Freeman, 32, was the 2020 National League MVP and has made five NL All-Star teams during his career with the Atlanta Braves. The first baseman helped the Braves to their fourth straight NL East title last season and their first World Series championship since 1995.
After the World Series, Freeman’s contract expired and he was extended a qualifying offer ($18.4 million) by the Braves. He rejected that offer and became a free agent.
The move boosts the Dodgers’ chances of winning another World Series. L.A. was eliminated by Freeman and the Braves in six games in last year’s NLCS.
Freeman’s addition provides even more depth to the Dodgers’ strong lineup, and he gives the team a left-handed bat in the middle of the order to replace Corey Seager, who signed with the Texas Rangers as a free agent.
Freeman will play alongside former MVPs Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger, along with Trea Turner, Max Muncy and Justin Turner. The lineup already was among the National League’s best last year with 237 home runs and 5.12 runs per game to go with 612 walks and an OPS of .759.
Last season, Freeman hit .300, with 31 homers, 83 RBIs and an NL-leading 120 runs scored.
The news was reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel.
Freeman is from Fountain Valley, where he rooted for the Los Angeles Angels as a kid.
ESPN and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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