Dodgers' Freddie Freeman announces retirement plan
Dodgers' Freddie Freeman announces retirement plan
Newsweek | News Desk
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is entering his late 30s, revealed his plan for the first of his playing career.
Freeman is a total fan-favorite on the Dodgers, delivering clutch hitting and still making quality plays at first base.
He does not rely on athleticism or power; rather, he has a refined hitting technique and skill that allow him to make consistent contact with the ball.
However, every player has their limit, and Freeman has set out a timeline for the end of his career.
"I always wanted to do 20 years so that would put me at four more years," Freeman said at DodgerFest.
If Freeman were to play for four more years, he would finish his career in 2030, though plenty can change his plans.
The first baseman could end up playing more than that, especially since his defensive position is not too demanding and the Dodgers don't count on him running the bases hard.
However, Freeman has battled injuries throughout his time with the Dodgers, most notably an ankle injury that could flare up again and shorten his playing career.
Then there is the wildcard of a potential lockout looming over MLB, which could have him finish his career in 2031 rather than 2030 if a season is cancelled.
For the time being, Freedman is happy to finish out the rest of his career after another four years of playing in Los Angeles, potentially with another championship to his name.
The Dodgers have become home for Freeman in a surprising way, considering how closely tied he was to the Atlanta Braves.
It seemed he regretted his move to the Dodgers at first, but he has ingratiated himself well in Los Angeles, delivering multiple clutch performances.
In fact, the president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, has hinted that Freeman might join the Dodgers' front office once he is done playing, after praising his signature worm dance after the World Series.
"I was incredibly impressed by it," Friedman said of the dance.
I can't wait to see him do it every week when he's working with us after he's done playing.".
Source
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/dodgers-freddie-freeman-announces-retirement-plan-11449198
