Freddie Freeman’s impact on the Los Angeles Dodgers goes beyond his numbers on the field. While the Dodgers have been a star-studded team for years—with Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, and Clayton Kershaw leading the way—it was Freeman who brought the championship mentality that finally pushed them over the edge. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has credited Freeman with instilling the “desire” that led to their 2024 World Series title, where Freeman was named MVP. But what many don’t know is that just a year ago, Freeman nearly walked away from baseball altogether.
Freddie Freeman’s Near Retirement in 2024
During the Dodgers’ 2024 season, Freeman faced an emotional crisis when his 3-year-old son, Max, was diagnosed with transient synovitis, a temporary but painful hip inflammation common in young children. While the team was on the road against the Houston Astros, Freeman had to leave to be by his son’s side.
His wife, Chelsea Freeman, later revealed how difficult this period was:
“There was a point, like, if Max didn’t get better, I don’t know if Freddie would have gone back to playing.”
Freeman, known for his dedication to the game, was on the verge of choosing family over baseball. Fortunately, Max made a recovery, allowing Freeman to return and finish the season strong. His resilience culminated in one of the most iconic World Series moments—a game-winning homer that secured the Dodgers’ championship.
Freeman’s Current Injury Concern
While Freeman’s journey was already a story of perseverance, the 2025 season has presented another challenge. Just as the Dodgers were set to open the season against the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series, Freeman was ruled out due to left rib discomfort. This is concerning because Freeman had previously dealt with a rib injury during the 2024 postseason.
Fans are left wondering: Is this a lingering issue from last year or a new setback? The timing is worrying, as Freeman was expected to be fully healthy heading into the season. His absence in Tokyo raises questions about how much this injury might affect him long-term.
Can the Dodgers Overcome Freeman’s Absence?
With Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow added to an already stacked roster, the Dodgers remain favorites for another deep playoff run. However, Freeman’s leadership and presence in the lineup are irreplaceable. His resilience, both on and off the field, has been a cornerstone of this team’s success.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Freeman’s health and whether this rib discomfort is just a minor setback or a bigger concern. For now, the Dodgers must find a way to adjust while hoping their leader can make another triumphant return.