Dodgers Bring Back Veteran David Freese on a One Year Deal

After delaying his opt-out decision, the Los Angeles Dodgers have re-signed veteran infielder David Freese to a one-year,  $4.5M deal.

David Freese has long since been regarded as one of the most clutch postseason hitters this century. His walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series helped lead the Cardinals to victory over the Rangers in Game 7.

He is one of the strongest postseason hitters since David Ortiz.

Midway through the 2018 regular season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor leaguer Jesus Valdez and has since been a strength for LA both in the infield and at the plate.

The Dodgers brought Freese over to add to their depth, a word that has described the team for the past three years. In their recent postseason run, which ended with a Game 5 World Series loss to the Boston Red Sox, Freese hit .389 with one home run in the World Series.

The re-signing of Freese is good for the Dodgers, as he gives them options at first. Now, the Dodgers have three elite stars who can play first base, Freese, Cody Bellinger, and Max Muncy.

The Dodgers paid his $500,000 buyout, then re-signed him for $4.5 million.

Los Angeles had announced on Wednesday that they have come to agreements with both David Freese and Clayton Kershaw to extend their option deadlines to Friday at 1PM PST. Freese and the Dodgers’ front office worked out a deal with about 20 hours to spare; there’s no word on a deal with the Dodgers’ ace yet.

With Chase Utley retiring, this is a very good move for LA. Not only do they get a player with five seasons of postseason experience, but they get another veteran to help lead the team.

There’s no telling what this Dodgers team will look like come spring training. Clayton Kershaw may be there, he may not be. Hopefully, Corey Seager will be back, healthy, and stronger than ever.

Regardless, it looks like David Freese will be a part of any magic made in LA in 2019, and the team is so much stronger because of it.