Freddie Freeman, the perennial MVP candidate and cornerstone first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, commands one of MLB's most lucrative contracts. After a celebrated tenure with the Atlanta Braves, Freeman signed a six-year, $162 million deal with the Dodgers in March 2022. This agreement sees him earning an average annual value (AAV) of $27 million through the 2027 season, solidifying his status as one of the game's highest-paid position players and a foundational piece for the storied franchise.
A Legacy of Earning Power
Freeman's current Dodgers contract represents the pinnacle of a steadily growing income trajectory throughout his distinguished career. After making his MLB debut in 2010 and playing on rookie-scale salaries, his first significant payday came in 2014 when he inked an eight-year, $135 million extension with the Braves, a deal that paid him an average of just under $17 million annually. This initial long-term commitment was a testament to his burgeoning talent and consistent production. The move to Los Angeles saw a substantial raise, reflecting his continued elite performance and MVP-caliber play well into his 30s.
Comparing his $27 million AAV to peers across MLB, Freeman sits comfortably among the top earners, particularly for first basemen. While not reaching the astronomical figures of generational talents like Shohei Ohtani or the league's absolute highest-paid pitchers, his salary is commensurate with his consistent offensive output, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and clubhouse leadership. He remains a premium asset in the game, and his current contract reflects both his immense value and the market rate for a player of his enduring caliber.