Freddie Freeman -- Prospect Evaluation

Freddie Freeman was evaluated by Perfect Game USA as a 2007 high school prospect from El Modena High School in Villa Park, California. As a 1B/3B/OF prospect, Freeman was ranked #121 nationally and #4 in California among first basemen, placing him #7 overall in Perfect Game's National Top 100 position players. At 6'5" and 210 lbs with a left-handed batting stance, Freeman was identified as one of the top pure hitters in the 2007 class with exceptional batting mechanics and power generation.

Freeman's scouting report emphasized his "plus plus hands for hitting" and consistency in squaring up pitches. Scouts noted his ability to produce plus barrel contact, explosive power to all fields, and the unusual quality of making solid contact even when not squaring up the barrel perfectly. His hitting approach combined high power output with high average potential, featuring a short stroke and exceptional bat speed and strength. Freeman's physical tools included a 91 mph fastball velocity and 7.50-second 60-yard dash time recorded at showcases in 2006.

Freeman was drafted in Round 2 of the 2007 MLB Draft and made his major league debut on September 1, 2010. Perfect Game's evaluation provided a comprehensive assessment of Freeman as an elite offensive prospect with the tools to project as a 40-home run power hitter at the professional level.

Freddie Freeman was selected 78th overall in the 2nd round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, signing for $409,500. The 6'5", 220-pound left-handed batter from Villa Park, California, had established himself as a top prospect through USA Baseball youth and junior national team participation, though he struggled in the 2006 World Junior Championship (2-for-21). By spring 2007, Freeman's stock rebounded as he helped El Modena High reach the playoffs as both hitter and pitcher.

Scouts recognized Freeman as a legitimate power hitter with top three-rounds talent, but also became increasingly intrigued by his pitching ability. At age 17, he demonstrated excellent control as a closer with a heavy 90-93 mph fastball and power slider, showing clean arm action despite limited pitching experience. His desire to remain a hitter and commitment to Cal State Fullerton suggested potential as a two-way player at the college level.

Freeman's professional development progressed steadily through the minor leagues. He was ranked as the Atlanta Braves' #2 prospect in both 2010 and 2011, and reached Baseball America's #17 overall prospect ranking in 2011. He earned recognition as the Braves' best power hitter and best hitter for average in 2011, while also winning multiple best defensive first base honors across various minor leagues (2008-2010).

Recent transactions indicate Freeman was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was activated from the restricted list and placed on the 10-day injured list in March 2025 due to a right ankle sprain.

Freddie Freeman was drafted 78th overall in the second round by the Atlanta Braves in 2007 out of El Modena High School. The 6'5", 220-pound left-handed batter was a member of USA Baseball's youth and junior national teams, though he struggled in the 2006 World Junior Championship (2-for-21). Freeman demonstrated strong fundamentals as both a hitter and pitcher during his high school career, helping El Modena reach the playoffs. As a pitcher, he showed excellent size and control, working as the closer with a heavy 90-93 mph fastball and power slider despite limited pitching experience. Scouts identified him as a potential two-way player with top-three-rounds talent as a power hitter.

Freeman was committed to Cal State Fullerton and quickly rose through the Braves' minor league system. He was ranked the organization's #19 prospect in 2008, #5 in 2009, and #2 in both 2010 and 2011. He earned Baseball America Top 100 rankings, reaching #17 in 2011 after checking in at #87 in 2009 and #32 in 2010. Minor league rankings placed him at #10 in the South Atlantic League (2008), #4 in the Carolina League (2009), #8 in the Southern League (2009), and #5 in the International League (2010).

Freeman's profile highlighted exceptional defensive ability at first base across multiple minor league levels, earning recognition as the best defensive 1B in the Southern League (2009), Carolina League (2009), and International League (2010). He was also rated the Braves' best power hitter and best hitter for average in 2011. Recent transactions indicate Freeman joined the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, where he appeared on the paternity list and was placed on the 10-day injured list in March 2025 due to a right ankle sprain.