Entering his 36th year and 17th Major League season, Freddie Freeman remains a potent hitter but is beginning to contemplate the final chapters of his career. Despite this, Freeman is not rushing retirement; he recently expressed a clear intention to play four more seasons and retire at age 40 while still with the Los Angeles Dodgers, highlighting his commitment to the team and his future in Southern California.
Current Contract and Future Prospects with Los Angeles
Freeman is under contract for two more years on the six-year, $162 million deal he signed with the Dodgers before the 2022 season. This means to fulfill his goal of playing until 40, he would require a new agreement beyond 2027. Still, the future Hall of Famer shows no anxiety over this, confident in his value to the Dodgers and the strong relationships he has within the organization.
I love being here. I’m from Southern California,
Freeman remarked.
I’ve had a great time with fans. You guys treat me great. Everyone’s treating my family good….I’m not worried about another contract, not going to bring it up, not going to talk about it. I got two years left. I’m just an employee. I just do my job, and if they want me back, they want me back. But I think Andrew [president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman] and everyone knows that I love being here.
—Freddie Freeman, Dodgers first baseman
Roster Considerations and Positional Challenges Ahead
One potential complexity in planning for Freeman’s extended tenure revolves around position allocation. Freeman exclusively plays first base, while Shohei Ohtani occupies the designated hitter role, making it challenging to fit both players comfortably in the Dodgers’ lineup for several more seasons. Nevertheless, the franchise likely values Freeman’s consistent offensive production enough to address any roster hurdles if he remains healthy and productive.
Outstanding Performance Since Joining the Dodgers
Since joining Los Angeles, Freeman has consistently delivered exceptional numbers, batting .310/.391/.516 with 96 home runs and earning a 149 weighted runs created plus (wRC+)—ranking fifth among all players since 2022. He has been an All-Star every season with the Dodgers and secured top-four finishes in National League MVP voting twice. In the postseason, Freeman boasts memorable moments, including the 2024 World Series MVP award and two dramatic walkoff home runs: a grand slam ending Game 1 of the 2024 Series and a solo shot concluding the marathon 18-inning Game 3 of the 2025 Series.
Recent Season Highlights and Health Status
The 2025 season culminated in another championship for Freeman, who posted a .295/.367/.502 slash line with 24 home runs across 627 plate appearances. Remarkably, he achieved this while managing a surgically repaired ankle that, by his own account, was
never really in a good spot
all year. The following offseason was uneventful health-wise, setting the stage for Freeman to potentially improve both offensively and defensively in 2026. His goal is to participate in every one of the Dodgers’ 162 games, though he recognizes the value of occasional rest to remain sharp during the playoffs.
Management’s History Suggests a New Deal Could Be Likely
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, has a track record over his 11-plus years in Los Angeles of securing key players like Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw, Max Muncy, and Will Smith to long-term deals. This background indicates that extending Freeman’s contract is a plausible outcome, either as an extension next season or after Freeman fulfills his current contract and hits free agency. Regardless of timing, the Dodgers appear motivated to maintain their relationship with one of their most reliable stars.
Implications for the Dodgers and Freeman’s Legacy
Freeman’s desire to remain with the Dodgers through age 40 underscores his commitment to the franchise and his roots in Southern California. If he continues on his current trajectory, he will solidify his standing as one of the team’s modern icons. His ongoing performance and health will be critical factors in shaping the Dodgers’ roster decisions in the coming years, particularly with overlapping positional needs. Freeman’s longevity and productivity could make him a cornerstone for Los Angeles during the late 2020s, influencing their championship ambitions and organizational planning.
