Freddie Freeman: Money Doesn’t Buy World Series Championships

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ quest for a third consecutive World Series title came to an end when they were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series.

The Dodgers were strong favorites coming into the season after they reinforced their roster with the additions of Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker. However, both players largely struggled before catching fire at the end of the year.

Freddie Freeman believes the Dodgers’ early exit was a good reminder that high payrolls do not always translate to success.

“The people that are in this game know it’s not guaranteed. Sports isn’t guaranteed,” Freeman answered when asked what his response would be to the buying World Series narrative. “It’s a hard game no matter what the name on the back says. You’ve got to go out there and play the game, and the Brewers played really good baseball these four days.

“They beat us, and that’s just how it goes.”

While the Dodgers returned the majority of their core from recent championship seasons, several of those key players were either hampered by injuries or mired in uncharacteristic slumps throughout the year. L.A. still finished with the second-best record in baseball, but it clearly ran out of steam against a relentless Brewers team.

The Brewers posted the Majors’ best record for the second consecutive season despite ranking only 19th in total payroll and not having as many recognizable players as most big-market teams. However, that’s not to say they were a major underdog against the Dodgers, as manager Pat Murphy had tried to portray them prior to the 2025 NLCS.

Milwaukee simply had the better-constructed roster and built it without spending as much money as the Dodgers. L.A. still had a strong group of players behind the second-highest payroll in baseball, which trailed only the New York Mets.

The Mets missing the postseason for a second consecutive year further reinforces Freeman’s point that spending lavishly in free agency does not guarantee championships or even playoff appearances.

Freddie Freeman disappointed for Miguel Rojas

The Dodgers being swept by the Brewers in the NLCS was followed by news that Miguel Rojas would officially be retiring after a 13-year career. The veteran utility man suggested he would potentially return in 2027 if L.A. completed a three-peat, but that never came to pass.

“I’m sad for Miguel. I wanted to get him another championship one last time,” Freeman said after the Dodgers were eliminated. “This group, we’ve been through a lot. Been all over the world together, did some really, really cool things in this game together.

“We came up short on the three-peat, but keep our head high. We accomplished some good stuff and we’ll get back at it next year.”