“I love being here”: Freddie Freeman shuts down contract talk and expresses hope to retire in Dodgers blue

Freddie Freeman isn’t entertaining free-agency talk. As he works through the final years of his six-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the former MVP has made his position clear: he wants to finish his career in Los Angeles. With his contract set to expire through 2027, Freeman says he’s focused on winning, not negotiating, despite speculation about his long-term future beginning to build.

At age 35, Freeman has already created a legacy in two franchises. After 12 successful seasons with the Atlanta Braves, culminating in a World Series championship in 2021, he has added another chapter championship in LA. He set the single-season record for Doubles with the Dodgers in 2023, and earned the World Series MVP honors in 2024, securing back-to-back championships.

Despite being in the final third of the contract, Freeman isn’t pressing for an extension.

“I love being here,” Freeman said Thursday. “I’m from Southern California. I’ve had a great time with fans. You guys treat me great. Everyone’s treating my family good,” added Freeman.

While talking to MLB.com’s Sonja Chen, “So that’s out of my control. I’m not worried about another contract, not going to bring it up, not going to talk about it.

I got two years left. I’m just an employee. I just do my job, and if they want me back, they want me back. But I think [president of baseball operations] Andrew [Friedman] and everyone knows that I love being here. “

According to MLB.com’s Sonja Chen, Freeman hopes to play until he’s 40, hopefully without changing uniforms again.

While Freeman’s future is a topic of interest, the Dodgers’ main focus is still another title drive. Moreover, Mookie Betts is looking for a bounce-back season after his worst offensive season. Manager Dave Roberts expects Betts to get back on track to MVP. “He will be in the (MVP) conversation this year,” said Roberts, placing more emphasis on health than individual awards and team success.

On the pitching side, reliever Evan Phillips is back after testifying of free agency, while there is a question regarding the Opening Day availability of Blake Snell. That could create a spot on the rotation for Justin Wrobleski. On the other hand, Jazz Chisholm Jr. has set for himself an ambitious goal of joining Shohei Ohtani in the 50-50 club, although a 40-40 season is more realistic. In Los Angeles, however, the message is simple: Freeman isn’t thinking of an exit.

He’s planning a finish.