As the Los Angeles Dodgers set their sights on another World Series title, Freddie Freeman remains at the heart of their powerful lineup. Yet, the approach to keeping the star first baseman primed for October glory is evolving. In this article, we explore how Freeman is adapting to the Dodgers’ load management strategy and why it may be crucial for extended playoff success.

Freddie Freeman’s Relentless Approach Meets New Realities

Throughout his career, Freddie Freeman has been known for his durability and commitment. Rarely taking a day off, Freeman prided himself on showing up for every game. However, with age and postseason goals in mind, a shift is happening. As Freeman himself explained, joining the Dodgers has meant reconsidering how he manages his workload:

“They do such a good job of load management here,” Freeman said. “And I’m reluctantly starting to get on board with it as I get older. I ingrained in myself that I get paid to do a job and I do my job. It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around, ‘You’re not doing your job today.’” (Yahoo Sports)

Embracing load management is difficult for a competitor like Freeman. Yet, the strategy could be the difference between a strong regular season and postseason fatigue.

Why Load Management Is a Dodgers Priority

The Dodgers have been at the forefront of balancing player health and performance. After last year’s World Series victory, they understand the grind of a long MLB season can wear down even the best athletes. Manager Dave Roberts, along with the training staff, wants to keep veterans like Freddie Freeman fresh without sacrificing the competitive edge. As reported by Sporting News, Roberts noted:

“To give Freddie Freeman off days… I think it just makes some people feel better that they’ll be ready for the postseason. There’s no correlation. And it’s not an exact science.”

This measured approach underlines that there is no perfect formula. Some days off are designed to ensure proper rest—even if it goes against a player’s instincts.

Freeman’s Performance in 2025

Despite taking the occasional rest, Freeman continues to perform at an elite level. Currently, he’s hitting .319 with 5 home runs and 17 RBIs in the early part of the season (Yahoo Sports). This output shows that managing his playing time hasn’t diminished his value to the Dodgers. In fact, it may extend his prime years as he enters his mid-30s.

Challenging traditional baseball norms, Freeman’s acceptance of load management is part of a larger trend affecting star athletes across sports. For more on his thoughts and the impact on the league, see this detailed insight.

Conclusion: The Road to October

The Dodgers’ investment in Freddie Freeman remains significant, with the first baseman in the fourth year of his $162 million deal. For Freeman, adapting to strategic rest is all about giving his team the best chance in the playoffs. As he puts team success ahead of personal milestones, Freeman’s evolving mindset could pay off with another deep postseason run.

For fans and analysts alike, how Freddie Freeman adapts will be one of the key storylines to watch as the Dodgers chase back-to-back championships. Stay tuned for more updates as the MLB season unfolds.