From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Freddie Freeman made an impact.
Frederick Charles Freeman is a professional baseball first baseman, currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He debuted in MLB in 2010 with the Atlanta Braves, where he played for 12 seasons and was a key player in their 2021 World Series victory. Following that win, Freeman became a free agent and signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Dodgers.
In 2005, Freddie Freeman played with the United States national baseball team at the World Youth Baseball Championship in Mexico, where they earned the silver medal.
In 2007, the Atlanta Braves selected Freddie Freeman in the second round of the MLB draft, and he signed with the team for $409,500, forgoing his college scholarship. He also debuted with the Gulf Coast Braves.
In 2008, Freddie Freeman played for the Rome Braves of the Class A South Atlantic League.
Before the 2009 season, Freddie Freeman was named the Braves' fifth-best prospect according to Baseball America.
On September 1, 2010, Freddie Freeman was called up to the Atlanta Braves as part of the team's September call-ups and made his MLB debut that same day.
On September 5, 2010, Freddie Freeman got his first career MLB hit off Florida Marlins pitcher Clay Hensley.
On September 21, 2010, Freddie Freeman hit his first MLB home run off Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay.
Freddie Freeman began the 2010 season with the Gwinnett Braves of the Class AAA International League.
In 2010, Freddie Freeman made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Atlanta Braves.
In 2017, Freddie Freeman finished the season batting .307 with 28 home runs and 71 RBIs despite only playing in 117 games, his lowest total since 2010.
On July 4, 2011, Freddie Freeman hit two home runs against the Colorado Rockies, marking his first multi-home run game.
For the 2015 season, Freddie Freeman played 118 games, his fewest played since 2011.
In 2011, Freddie Freeman finished the year batting .282 with 32 doubles, 21 home runs, and 76 RBI in 157 games played.
In 2012, Freddie Freeman led the NL with nine sacrifice flies and batted .259 with 33 doubles, 23 home runs, and 94 RBI in 147 games played.
In 2013, Freddie Freeman was selected as a finalist for the MLB All-Star Game Final Vote and won with a record 19.7 million votes, but couldn't play due to a thumb injury. He finished the season with a .319 batting average, 23 homers, and 109 RBI.
On February 4, 2014, Freddie Freeman agreed to an eight-year, $135 million contract extension with the Atlanta Braves.
On June 27, 2014, during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Freddie Freeman hit a three-run homer off Kyle Kendrick that was caught by broadcaster Tom McCarthy.
In the 2014-15 off-season, General manager John Coppolella became responsible for the team's transactions and played a large role in the Braves' rebuild, trading away many players.
During the 2015-16 off-season, Coppolella repeatedly stated he would not trade Freeman.
In 2015, Freddie Freeman's batting average was the lowest since this year.
In 2016, Freddie Freeman hit his first career cycle on June 15th, reached his first 30-home run season on September 13th, and was named National League Player of the Month for September.
In June 2017, while rehabilitating his hand injury, Freddie Freeman offered to play third base upon his return.
In 2017, Freddie Freeman represented Canada in the World Baseball Classic, hitting .182 with two hits and three strikeouts.
In 2018, Freddie Freeman was selected to his third All-Star game and accepted an invitation to participate in the Home Run Derby.
At midseason of 2019, Freddie Freeman was selected as the National League starter at first base in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, marking his second consecutive start and fourth selection overall.
In 2019, Freddie Freeman batted .295/.389/.549 with 38 home runs and 121 RBIs, led all NL hitters in line drive percentage, won the National League Silver Slugger Award, and won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award for the second consecutive season.
On October 12, 2021, Freddie Freeman hit the game-winning solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning of a tied National League Division Series game four against the Milwaukee Brewers.
In 2021, Freddie Freeman and the Braves defeated the Houston Astros in six games to win the World Series, with Freeman recording the final putout. He also received his third consecutive Silver Slugger Award and his first Babe Ruth Award at the end of the 2021 season.
In 2021, after the Atlanta Braves won the World Series, Freddie Freeman entered free agency.
In 2021, during the last year of his contract with the Braves, Freddie Freeman engaged in contract negotiations that ultimately led to his departure. Despite expressing a desire to stay with the Braves, Freeman declined their qualifying offer and became a free agent. The Braves eventually acquired Matt Olson, closing the door on Freeman's tenure.
On March 18, 2022, Freddie Freeman signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, returning to his Southern California roots after becoming a free agent.
On April 8, 2022, Freddie Freeman made his debut with the Dodgers, batting second in the lineup and going 1-3 with a walk against the Colorado Rockies.
On April 18, 2022, Freddie Freeman was presented his 2021 Silver Slugger Award before a game against the Atlanta Braves. He then hit his first home run as a Dodger in his first career at-bat against his former team.
In 2022, Freddie Freeman led MLB with 199 hits and 47 doubles. He had a .325 batting average, 21 home runs, and 100 RBI.
On May 18, 2023, Freddie Freeman hit his 300th career home run, a grand slam off of Génesis Cabrera of the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 2023, Freddie Freeman represented the Canadian national team in the World Baseball Classic, slashing .200/.273/.200. Canada finished third in Pool C and qualified for the next WBC.
On May 20, 2024, Freddie Freeman hit his sixth career grand slam against pitcher Slade Cecconi of the Arizona Diamondbacks.