Andrew Friedman's Freddie Freeman Message After Dodgers Retirement Decision

As spring training begins and the Dodgers prepare for their Cactus League opener on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels, Freeman enters his 17th MLB season.

Naturally, questions about retirement have surfaced. He has nothing left to prove, and his Hall of Fame case is already secure.

During the Dodgers’ World Series parade last November, Freeman said he hoped to finish his career in Los Angeles and envisioned playing four more seasons. Earlier this week at spring training, he reaffirmed that stance and made it clear he is not concerned about another contract.

“I love playing here. That’s out of my control. I’m not worried about another contract. If they want me back, they want me back,” Freeman said (h/t Dodgers Nation).

After hearing those comments, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman shared his own thoughts during an appearance on Foul Territory. Friedman admitted he never expected Freeman to join the Dodgers back in 2022, but now that he has, he said, “I don’t want to picture him in a different uniform.”

The sentiment is significant because it signals the organization’s desire to keep Freeman beyond his current deal and reinforces how vital he is to the franchise’s identity and long‑term plans.

Last season, Freeman remained one of the most productive hitters in baseball, posting a .295 batting average, .367 on‑base percentage, .869 OPS, 24 home runs and 90 RBIs across 147 games.

As the Dodgers chase a historic three‑peat, Freeman’s presence, leadership and consistency will once again be at the center of everything they hope to accomplish.