Freddie Freeman isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet. The Dodgers first baseman has his sights set on playing until he’s 40 – which means three more seasons after this one.
“I’ve always wanted to try and play until I’m 40 years old,” Freeman said during his media session ahead of the All-Star Game, via Dodgers Beat. “That would be three more years after this. I’m not going to put a firm number on it. I would have to get another contract, so I’m only worried about this year. But 20 years in the big leagues would be kind of cool and special.”
Freeman turns 37 on September 12th. He’s been in the majors since debuting with Atlanta on September 1st, 2010 – so we’re talking about a guy who’s already put together quite a resume.
This season he’s hitting .290 with 15 homers and 49 RBI. Not bad for a veteran.
The hardware collection tells the story: three World Series rings, a World Series MVP, and a regular season MVP. He’s sitting at 2,534 career hits with 382 home runs and a .299 career average entering the break.
“We’re on our way to 3,000 (hits). That would be awesome to get to. Hopefully I can stay healthy and play well enough to get there.”
The math works. If Freeman stays productive for three more years, that 3,000-hit milestone is definitely within reach. He needs 466 more hits, which breaks down to roughly 155 hits per season – totally doable for a player of his caliber who’s stayed relatively healthy.
What makes this interesting is Freeman’s approach. He’s not making bold declarations or setting unrealistic expectations. Just a veteran who knows his body and understands what it takes to play at this level.
The Dodgers have to be thrilled to hear their cornerstone isn’t thinking about retirement anytime soon. Freeman’s been everything they hoped for when they signed him, and having that kind of veteran presence – especially one still producing – is invaluable.
Twenty years in the bigs would put Freeman in some exclusive company. That 3,000-hit club? Even more exclusive. Not bad goals for a guy who clearly isn’t done writing his story.
