The Los Angeles Dodgers took a chance over the offseason: they decided to give a 32-year-old first baseman a six-year deal in excess of $162 million.
That first baseman, however, is Freddie Freeman: you know that, at least in the first few years of the pact, he will be worth the investment.
Freeman started off the season hitting for a high average and OBP, but his power was a bit lacking.
The past five games, however, have shown that he is still capable of hitting the ball with authority and hit his fair share of home runs.
“Last 5 games for Freddie Freeman: 3 HR, 10 RBI, .526 AVG, 1.782 OPS,” Dodgers reporter Blake Harris tweeted.
Last 5 games for Freddie Freeman
3 HR
10 RBI
.526 AVG
1.782 OPS— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) June 23, 2022
It looks like Freeman is finally finding his power stroke.
More likely, it never left him: sometimes randomness makes homers hard to come by.
Freeman’s Power Is Starting To Come Around
For the season, Freeman has eight home runs and a .496 slugging percentage: in other words, he is slowly returning to the level we are used to seeing him.
Overall, he has 44 RBI and is slashing .303/.386/.496 with a great .882 OPS.
In the last few seasons, Freeman has been a slow starter and a strong finisher: maybe 2022 will be similar.
One thing in true: the Dodgers are probably happy they signed him, even if he wasn’t exactly cheap.
Freeman virtually pays for himself in flawless on-field performance, merchandise sales, jerseys, and other important aspects of running a team.
He is also a clubhouse leader and a terrific offseason performer, so all things considered, the package has been more than worth it for Los Angeles.
Freeman is playing where he grew up and that also helps keep him happy.
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