On Friday in Glendale, Arizona, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman revealed his retirement plan, which includes ending his career in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers are in the middle of Spring Training as they gear up for another late-season run, and Freeman spoke to the media about his future with the Dodgers during his media availability at Camelback Ranch.
According to Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Freedman is intent on finishing his time on the Dodgers’ baseball field and aims to play another 4 years.
Freeman has only two more years left on his current contract, meaning he will play another two seasons beyond that, which would require an extension.
The first baseman is not totally set on the four years, with factors like health and performance potentially getting in the way, but this is the second time that he has outlined that timeline.
Freeman has been more than worth his six-year, $162 million contract for the Dodgers, delivering timely hits and overall still producing offensively at an elite level.
He has become a fan favorite and leader in the locker room, taking to life on the Dodgers well, especially as a complementary star rather than the sole man in the spotlight.
“I love playing here. A lot of it is out of my control—I’m not focused on another contract. If they want me back, they want me back.
Freddie Freeman’s goals for the rest of his career
Freeman aims to reach 3,000 hits if he indeed plays another four seasons. It would be a clean number for Freeman to retire at 40, having played 23 years of professional ball.
His work ethic and commitment to performing should help him achieve his goal, given that he plays a minimally taxing position and does not need to run hard on the bases due to his amazing contact abilities.
Additionally, Freeman said he took only four days off after the Dodgers’ World Series parade before getting back into the gym.
Dodgers fans should be excited about Freeman’s goal and willingness to play into his late 30s, something many athletes shy away from.
