Days of speculation appeared to reach a conclusion Wednesday night with Freddie Freeman reportedly agreeing to sign a six-year, $162 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team hasn’t announced the signing and Freeman is yet to report to Camelback Ranch.
Freeman’s contract should be made official shortly, but already reaction to the Dodgers adding a fourth former MVP winner to the roster has reverberated on social media and through their Spring Training clubhouse.
As reports surfaced of Freeman and the Dodgers agreeing to terms, Trea Turner tweeted three sets of the eyes emoji. That drew a response from Justin Turner, who replied with seven eyes emojis.
While speaking with reporters about Freeman, Justin Turner quipped he had been working to convince the five-time All-Star and fellow Southern California native to sign with the Dodgers for several years running now, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic
Justin Turner on Freddie Freeman: “I’ve been recruiting him to be a Dodger for like five years.”
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 17, 2022
Turner further elaborated on his thoughts, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“Excited is probably an understatement,” Dodgers All-Star third baseman Justin Turner said. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of buildup. A lot of talk. A lot of anticipation as to what was going to happen. To finally see it go down and become official, I slept pretty good.”
The Dodgers again have four former MVPs on their active roster in Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, Freeman and Kershaw. They first accomplished the rare feat last season upon signing Albert Pujols.
Freeman also brings a left-handed hitting presence to help offset the loss of Corey Seager when he signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers prior to the lockout beginning.
Freeman passed on more lucrative contract
At the start of free agency it was widely presumed Freeman and the Atlanta Braves would quickly work out a new contract. However, the Braves front office remained against offering a six-year contract and it led to friction between the sides before their split.
In addition to the Dodgers, the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays each were connected to Freeman at various points during free agency.
He reportedly bypassed a more lucrative contract in order to sign with the Dodgers.
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