Freddie Freeman, the reigning World Series MVP, made his long-awaited spring training debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, testing his surgically repaired ankle and receiving a hero’s welcome from fans. Here’s a breakdown of Freeman’s return, his recovery, and what it means for the Dodgers as they prepare for the 2025 season.
A Hero’s Welcome at Salt River Fields
Even in an opposing team’s ballpark, Freddie Freeman couldn’t escape the love of the fans in his Cactus League debut on Thursday. In grey pants as the visiting Dodgers, Freeman got a standing ovation before he even stepped up to the plate.
“It’s a little different,” Freeman said afterwards. “I’m in grey pants and getting cheers.”
Despite the attention, Freeman was himself. Down 0-2 in his first at-bat, he worked the count, waited out two pitches in the dirt and lined a fastball from Colorado Rockies righty Bradley Blalock into right field for a single. Classic Freeman. Calm under pressure, disciplined and effective.
Adjusting to Life as a Legend
Freeman has never been about fame. The spotlight that shines on him after the World Series is foreign to the man who just wants to do his job and go home.
“I like it, I really do,” Freeman said. “It’s not something you chase, but you take it in stride. You enjoy what you created for people and I don’t take that for granted what we did last October.”
But the reminders are constant. From fans telling him thank you to one super fan who tattooed his autograph on their calf, Freeman is a Dodger legend for sure.
Manager Dave Roberts knows this better than most. As the man behind one of the most iconic plays in Boston history—a stolen base that ended the Red Sox curse in 2004—he knows how these moments stick with fans.
“I think Freddie will hear it,” Roberts said. “He’s going to hear it every day, certainly during the baseball season, from someone who’s grateful or thankful for that moment.”
But Freeman stays focused on the task at hand. He doesn’t let the praise get in the way of his main goal: winning another championship for the Dodgers.
The Ankle Injury That Changed Everything
Freeman’s swing looked good on Thursday, but his ankle is still not right. What was diagnosed as a severe sprain was actually torn ligaments and a bone spur near his Achilles tendon. Surgery followed and Freeman had to modify his usual spring prep.
“It’s good enough,” Freeman said of the ankle. But it’s nowhere near his left one. He’s wearing tape – which he’ll likely wear through at least the All-Star break.
Recovery requires patience – something Freeman isn’t too good with. But Roberts sees a silver lining.
“He’s handling it as well as Freddie can handle not playing,” Roberts said. “But I don’t think it’s that bad of a thing. Given all he’s done over the last X amount of years, to manage the workload, I just don’t think it’s going to cost him that much.”
Looking Ahead: Building Toward Opening Day
Thursday marked Freeman’s first game action of the spring, and he went 1-for-3 with a pair of flyouts. While he’s not yet 100 percent, the plan is to ease him back into full participation. Freeman hopes to serve as the designated hitter again on Saturday before testing his ankle in the field on Sunday.
The goal? To accumulate around 30 at-bats before the Dodgers open the season against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18.
“I wish it felt like the left one, but it doesn’t,” Freeman said. “I’ll fight tooth and nail to be in the lineup every single day, but I do understand keeping me on the field as much as they possibly can.”
That might mean taking a day off or two in April—a concession Freeman isn’t thrilled about but recognizes as necessary.