Although the Los Angeles Dodgers lost Corey Seager in free agency this past offseason, they bolstered their lineup with the signing of Freddie Freeman to a six-year, $162 million contract.
Prior to the Dodgers adding Freeman to their already-talented lineup, Max Muncy was among those to advocate for his signing. Muncy expressed a willingness to move to second base in order to facilitate adding Freeman, though he’s primarily played third base and been the designated hitter.
Meanwhile, Freeman has been in the Dodgers lineup every game and been a steady presence. He’s settled into batting third behind Mookie Betts and Trea Turner, giving the Dodgers a dynamic at the top of the order that not many teams can rival.
And with Freeman specifically, Muncy said earlier this year the first baseman is among the top hitters in MLB history, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports:
“He’s one of the best hitters this game has ever seen,” said Muncy. “He makes our lineup so dangerous. It’s going to be fun to watch on a nightly basis, but on top of that, he gives us even a better chance to win another World Series.”
Freeman has been a model of consistency since becoming an everyday player with the Atlanta Braves in 2011. Freeman made his MLB debut the year prior, but only appeared in 20 games.
This season he’s on track to lead the Majors in total hits and doubles. Doing so would make Freeman the first Dodgers player to finish atop the National League in hits since Steve Garvey had 200 in 1980. Trea Turner led all of baseball in hits during the 2021 season, but that included time with the Washington Nationals.
Freeman approaching Dodgers franchise record for doubles
At 44 doubles entering Friday’s series opener against the San Diego Padres, Freeman is closing in on the Dodgers franchise record.
That currently belongs to Johnny Frederick, who hit 53 doubles in 1929. Shawn Green holds the Los Angeles franchise record of 49 doubles in 2003.
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