The Los Angeles Dodgers went into last offseason among the 2022 World Series favorites, and their expectations were further heightened with the signing of Freddie Freeman to a six-year contract.
He joined a Dodgers lineup that already featured a bevy of All-Stars and figured to be an ideal replacement to losing Corey Seager in free agency. Freeman has fit in seamlessly with the Dodgers, playing Gold-Glove-caliber defense at first base and do-it-all presence in the top third of the batting order.
Freeman set a Dodgers record with three doubles in a single game at Wrigley Field over the weekend, and went 6-for-12 with four extra-base hits, one RBI and one walk to during the series sweep of the Chicago Cubs.
The Dodgers now continue their road trip with the best record in baseball. Freeman believes that standing is impressive when taking into account multiple Dodgers have gotten off to slow starts, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“It’s pretty amazing, 26 games in, that we’re not completely clicking and we’re 19-7,” first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “I think you could talk to a lot of us who feel like we’re not doing what we should be doing.”
The New York Mets lead baseball with 20 wins, but have 10 losses and thus a .667 winning percentage that trails not only the Dodgers (.731) but the New York Yankees (.704) as well. The Yankees also have 19 wins, but eight losses puts their winning percentage behind L.A. entering play Monday.
While Freeman has hit well so far this season, the likes of Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, Justin Turner and Trea Turner are among those who have either been mired in a prolonged slump or dealt with inconsistency.
Betts has righted the ship of late and is in the midst of a nine-game hitting streak.
Bellinger impressed by Freeman
The Dodgers have long respected the caliber of player Freeman is, but now having him in their clubhouse created a new appreciation. Bellinger recently praised Freeman for his consistency, and Justin Turner said the team has learned how well he can run the bases.
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