Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is entering his 17th major league season, and while speaking to reporters on Feb. 19, the veteran had time to reflect on his career, which is winding down.
Since arriving in Los Angeles in 2022, Freeman has a batting average of .310 with 727 hits, 96 homers, 381 RBIs, and 410 runs scored in 614 games for the Dodgers.
Freeman will turn 37 toward the end of the season, and, understanding that his career is near the end, he noted that he desires to finish out whatever is left with the Dodgers as he opened up about his career and what remains of it.
“I would like [to finish my career with the Dodgers],” Freeman told reporters (h/t Dodgers Nation). “I love being here. I’m from Southern California. I’ve had a great time. The fans, you guys treat me great. Everyone’s treating my family good. That’s out of my control.
“I’m not worried about another contract. Not going to bring it up [and] 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.
Freddie Freeman Isn’t Ready to Retire Just Yet
Nonetheless, while Freeman acknowledges that his career is on the back end, he made it clear that there’s still plenty of game left in the tank.
“I love the game,” Freeman noted. “I’ve always loved the game. The game means more to me just because it’s gotten me through my life. So, I love this game. I don’t want it to end, but I get it. It’s going to end. Father time is going to catch up. We’re keeping it off for a long time, though.
“I’m doing pretty good right now. But there comes a point where it’s time. Obviously, I’m not there yet. I love it. I’m still playing pretty good. So, as long as I can keep playing pretty good and [the Dodgers] want me out there every day, I’ll keep going.”
Freddie Freeman on New Additions to the Dodgers
Despite the Dodgers coming off winning back-to-back World Series trophies, Los Angeles added outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin Diaz to the team to bolster key weaknesses from last season.
Moreover, Freeman recently shared what these new arrivals mean to the team as they are looking to be the first team since the New York Yankees, who won three straight World Series from 1998-2000, to three-peat.
“It injects energy into us to go out and keep getting the best players year in and year out, even when you’re winning the World Series,” Freeman said on Jan. 31 during DodgerFest (h/t Dodgers Nation).
“It’s refreshing. It just really shows you that our organization, front office, [and] ownership [want to compete] every single year, to be a part of that it’s special. When you sign Edwin, you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s great.’ And then all of a sudden Kyle comes along a couple of weeks ago and you’re like, ‘Geez, okay, it’s exciting.'”
Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman Shares Big Career Message