Freddie Freeman remains one of baseball’s most admired and accomplished first basemen, a key figure for the Los Angeles Dodgers whose career combines clutch performance, resilience, and occasional off-field drama. In this article, we examine recent developments surrounding Freeman—-from legal controversies to his 2025 season stats, his unforgettable walk-off grand slam in the World Series, and how injuries have affected his performance and availability.
The Lawsuit: Defamation, Agent, and Contract Talk
Although there are no recent lawsuits involving Freeman himself, one of the more high-profile legal episodes tied to him involved his former agent, Casey Close, and radio host Doug Gottlieb. In 2022, Close and Excel Sports Management sued Gottlieb for libel, alleging that Gottlieb made false and defamatory claims in a tweet about Freeman’s contract negotiations with the Atlanta Braves.
The crux of the allegation was that Gottlieb claimed Close had “never told Freddie Freeman about the Braves’ final offer, that is why [Freeman] fired him.” The suit argued that this was untrue, that Close had in fact communicated all offers. ESPN.com+1
Later, Gottlieb retracted the statement, apologized to Close, and admitted the reports were based on incorrect information. This settled much of the public dispute, though it remains a part of Freeman’s public narrative, especially around his transition from the Braves to the Dodgers.
This episode illustrates how contract negotiations, agents, and media reports sometimes intersect with legal risk in professional sports—and how athletes like Freeman can find themselves part of controversies even when not directly involved in litigation.
2025 Season: Freeman’s Numbers
Freddie Freeman entered the 2025 season with high expectations, especially following his outstanding performance in 2024, which earned him World Series MVP honors. The start of 2025 has been strong, though not without challenges. Let’s look at the numbers and context.
Regular-Season Stats
Here are Freeman’s 2025 regular season statistics as of mid-September:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| At Bats (AB) | ~525 |
| Batting Average (AVG) | .295 |
| Home Runs (HR) | 21 |
| Runs Batted In (RBI) | 83 |
| Stolen Bases (SB) | 5 |
| On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) | .862–.863 range |
These numbers reflect a return to form for Freeman, who looked to stay healthy, productive, and continue contributing at an elite level.
Career Context & Milestones
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Across his career, Freeman has maintained a strong batting average, accumulating over 8,000 at-bats, over 350 home runs, and well over 1,300 RBIs.
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He continues to be a core member of the Dodgers’ lineup, contributing both offensively and with veteran leadership.
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His 2025 performance keeps him among the upper echelon of first basemen in MLB, especially in batting average, consistency, and run production.
Walk-off Grand Slam: History-Making Moment
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments in recent MLB and Dodgers history is Freeman’s walk-off grand slam.
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In Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, despite dealing with a sprained right ankle, Freddie Freeman hit the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history. The homer came in the 10th inning off Nestor Cortés of the New York Yankees. This moment is now part of baseball lore.
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That clutch hit was emblematic of Freeman’s grit and ability to perform under pressure. Even while injured, he delivered a moment that will be replayed for years.
This walk-off grand slam boosted his reputation further, leading to his World Series MVP award, and contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ championship run.
Injury Update: Ankle, Rib Issues, Recovery
Freeman’s performance and availability have been impacted by injuries lately—primarily a chronic issue with his right ankle, plus newer concerns.
Right Ankle
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The injury to his right ankle goes back to September 2024 when he suffered a serious sprain during the Dodgers’ home finale. He played through the postseason despite the pain.
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During the offseason, he had surgery on that same ankle to address lingering issues.
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In 2025, he aggravated that repaired ankle in a non-game incident: slipping in the shower at home around March 30, which led to him being placed on the 10-day injured list.
Additional Injuries / Discomforts
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At the start of 2025, Freeman was scratched from the Dodgers’ Opening Day lineup due to left rib discomfort. Although not as severe as the ankle issue, this is evidence of how even minor injuries can affect availability and perhaps performance.
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While recovering from ankle surgery, Freeman began his rehab and recovery process, including running in “inflated bubble” treadmills (which reduce stress on the lower body) and gradually working back to swinging and fielding.
Return and Performance
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Freddie was activated from the 10-day IL in April 2025 after recovering sufficiently.
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Upon his return, his initial games were mixed—as is common after injury absences—but his offensive numbers over the season indicate he is largely back to form.
Analysis: Impact & What to Watch
Putting these threads together, what do they tell us about Freddie Freeman’s 2025 and beyond?
Resilience & Value
Freeman’s ability to deliver in big moments—such as the Game 1 walk-off grand slam despite injury—has reinforced his value, both as a player and a cultural leader. His return from injuries shows discipline, medical support, and an understanding of long-term performance over short gains.
Performance vs. Wear & Tear
While his batting average, RBIs, home run totals, and OPS are strong, it is worth noting that injuries, even small or nagging ones, can erode peak performance and consistency. Things to monitor include:
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How Freeman’s ankle holds up through the rest of the season, especially in high-leverage games.
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Whether any mechanical changes (in swing, stance, fielding) were made to accommodate injury, and how those might affect performance.
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His ability to stay in the lineup without routine rest or DL stints—playing most of the 162 games is a lofty goal, but durability is as much a skill as batting or fielding.
Off-Field Reputation & Past Controversies
The lawsuit episode (agent vs. media) is in the past, but it remains part of Freeman’s public story. For fans, commentators, and media outlets, it’s a reminder of how narratives around contract dealings and agent relationships can swirl into legal matters if not handled carefully. Freeman’s relationship with the Braves, departure, and subsequent contract with the Dodgers still invite scrutiny and reflection among baseball circles.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, these are key things to watch:
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Playoff Performance: Freeman has proven to elevate his game in October. If the Dodgers make a deep run, his health and clutch hitting will be crucial again.
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Statistical Milestones: With his current pace, he may reach more home run and RBI thresholds, and contribute to his overall career totals in ways that boost his Hall of Fame case.
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Injury Management: How his team manages rest, off-days, rehab, and medical care—especially for his ankle—will greatly influence his effectiveness in later years.
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Media & Contract Narratives: Even though the Gottlieb lawsuit has been settled, the dynamics of contract negotiations, endorsement deals, and agent representation continue to be part of an athlete’s public profile—something Freeman has navigated before.
Conclusion
Freddie Freeman’s journey into the 2025 season is a mix of persistence, excellence, and challenge. From historic moments like the Game 1 walk-off grand slam in the World Series, to a strong statistical season—even as injury issues hover—the story is one of someone refusing to fade. The defamation lawsuit involving his former agent reminds us that the pressures on public figures extend beyond the batter’s box.
If Freeman stays healthy, continues to produce, and maintains his mental and physical edge, there’s every reason to believe he will add more milestones to an already storied career. Whether for fans, analysts, or those inspired by his resolve, his 2025 season is already one to remember.
