Last week, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman to a 6 year, $162 million contract. The acquisition adds to an already formidable lineup and puts LA in the driver’s seat to win this season’s NL West crown. Further, the move should be seen as one that solidifies the Dodgers as a World Series favorite that boasts one of the best lineups in baseball’s storied history.

Formerly with the Atlanta Braves, Freeman is a World Series Champion, MVP and Gold Glove winner, five time All-Star and three time victor of the Silver Slugger award. Along with a good feel for first base, his presence at the plate makes him elite. He has hit 271 career home runs and holds a .295 career batting average. In today’s world of baseball, such a combination of power and contact hitting is rare. Perhaps now more than ever, players are focused on homeruns. This mentality has rendered situational hitting a mute point at times and has resulted in a league wide epidemic of strikeouts. Freeman is one of only a handful of players that can rise above the current school of thought and focus on being holistically solid at the dish.

Beyond numbers, Freeman is a proven leader. For years he was the face of the Atlanta Braves and was also a key part of their 2021 World Series run. In the Fall Classic, he hit .318, clubbed two home runs and produced a .360 on base percentage. Freeman came up clutch when it mattered most and should be respected for both his talent and leadership. 

The Dodgers were good last season. They made it to the NLCS where they fell to Freeman’s Braves in six games. Along with some issues in regards to their rotation’s health, LA did not have the firepower to consistently keep up with a young and scrappy Braves team that played better situational baseball. Streaky performances from players like the recently departed Corey Seager kept them afloat offensively, while other talents such as Mookie Betts had a subpar series. 

Freeman adds an “intelligent bat” that is much needed. When you combine this with the typical level of play from Betts, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Trea Turner and Cody Bellinger, the Dodgers become an even scarier entity than they were last season because of the many threats  that the lineup posed to opposing pitchers. Each of these players can hit home runs. Trea Turner and Mookie Betts are both potential leadoff options, and Freeman is a “do it all” hitter that can consistently be placed in the middle of any lineup. 

With Clayton Kershaw returning, the signing of Kyle Anderson and Walker Buehler continuing to grow, the Dodgers have also restructured their rotation in a way that can fit October baseball. These arms can eat innings when necessary, even when they aren’t throwing their “best stuff.” One could argue that the Freeman signing sures up the lineup in the same way. Even if the sluggers aren’t hot, Freeman will be able to drive in runs by any means necessary. This is especially critical in the postseason, when runners in scoring position come at a premium. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers are going to be an elite team with a powerful lineup. If they are all clicking, the boys in blue have a chance to be one of baseball’s most historic teams. None of this happens without the front office signing the always reliable leader that is Freeman. Hollywood loves a great story, and it appears that the 2022 Dodgers are set to be a must-see blockbuster event.