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Dodgers Likely to Discuss Contract Extension With Freeman This Offseason
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- Dodgers Likely to Discuss Contract Extension With Freeman This Offseason
(© Benny Sieu-Imagn Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have set their sights on returning to the mountaintop in 2027.
After the Milwaukee Brewers swept them in the National League Championship Series and ended their pursuit of a three-peat in 2026, the Dodgers are prepared to do whatever is necessary to become the last team standing next October.
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Los Angeles possesses enough talent to accomplish that objective. However, this season demonstrated that winning the World Series remains difficult, even with an elite roster from top to bottom.
The Dodgers enter the offseason with several questions and roster problems to address. Los Angeles could pursue numerous paths this winter, but Freddie Freeman will remain central to its plans.
Will Dodgers extend Freeman?
The 2024 World Series MVP is approaching the last season of the six-year, $162 million contract he signed in March 2022. Freeman will become a free agent in 2028.
He hit .288 with 16 home runs, 70 RBIs and a .792 OPS in 153 games this season. Freeman struggled during the postseason , hitting .172 with two home runs and three RBIs in eight games.
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According to Jack Harris from the California Post , the Dodgers could begin discussing a contract extension with Freeman during the offseason.
Harris reported that the 37-year-old has indicated an interest in potentially playing at least two seasons beyond 2028, requiring Los Angeles to make a decision about his future with the organization.
Freeman has repeatedly avoided discussing his contract publicly. However, Harris believes the Dodgers are unlikely to begin next season without addressing his status with the team at some point.
"The 37-year-old has indicated a desire to potentially play at least two more seasons beyond [2028], putting the onus on the Dodgers to make a decision on his future in Los Angeles," Harris wrote.
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"To this point, the future Hall of Fame first baseman has repeatedly sidestepped any contract talk publicly," Harris continued. "But it's unlikely next year begins without him and the team at least discussing his long-term status in the organization at some point."
Freeman has previously expressed his desire to finish his career with Los Angeles. He has also said he wants to continue playing until he is 40, which would require another contract beyond the 2027 season.
He did not establish that age as a firm deadline because he understands that another contract would be necessary. Freeman remains focused on the current season, but believes completing 20 years in MLB would represent a special accomplishment.
"I've always wanted to try and play until I'm 40 years old," Freeman told Dodgers Beat earlier this year.
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"That would be three more years after this. I'm not going to put a firm number on it," Freeman added. "I would have to get another contract, so I'm only worried about this year. But 20 years in the big leagues would be kind of cool and special."
The 2027 season will be the 18th of Freeman's career and his sixth with the Dodgers.
Freeman's value
Although Freeman spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves , he has already created a significant legacy in Los Angeles.
His steady preparation, accountability and ability to handle pressure have made him one of the roster's most respected veterans. Freeman has also embraced the expectations attached to playing for a team pursuing the World Series every year.
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The Dodgers must consider his age and future production before offering an extension. However, retaining Freeman would preserve an important presence in the lineup and clubhouse while giving him the opportunity to finish his career in Los Angeles.
