Freddie Freeman Laughs Off Pickoff Attempts From Former Teammate in Dodgers Win

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman added another memorable moment to his long MLB career during Tuesday night’s National League West matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, blending humor and production in a 6-5 Dodgers victory.

The 36-year-old veteran, known far more for his bat than his legs, was briefly the center of attention on the basepaths after multiple pickoff attempts from Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka, a former teammate from their shared years with the Atlanta Braves.

Despite rarely posing a stolen base threat—he has just 106 steals across more than 2,200 career games—Freeman found himself treated as if he might be a danger to run, prompting confusion and amusement from the slugger.

The moment became one of the lighter storylines of the night, even as Freeman’s offensive performance once again underscored his continued importance to a Dodgers team pushing deeper into the season.

1. A Familiar Face, A Different Approach

The unusual sequence began when Arizona starter Michael Soroka, who spent four seasons alongside Freddie Freeman in Atlanta, showed an unexpected level of attention to the veteran baserunner. Soroka repeatedly stepped off the mound in the fifth inning to check Freeman at first base, attempting pickoff throws that seemed out of proportion to Freeman’s typical baserunning profile. The move added a layer of familiarity and gamesmanship between two players who know each other well. Freeman, visibly amused, reacted with laughter as the situation unfolded, seemingly puzzled by the emphasis placed on containing his already limited running threat. His reaction reflected both familiarity and disbelief at the strategy. The exchange highlighted the subtle psychological battles that often unfold within games, particularly between players with shared history and mutual understanding.

2. Offensive Spark Sets The Tone

While the pickoff attempts drew attention, it was Freddie Freeman’s bat that ultimately shaped the outcome of the game. He opened the scoring early with a 394-foot two-run home run in the first inning, immediately putting the Dodgers in control. The blast served as an early tone-setter for Los Angeles, reinforcing Freeman’s reputation as a reliable middle-of-the-order presence capable of producing damage in key moments. It also provided early support in what became a tightly contested divisional matchup. Freeman did not stop there, adding two more hits later in the game to finish with a multi-hit performance. His consistency at the plate continues to be a stabilizing force for a Dodgers lineup built around veteran production and depth. Even without contributing on the basepaths, his offensive output ensured that his presence was felt throughout the night in multiple high-leverage situations.

3. Veteran Production Remains Steady

For Freddie Freeman, the 2025 season has continued a familiar pattern of sustained excellence at the plate despite the natural decline in speed that comes with age. His value remains rooted in contact ability, power, and situational hitting rather than baserunning. Through the current season, Freeman is batting .274 with a .360 on-base percentage and a .475 slugging percentage, along with nine home runs and 32 RBIs. Those numbers reflect his ongoing ability to contribute in the heart of a contending lineup. Now in his 17th major league season, Freeman has maintained a level of production that continues to frustrate opposing pitchers, even as scouting reports increasingly focus on limiting his power zones. The game against Arizona served as another reminder that while Freeman may no longer be a threat to steal bases, he remains one of the most dependable offensive forces in the league.