Freddie Freeman was voted in by players as a National League reserve for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, marking an eighth career selection and third with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Eight times, blessed to be able to go to another one,” Freeman said. “I appreciate all the players voting for me. You never know when it’s your last one, so every single one is special. I can’t wait to enjoy this one too.”
Freeman fared well in All-Star Game fan voting but had the misfortune of being up against the Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper. The two-time MVP received the most votes for any NL player, which guaranteed him a starting spot in the lineup and by rule prevented Freeman from advancing to Phase 2.
However, Freeman could still find himself starting at first base in the event Harper does not return from a left hamstring strain. “I hope Bryce is OK, I really do. Fans want to see him in there, they voted for him. Who knows, but hopefully Bryce is okay because it’s good for baseball,” Freeman said.
The 34-year-old is in the midst of another strong season despite having struggled for prolonged stretches at the plate.. Freeman is batting .301/.406/.506 with 25 doubles, 13 home runs and 58 RBI while having started in every Dodgers game so far.
“I never really wavered in myself. It’s just the ebbs and flows of the season,” Freeman said of his uncharacteristic struggles.
“Sometimes you start like you want, and sometimes you don’t, and I didn’t this year. But that’s why we play 162 games. You grind every day and come here and work and work and work. As long as you believe in yourself, good things will happen and ultimately I kind of figured it out a little bit.”
Freddie Freeman among Dodgers All-Stars
Freeman is one of six Dodgers heading to this year’s Midsummer Classic, along with Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Will Smith, Teoscar Hernández and Tyler Glasnow.
“Especially this group of teammates, yeah,” Freeman answered when asked if All-Star Games are more special with teammates.
“We had a lot of them, I think six of us, that’s pretty special. When you have 20% of your team going to the All-Star Game, that means you have a pretty good team. So it’s going to be fun, great group of guys.
“Happy for Tyler, his first one. Teo, Will deserved it, Shohei obviously and Mookie. Just a great group of guys that will be able to enjoy it together. It should be a fun time.”
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