The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without the services of first basemanFreddie Freeman for the past two games after he was placed on the paternity list this past Sunday. Los Angeles has turned to Dalton Rushing and rookie Ryan Ward to cover first base while Freeman has been away from the team.
Before leaving to be with his family, Freeman was off to another strong start. He is now in his fifth season in Los Angeles, currently the fifth year of his six-year, $162.5 million deal signed back in March 2022.
Freeman has continued to set the standard at first base. The 36-year-old veteran left-handed slugger has posted a .296 batting average, .360 on-base percentage, .878 OPS, three home runs and 14 RBIs in 20 games.
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With the Dodgers heading to San Francisco to open a three-game series against the Giants on Tuesday, the team has been anticipating Freeman’s return. His efforts have been a huge reason why Los Angeles has started the season with the best record in the National League West.
He remains one of the faces of the franchise, but he has been with his family awaiting the arrival of their fourth child. That moment has officially come. On Tuesday, Freeman and his wife, Chelsea, announced on Instagram that their new baby girl had arrived.
The post featured photos of the entire Freeman family, Freddie, Chelsea and their three sons, Charlie, Brandon and Maximus, gathered on the hospital bed holding the newborn. “London Rosemary Joy Freeman 💕 April 19, 2026,” the caption read.
Freeman is expected to rejoin the Dodgers soon, likely on Wednesday, and he will return to the lineup while also entering a new chapter in his personal life.
Individually, Freeman’s legacy is already secure. He has collected one NL MVP award, three World Series titles, nine All-Star selections, three Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove across nearly two decades in the big leagues. His return will be a huge boost for a Dodgers team looking to keep its early-season momentum intact.
