The Los Angeles Dodgers made their yearly free agency splash last week, announcing the signing of first baseman Freddie Freeman, who had been with the Atlanta Braves, to a six-year deal.
The contract is worth $162 million, awfully close to the $180 million he reportedly wanted at the start of free agency.
Atlanta, apparently, was only willing to go to five years with Freeman.
The Dodgers swooped in and secured the services of the 2020 NL MVP and the 2021 World Series champion a few days after the Braves traded for first baseman Matt Olson.
Fans were dying to see Freeman wearing Dodger blue, and they finally got to see some pictures of their incoming star.
“First look in a Dodger uni,” the Dodgers’ official account tweeted on Monday afternoon.
First look in a Dodger uni. pic.twitter.com/e2yWoX3l9T
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 21, 2022
The Newest Member Of A Terrifying Lineup
He does look good in his new uniform, and is ready to terrorize opposing lineups together with Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Trea Turner, Justin Turner, AJ Pollock, Gavin Lux, Will Smith, Chris Taylor, and others.
Freeman is already 32, but still has it: in 2021, he batted .300 with 31 home runs, 120 runs scored, and 83 RBI.
He also carried the Braves to the World Series title by hitting five home runs in the playoffs and posting an OPS north of 1.000.
You can expect similar production in 2022, with so many talents surrounding him.
And the best part of all is that Freeman will feel like home, since he was born in California and grew up in the area.
It was a very impressive signing by the Dodgers, one that could get them back to the Fall Classic.
He is a moderate risk to age poorly, but the Dodgers probably don’t care as long as he can give them three or four solid years, which he is fully capable of.
NEXT: Dodgers Manager Reveals When Freddie Freeman Will Debut