Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is entering his fourth season with the team, though manager Dave Roberts has noticed something different in 2026.
Roberts has managed Freeman to two World Series titles and four straight All-Star appearances. The infielder has produced some of the best offensive numbers of his career with the Dodgers, despite being in his 30s, namely in 2022 and 2023.
However, despite all of his successes, Freeman has not reached his .300 batting average benchmark that he tends to target as a special contact hitter.
He has dealt with a couple of injuries over his past two seasons, especially to his lower body, which results in missed time and some mechanical changes.
Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates with manager Dave Roberts (30) after hitting a walk off home run in the eighteenth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game three of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to Dave Roberts, Freeman’s swing at 2026 Dodgers Spring Training is looking better than ever.
“Right now, today, is as good as I’ve seen his swing over the course of a week sample than I have in two years,” Roberts said.
“So he’s in a good spot physically and mechanically; if we can keep him healthy, I just don’t see why he can’t have the year he expects.
“And with that, with everything that he went through the last couple of years, his production was still; he was still very productive.
“So that says a lot about more, for me, the character.”
Freddie Freeman’s playoff moments
While his regular-season numbers have not been at his typical lofty standards in the last two years, he has delivered two timely home runs during the postseason, among other clutch hits.
His extra-innings shot to beat the New York Yankees will live in infamy for the 2024 World Series clutch win, along with his 18th-inning game-winning shot against the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025.
He took home the World Series MVP award in 2024 for his heroics and has become a legend in Dodgers history.
His improved swing is scary for the rest of MLB, especially considering that he can complement the slugging abilities of other players in the lineup.
Dodgers fans should be excited about Freeman being healthy alongside Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Will Smith.
LA Baseball Report
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