Current Contract Structure and Annual Value
Freddie Freeman signed a six-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022 that runs through the 2028 season. The deal carries a total guaranteed value of $162 million, with an average annual value of $27 million. The contract includes a full no-trade clause, giving Freeman control over any potential trades. His base salary for the 2024 season is set at $23 million, with annual raises built into the later years of the deal. The structure was reported by MLB.com as one of the most favorable long-term agreements for a first baseman in recent memory.
The contract also includes vesting options and performance bonuses tied to games played and All-Star selections. Freeman's guaranteed money makes him one of the highest-paid first basemen in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers absorbed a portion of the financial commitment to secure his services ahead of the 2022 playoff run. The agreement is structured to provide both short-term flexibility and long-term financial security for the franchise.
Contract Timeline and Key Dates
Freeman's current deal began with the 2023 season and runs through the 2028 campaign. The contract includes a player option for the 2029 season, giving Freeman the ability to extend his tenure with the Dodgers. The team also holds a limited no-trade window during the first two years of the agreement. Free agency eligibility begins after the 2028 season, though the player option could extend his stay. The timeline was confirmed by ESPN in their contract analysis of the 2022 offseason.
The extension was formally announced in March 2022, shortly after Freeman's World Series championship with the Dodgers. The contract was designed to keep the two-time All-Star first baseman in a Dodgers uniform through his prime years. The deal also includes a full no-trade clause, a rare provision for players in the middle of their careers. The timeline ensures the Dodgers have a stable first baseman without a hard deadline for a decision.
Financial Impact and Team Obligations
The Dodgers currently carry Freddie Freeman's contract as part of their $280 million payroll commitment for the 2024 season. The financial obligation is structured to provide cap flexibility in later years, with a declining salary curve after 2026. The contract is fully guaranteed, meaning the Dodgers are responsible for the entire $162 million regardless of performance or injury. The deal is managed under the team's luxury tax considerations, with the Dodgers operating above the competitive balance tax threshold. The financial details were reviewed by Forbes in their annual MLB salary analysis.
The contract includes a full no-trade clause, which limits the Dodgers' ability to move Freeman without his consent. The team's front office has indicated that the deal is a long-term investment in a core piece of their lineup. Freeman's on-field production, including his 2023 batting average and run production, supports the financial commitment. The Dodgers also have a mutual option for 2029 that could add an additional $30 million to the total value. The financial structure was also discussed by Bloomberg in their contract breakdown of the 2022 MLB offseason.