Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman Contracts with the L.A. Dodgers includes deferred payments from 2028 to 2040. While the original announcement specified a six-year, $162 million contract, the agreement included deferred payments from 2028 to 2040. This is a mechanism that reduces the total contract value by approximately $140 million over six years.
Freeman will receive $4 million each year from 2028 to 2040 under a deferred payment arrangement. This means that a part of their income will be given to them even after their playing career is over.
The concept of deferred pay is not new in Major League Baseball, with Bobby Bonilla being one of the most famous examples. Former New York Mets great Bonilla retired in 2001 and the Mets decided to defer his salary as part of his contract. As a result, Bonilla receives an annual payment of $1.19 million from the Mets on July 1, a tradition known as “Bobby Bonilla Day”. This system will be effective till 2035.
While deferred payments give teams greater financial freedom, they also provide financial security to players and give organizations the opportunity to manage payroll efficiently. The deferred payment mechanism for Freddie Freeman guarantees him a steady income even after his playing days are over.
Freddie Freeman’s deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2023 season is massive. This multi-year contract, at around $30 million, demonstrates the Dodgers’ steadfast commitment to acquiring a player of Freeman’s calibre. While the contract’s exact duration is unknown, sources indicate that it will last several years, demonstrating the team’s long-term vision and faith in Freeman’s ability to create a lasting influence on the organisation.
Few baseball players can compare to the unmatched consistency and extraordinary talent of Freddie Freeman. As Freddie Freeman just achieved the milestone of 2,000 hits, the Los Angeles Dodgers sent a loud and clear message by giving the ace first baseman a game-changing contract in 2023. Fans and critics alike are excited about this momentous decision, which will open a memorable chapter in Freeman’s illustrious career.