Freddie Freeman's Dodgers Future Uncertain Due to Shohei Ohtani

Veteran first baseman may not finish MLB career with Los Angeles

Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:39am

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Freddie Freeman, the star first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, faces an uncertain future with the team due to the presence of Shohei Ohtani as the Dodgers' designated hitter. With Freeman's contract expiring after the 2027 season and Ohtani entrenched as the DH, the Dodgers may not be able to re-sign Freeman as he pursues 3,000 career hits.

Why it matters

This situation highlights the complex roster management challenges facing the Dodgers as they try to balance their star-studded lineup and accommodate aging veterans like Freeman. It also raises questions about Freeman's future and whether he'll be able to reach the coveted 3,000-hit milestone with the Dodgers or potentially finish his career elsewhere.

The details

Freeman, 36, has two years left on his $162 million contract with the Dodgers. However, with Ohtani firmly established as the team's DH, the Dodgers may not be able to re-sign Freeman after his contract expires, as they may not have a clear position for him. Freeman is currently at 2,431 career hits and would need to play at least three more seasons at his current pace of 181 hits per year to reach 3,000 hits before retirement.

  • Freeman's current Dodgers contract expires after the 2027 season.
  • Freeman is currently at 2,431 career hits, 569 shy of the 3,000-hit milestone.

The players

Freddie Freeman

A star first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is nearing the end of his career and pursuing the 3,000-hit milestone.

Shohei Ohtani

The two-way superstar who is the Dodgers' entrenched designated hitter, potentially complicating Freeman's future with the team.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The reigning World Series champions who are facing roster management challenges as they try to balance their star-studded lineup.

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What they’re saying

“He's got two years left on his Dodgers contract, and with Shohei Ohtani entrenched as L.A.'s designated hitter indefinitely, questions might emerge next season about where Freeman will finish his career.”

— Buster Olney, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Dodgers will need to decide whether to re-sign Freddie Freeman after the 2027 season, with Shohei Ohtani's presence as the team's DH potentially complicating that decision.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges facing the Dodgers as they try to balance their star-studded roster and accommodate aging veterans like Freddie Freeman. It raises questions about Freeman's future and whether he'll be able to reach the 3,000-hit milestone with the Dodgers or potentially finish his career elsewhere.