they secured the division title with 13 games still left to play during the regular season.
