Freddie Freeman Says He Wants to Finish Career in Dodgers Uniform as Contract Winds Down
Freddie Freeman told reporters he would like to play until he is 40 and finish his career with the dodgers, emphasizing that he loves being in Los Angeles and is focused on the present rather than future negotiations. That declaration lands as Freeman approaches the final years of his contract and as the club balances rotation health and roster depth ahead of the regular season.
Development details
Freeman is in the latter third of the six-year deal he signed after the 2021-22 lockout, and his current contract is scheduled to end after the 2027 season. He has already produced notable achievements with the team, including setting the franchise single-season doubles record in 2023 and earning World Series MVP honors in 2024 while helping the club to consecutive championships.
On the topic of his future, Freeman said, “I love being here, ” and made clear he is not pressing the organization on a new contract. He noted he has two years remaining and characterized his approach as that of an employee doing his job; if the club wants him back, they will know of his desire to remain.
Context and pressure points
Freeman’s remarks come as the roster faces a mix of durability questions and lineup expectations. A key veteran, Mookie Betts, followed a challenging offensive season with a performance still highly valued for its defense, and the manager has signaled that Betts’ health and a rebound campaign are priorities. In the bullpen and rotation, the team saw a veteran reliever return from free agency while other rotation pieces carry uncertain timelines; one starter is listed as questionable for opening day and another name has emerged as someone to watch while the staff is finalized.
What makes this notable is that Freeman’s stated intent to remain in Los Angeles intersects with a club managing short-term medical timelines and the distribution of playing time among established stars. The roster adjustments and individual health plans will directly influence how the team allocates playing opportunities and plans for contract windows as veterans near the ends of their deals.
Immediate impact for the Dodgers
Freeman’s public commitment to staying with the team while focusing on day-to-day performance provides stability in the lineup and clubhouse leadership. His continued presence preserves an offensive and veteran anchor that has contributed to back-to-back championships and a World Series MVP performance. Teammates returning to the roster and those eyeing bounce-back seasons will be affected by how the front office and coaching staff manage playing time and load management across the roster.
Meanwhile, other roster notes shape immediate planning: a reliever who explored free agency has returned to the roster but is expected to be unavailable until midseason, and the rotation’s opening-day picture remains unsettled with at least one veteran’s readiness in doubt and a lesser-known name considered for early opportunities.
Forward outlook
Freeman has two seasons remaining on his deal through the 2027 season, and he has expressed no intention to force discussions before then. The club will monitor durability and performance across its veteran core and younger options as it moves toward the regular season. Confirmed milestones on the calendar include player readiness evaluations ahead of opening day and midseason availability for returning pitchers who are not expected to be available at the start of the year.
The matter remains under review when it comes to how the roster will be finalized, but Freeman’s stated preference to play into his late 30s with the team establishes a clear baseline for both sides. The broader implication is that the team’s short-term health and role distribution choices will set the stage for any contract conversations down the line, and early-season availability of rotation and bullpen pieces will be the first practical test of those plans.
