History of Freddie Freeman in Timeline

Freddie Freeman is a professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He debuted in MLB with the Atlanta Braves in 2010, playing there 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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1929: Breaking Dodgers Franchise Record

On September 8, 2023, Freeman hit his 53rd double of the season breaking the Dodgers franchise record held by Johnny Frederick with the 1929 Brooklyn Robins.

1954: Braves Rookies in Top Five

In 1954, Gene Conley was voted third-best rookie of the season; Hank Aaron came in fourth. This was the only other time that two Braves finished in the top five.

1954: Hank Aaron Reached 50 RBIs

In 1954, Hank Aaron was the last Braves rookie to reach 50 RBIs by July 18 before Freddie Freeman.

1960: Tying World Series record

In Game 1 of the World Series, Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam. He also set a franchise record and tied the World Series record set in 1960 by Bobby Richardson with 12 RBI in the series.

September 12, 1989: Freddie Freeman's Birth

On September 12, 1989, Frederick Charles Freeman was born. He is a Canadian and American professional baseball first baseman.

1989: Teammates Finishing First and Second

In 1989, Jerome Walton and Dwight Smith of the Chicago Cubs finished first and second, the first teammates to do so since Freddie Freeman and Craig Kimbrel.

1999: Braves Player to Win MVP Award

In 2020, Freddie Freeman was named the NL MVP, becoming the first Braves player to win the award since Chipper Jones in 1999.

2004: 200 Hits of the Season

On September 22, 2023, Freeman picked up his 200th hit of the season, the first Dodger to do so since Adrián Beltré in 2004.

2005: Hank Aaron Award

Freddie Freeman was also awarded the 2020 NL Hank Aaron Award, becoming the second player in franchise history to win the award, following Andruw Jones in 2005.

2005: Silver Medal at U15 Baseball World Cup

In 2005, as a high schooler, Freeman played with the United States national under-15 team at the U15 Baseball World Cup in Mexico, where they earned the silver medal.

2007: Senior Year and Player of the Year Award

In 2007, during his senior year at El Modena High School, Freddie Freeman hit for a .417 batting average and had a 6–1 win–loss record as a pitcher. The Orange County Register named him its 2007 player of the year, and he signed a letter of intent with California State University, Fullerton.

2007: Drafted by the Atlanta Braves

In 2007, the Atlanta Braves selected Freddie Freeman in the second round, with the 78th overall selection, of the MLB draft. Freeman signed with the team for $409,500, forgoing his college scholarship. He made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Braves.

2008: Plays for the Rome Braves

In 2008, Freddie Freeman played for the Rome Braves of the Class A South Atlantic League.

August 2009: Wrist Injury

In August 2009, Freddie Freeman suffered a wrist injury.

2009: Named Braves' fifth-best prospect

Before the 2009 season, Freddie Freeman was named the Braves' fifth-best prospect according to Baseball America.

September 1, 2010: Called Up to the Braves

On September 1, 2010, Freddie Freeman was called up to the Atlanta Braves as part of the team's September call-ups.

September 5, 2010: First MLB Hit

On September 5, 2010, Freddie Freeman got his first career MLB hit off Florida Marlins pitcher Clay Hensley.

September 21, 2010: First MLB Home Run

On September 21, 2010, Freddie Freeman hit his first MLB home run off Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay.

2010: Season with Gwinnett Braves

Freddie Freeman began the 2010 season with the Gwinnett Braves of the Class AAA International League.

2010: Lowest Total Since 2010

Freddie Freeman finished the 2017 season batting .307 with 28 home runs and 71 RBIs despite only playing in 117 games, his lowest total since 2010. He led the Braves in home runs, batting average, and was second in RBIs.

2010: MLB Debut with the Atlanta Braves

In 2010, Freddie Freeman made his Major League Baseball debut with the Atlanta Braves.

July 4, 2011: First Multi-Home Run Game

On July 4, 2011, Freddie Freeman hit two home runs against the Colorado Rockies, marking his first multi-home run game.

2011: Fewest Games Played Since 2011

For the 2015 season, Freddie Freeman hit for a .276 batting average with 18 home runs and 66 RBIs in 118 games, his fewest played since 2011.

2011: End of Season Stats

Freddie Freeman finished the 2011 year batting .282 with 32 doubles, 21 home runs, and 76 RBI in 157 games played.

2012: Season Stats

In 2012, Freddie Freeman had an NL-leading nine sacrifice flies along with batting .259 with 33 doubles, 23 home runs, and 94 RBI in 147 games played.

2013: All-Star Game Final Vote Winner

In 2013, Freddie Freeman was selected as a finalist for the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game Final Vote, where he won with a record-setting total of 19.7 million fan votes but was unable to play due to a thumb injury. He finished the 2013 season with a .319 batting average, 23 homers, and 109 RBI in 147 games played and finished fifth in the National League Most Valuable Player award voting.

February 4, 2014: Contract Extension

On February 4, 2014, Freddie Freeman agreed to an eight-year, $135 million extension.

June 27, 2014: Three-Run Homer vs Phillies

On June 27, 2014, during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Freddie Freeman hit a three-run homer off Kyle Kendrick to left center field caught by broadcaster Tom McCarthy.

2014: Rescue by Chipper Jones during Winter Storm

During a 2014 winter storm, Freeman was stuck in a traffic jam, and former teammate Chipper Jones rescued him on his ATV.

2014: Marriage to Chelsea Goff

In 2014, Freeman married Chelsea Goff. She appeared in season 8, episode 15 of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.

2014: Coppolella's Transactions

In the 2014-15 off-season, general manager John Coppolella became responsible for the team's transactions.

June 17, 2015: Day-to-Day with Wrist Injury

On June 17, 2015, Freddie Freeman was listed as day-to-day with an injury to his right wrist originally sustained during a June 13 game against the New York Mets.

2015: Coppolella stated he would not trade Freeman

During the 2015–16 off-season, Coppolella repeatedly stated he would not trade Freddie Freeman.

2015: Lowest Batting Average since 2015 season

In 2024, Freeman played in 147 games, with a .282 batting average, which was his lowest batting average since the 2015 season.

January 2016: "Chipper Rescues Freddie" Bobblehead Night Announcement

In January 2016, the Atlanta Braves announced a "Chipper Rescues Freddie" bobblehead night for the following season as a promotional night.

2016: Player of the Month

In 2016, Freeman played 158 games with a .302 batting average, 43 doubles, 34 home runs, and 91 RBI. For the season, he led all major league hitters in line drive percentage (29.1%). He finished sixth on the National League Most Valuable Player award voting.

June 2017: Offers to Play Third Base

In June 2017, while rehabilitating his hand injury, Freddie Freeman stated he offered to play third base upon his return, because his replacement at first base, Matt Adams, was hitting well.

October 2017: Underwent LASIK Surgery

In October 2017, Freddie Freeman underwent LASIK surgery to correct vision problems that had manifested since 2012.

2017: Playing for Canada in the World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Freeman changed his representation to Canada for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and hit .182/.182/.182 with two hits and three strikeouts.

2018: All-Star Game and Home Run Derby

In 2018, Freddie Freeman was selected to his third All-Star game as the National League's starting first baseman. He also accepted an invitation to participate in the 2018 Home Run Derby.

2018: Gold Glove Award

In 2018, Freddie Freeman won a Gold Glove Award.

2018: Gold Glove and Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 2018, Freddie Freeman won the Gold Glove for first base in the National League, along with Anthony Rizzo of the Chicago Cubs. He also received the 2018 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award and finished fourth in the National League Most Valuable Player award voting.

2019: Silver Slugger and Defensive Player of the Year Awards

In 2019, Freddie Freeman batted .295/.389/.549 with 38 home runs and 121 RBIs and led all NL hitters in line drive percentage (27.5%). Freeman and teammates Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies won the 2019 National League Silver Slugger Awards for first base, the outfield, and second base, respectively and Freeman also won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award for the second consecutive season.

2019: All-Star Game Starter

In 2019, Freddie Freeman was selected as the National League starter at first base in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The appearance was his second consecutive start in the game and his fourth All-Star Game selection overall.

2019: Silver Slugger Award

In 2019, Freddie Freeman won the Silver Slugger Award.

July 2020: Tested Positive for COVID-19

In July 2020, Freddie Freeman tested positive for COVID-19 before the season began. He experienced a loss of smell and a high fever, but recovered in time to participate in some training camp activities.

2020: Silver Slugger Award and NL MVP

Freddie Freeman had an outstanding season in 2020, leading the major leagues with 23 doubles and 51 runs scored and hitting .341 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs. Freeman's offensive performance won him a second Silver Slugger Award and he was named the NL MVP.

2020: National League MVP and Silver Slugger Award

In 2020, Freddie Freeman won the National League's Most Valuable Player Award and a Silver Slugger Award.

2021: Silver Slugger Award Presentation

Before a game on April 18, 2022, Freeman was presented his 2021 Silver Slugger Award by Braves manager Brian Snitker and hitting coach Kevin Seitzer.

2021: Silver Slugger Award and World Series Champion

In 2021, Freddie Freeman won a Silver Slugger Award and a World Series championship.

2021: All-Star Game Selection, Cycle, and Postseason Home Run

In 2021, Freeman was named the National League's starting first baseman for the All-Star Game. On August 18, he hit for the cycle against the Marlins. On October 12, Freeman hit the game-winning solo home run in the National League Division Series game four against the Milwaukee Brewers.

2021: Contract Negotiations and Departure from the Braves

In 2021, Freeman's contract with the Braves was ending. He and the Braves exchanged offers for a new contract, including a five-year, $125 million offer. Freeman declined the Braves' qualifying offer and became a free agent. The Braves later increased their offer to five years and $140 million, but Freeman insisted on a sixth year. After the Braves declined both proposals and pulled their offer, they acquired Matt Olson, effectively ending Freeman's time with the Braves.

2021: World Series Win and Dodgers Contract

In 2021, the Atlanta Braves won the World Series. Subsequently, Freddie Freeman entered free agency and signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

March 18, 2022: Signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers

On March 18, 2022, with no future in Atlanta, Freeman signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

April 8, 2022: Dodgers Debut

On April 8, 2022, Freeman made his Dodgers debut, batting second in the lineup and going 1–3 with a walk against the Colorado Rockies.

2022: All-Star Selection and Season Performance

In 2022, Freeman was named an All-Star and led MLB with 199 hits and 47 doubles. His batting average was second in the National League at .325, and he had 21 home runs and 100 RBI.

May 18, 2023: 300th Career Home Run

On May 18, 2023, Freeman hit his 300th career home run, a grand slam off of Génesis Cabrera of the St. Louis Cardinals.

2023: Return to Canada's WBC Team

In the 2023 WBC, Freeman again played for Canada and slashed .200/.273/.200 in 10 at-bats, with two hits and one walk.

May 20, 2024: Sixth Career Grand Slam

On May 20, 2024, Freeman hit his sixth career grand slam against pitcher Slade Cecconi during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2024: World Series MVP

In 2024, Freddie Freeman won the World Series MVP after setting a record for consecutive World Series games with a home run, including the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history.

2024: Son's Diagnosis with Guillain-Barré Syndrome

In 2024, Freeman's youngest son, Maximus, was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome.

2025: 350th Career Home Run

In 2025, Freeman hit his 350th career home run off pitcher Sandy Alcántara on May 5. On June 28, Freeman recorded his 4,000th career total base on a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the seventh inning.