Dodgers News: Freddie Freeman Eyes 20-Year Career, Hopes to Retire in Dodger Blue
Veteran first baseman Freddie Freeman says he hopes to reach 20 MLB seasons and make the Dodgers the team he ultimately retires with.
GLENDALE, AZ—The Los Angeles Dodgers come into camp with their eyes set on a rare three-peat, a feat that hasn’t been pulled off in over 25 years in Major League Baseball, but for Freddie Freeman, he’s looking more long-term for his career in Los Angeles.
The 2026 season will mark Year Five of Freeman in Dodger Blue, which is still a shocking development when the long-time Atlanta Brave left in free agency during the 2022 offseason.
While Freeman remains a symbol of the Braves, his tenure with the Dodgers has established him as a fan favorite and a key figure in this dynasty. He contributed to two more World Series titles in 2024 and 2025, and possibly hit the most impactful World Series home run in the past 25 years with a Game One winning grand slam against the New York Yankees.
Now, with two years remaining on a 6-year, $162 million deal, Freeman is not only hopeful to end his career in Dodger Blue but also reach 20 years of career service time in the big leagues.
“Four is just a number that’s floated, “Freeman explained during his first time speaking with reporters at Camelback Ranch. “Is it less? Is it more? I don’t know. But that’s kind of just where I’m at. I feel good right now.
“That was just floated because that would be an even 20 years, I’ll be 40. I got a family that I would like to go home to. But I do love this game. I love playing it. But for me, if I can do four, that’ll be 20 years. I think that’s enough.”
When asked whether he would like to reach his 20th MLB season with the Dodgers, Freeman made it clear how much of a priority that is.
“I would like that. I love being here, I’m from Southern California, I’ve had a great time with fans, you guys treat me great. Everyone’s treating my family good,” Freeman said.
While that remains his goal, Freeman acknowledged that it’s out of his control right now and that he won’t be begging for a contract extension over the next two years before he’s set to become a free agent again at the end of the 2027 season.
“That’s out of my control. I’m not worried about another contract. Not going to bring it up, not going to talk about it,” he said. “I’ve 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 (Friedman) and everyone knows that I love being here. So whatever happens, happens.”
If Freeman were to stay in Los Angeles for four years, that would close the gap on his time in Atlanta, which ended after a 12-year stint to begin his career.
In just a short four years in Los Angeles, Freeman has nearly half of his total bWAR that he accrued with the Braves, posting a 21.2 mark with the Dodgers compared with a 43.0 mark with Atlanta, which would further complicate the debate on what hat he’ll ultimately wear in Cooperstown.
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