Freddie Freeman’s status as one of Major League Baseball’s top first basemen remains unchallenged even as he approaches the 15th anniversary of his debut with the Atlanta Braves. Over the last decade, Freeman has solidified his legacy, amassing over 2,000 hits and 350 home runs, which positions him favorably for a place in the Hall of Fame.
The Braves’ bold decision to extend Freeman with an eight-year, $135 million contract during the team’s roster overhaul was a testament to their faith in him as a core player. While the Braves moved on from several key players in 2014 and 2015, Freeman was retained, and the investment paid off. In hindsight, his performance exceeded the projections, accumulating 35.4 WAR compared to an expected 26.4 over the life of the extension.
Freeman’s offensive prowess continued to grow as he became a central figure in the Braves’ success during their championship run, including winning the MVP award in 2020. After his departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers, transactions surrounding first basemen became a hot topic, especially following the Braves’ acquisition of Matt Olson, who signed a lucrative extension with Atlanta.
The comparison between Freeman and Olson has since sparked discussions among fans and analysts. Freeman’s statistics in 2022-2025 highlight his remarkable performance: a .317 batting average and a .401 on-base percentage, showcasing his enduring skill even at the age of 35, surpassing most expectations.
As of 2025, Freeman is showing no signs of decline with an impressive start to the season, hitting .366 and maintaining a wRC+ of 210. The projections suggest he has the potential to achieve significant career milestones, including surpassing 3,000 hits and potentially reaching 500 home runs. If he continues on this trajectory, Freeman’s career WAR could elevate him among the elite in baseball history.
Freeman’s resilience and consistency in a sport often challenging for aging players are commendable. His ability to maintain high performance levels bodes well for his future, indicating that he may continue to defy the odds well into the later years of his career. His journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with dedication and skill, the challenges of time can be met with remarkable success.