PHOENIX –– Freddie Freeman knows he won’t win the argument. But he at least wants to put up a stubborn, symbolic fight.
Already this spring,Dodgers manager Dave Robertshas signaled his intention to give Freeman more off days this coming season, hopeful that increased rest will benefit the superstar first baseman in his age-36 season.
But on Thursday, while speaking to reporters for the first time in camp, Freeman flashed a sly grin when the subject was raised.
“I’m going to prepare to play 162 games,” the nine-time All-Star and former MVP winner said with a laugh. “And then when that day comes or the night comes where they say, ‘We’re going to give you tomorrow off,’ I will fight that battle and most likely lose. But I want to play every game.”
This is nothing new for Freeman. Over his 16-year career, he has annually set a goal of playing all 162 games of the regular season (he has achieved that twice and logged 161 in another). As afuture Hall of Famerwho has been defined by his consistent production and presence on the field, he is still loath –– albeit, also slightly more accepting –– to even the occasional day stuck sitting on the bench.
“As I’ve gotten older, I try not to think about that,” he joked. “But they are looking out for the best interests of me. I do understand that. So if they want to give me (a day), I’ll just say yes.”
Not without at least a little lobbying first, of course.
While playing every game might no longer be in the cards for Freeman, the fact it remains his aim is illustrative of how fresh he is feeling entering this new campaign.
The ankle injury he initially played through in the 2024 postseason, then tediously managed for most of 2025 after undergoing surgery last offseason, is finally behind him. He arrived at Camelback Ranch this month rejuvenated by a fully healthy winter training program.
“I took four days off (after last season) and then started working out and went right back at it,” Freeman said. “I feel really good.”
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
