The Los Angeles Dodgers rebounded from losing Corey Seager in free agency by signing Freddie Freeman to a six-year, $162 million contract in a deal not many would have predicted at the beginning of this past offseason.
But as negotiations between Freeman and the Atlanta Braves seemingly never overcame an impasse, it created an opportunity for the Dodgers to bring the Southern California native home. Upon the Dodgers signing the 32-year-old, several of Freeman’s new teammates raved about his talent and clubhouse presence.
To no surprise, Freeman thus far has fit seamlessly in what already was a potent Dodgers lineup, but did have a void to fill from the left side of the plate.
Now getting to watch him on a daily basis has made an impression on Cody Bellinger, who touted Freeman as one of the top players in baseball during an interview with Matt Vasgersianon MLB Network:
“It is special, man. It really is. He really makes it look easy. It’s just a credit to him and his consistency. He knows himself really well and he knows what’s going to make him successful. He’s special and he really is one of the most consistent and best players in the game. No doubt.”
While starting each of the Dodgers’ 20 games thus far, Freeman is batting .299/.382/.468 with four doubles, three home runs, nine RBI and a 158 wRC+. The production has come despite some adjustment to batting second in the lineup.
Freeman has not only impressed with the bat, he’s also run the bases well, which further allows for the Dodgers to keep Mookie Betts in the leadoff spot and Trea Turner batting third.
Freeman grateful for Dodgers fans
Since signing with L.A., Freeman has been welcomed with open arms by the fanbase. He received chants from Dodgers fans during the Opening Series at Coors Field, and for nearly every at-bat on during the first homestand of the season. That type of support unsurprisingly was on hand at Petco Park as well.
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