Freddie Freeman, one of Major League Baseball’s premier first basemen, reached a remarkable milestone on May 5, 2025, by hitting his 350th career home run. This achievement places Freeman in an elite class of players who have hit 350 or more home runs during their careers, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greats. On that date, he became the 101st player in the history of MLB to reach the 350-homer threshold, an accomplishment that deserves a closer examination, both of Freeman’s journey to this point and the context in which he achieved it.
Freddie Freeman’s story begins in the heart of Orange County, California, where he was born on September 12, 1989. Raised in a family with a love for sports, Freeman’s early exposure to baseball came through his father, who had a passion for the game. However, his path to MLB greatness wasn’t always guaranteed. Freeman didn’t come from a baseball dynasty, and there was no immediate expectation of stardom. His talent, though, was undeniable from an early age.
A standout at El Modena High School in Orange, California, Freeman was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2007 MLB Draft. Known for his smooth swing, impressive bat speed, and innate understanding of the game, Freeman quickly became one of the Braves’ most exciting prospects. He made his MLB debut on September 1, 2010, at the age of 20, showcasing an impressive combination of power and plate discipline.
Freeman’s rookie season was nothing short of impressive, as he quickly became a mainstay in the Braves’ lineup. In his first full season in 2011, he finished with 21 home runs, 76 RBIs, and a .282 batting average. This early success showed that Freeman wasn’t just a flash in the pan, and by 2012, he was one of the best young hitters in baseball. His ability to make consistent contact and power the ball to all fields made him a feared hitter in the middle of Atlanta’s lineup.
By 2013, Freeman had become an All-Star for the first time, and his home run totals began to climb steadily. He hit 23 home runs that year, followed by 18 in 2014 and 18 in 2015, but it was the 2016 season that marked the beginning of his rise to elite status.
In 2016, Freeman hit 34 home runs, driving in 91 RBIs and posting an impressive .302 batting average. It was the first of what would become a series of excellent seasons for Freeman, as his ability to hit for both average and power set him apart from other hitters of his era. His plate discipline, coupled with his natural power, helped him continue to refine his approach and become a more complete player.
While Freeman’s offensive prowess had been evident since his rookie season, it was his growth as a leader and a hitter that truly solidified his place among MLB’s elite. In 2018, Freeman had his most complete season yet, posting career-high numbers in home runs (23), RBIs (98), and batting average (.309). That year, he was selected to his third All-Star Game and finished in the top 10 of MVP voting for the first time in his career.
Freeman’s 2019 season was even more exceptional. He hit 38 home runs, drove in 121 RBIs, and batted .295. But it was 2020 when Freeman took his game to another level. During the COVID-19-shortened season, Freeman won the National League MVP award, hitting a career-high .341, with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs in just 60 games. It was a performance that demonstrated just how good he could be in a full season.
Freeman’s remarkable consistency in the face of change — including his ability to adapt to new pitching styles, work counts, and deliver clutch hits — made him one of the most feared hitters in the game. He continued to maintain elite status with multiple 30-plus home run seasons, even as the game evolved around him.
In 2021, Freeman helped lead the Braves to a World Series title, the first for the franchise since 1995. His contributions to that championship run were immeasurable. While his batting numbers might have fluctuated slightly during the regular season, Freeman’s leadership, clutch hitting, and consistency in the postseason were integral to the Braves’ success. His postseason heroics included a key home run in the World Series, a fitting capstone to his career that added another layer to his legacy.
Freeman’s journey to 350 home runs was not only a reflection of his power, but also of his durability and consistency. He has played over 150 games in a season multiple times, and his ability to stay healthy and productive has helped him reach this major milestone. By May 5, 2025, Freddie had accumulated 350 career home runs, a number that, while impressive on its own, also places him among the game’s elite hitters.
But Freeman’s journey to 350 homers is noteworthy for another reason. He reached this number at an age when many players are beginning to slow down or even consider retirement. Freeman’s consistency throughout his career, his ability to adapt to changing styles of pitching, and his mental toughness in the face of adversity have all played a role in helping him reach this remarkable number of home runs. Not only was he able to hit the ball out of the park, but he did so with such regularity that his career total reached 350 before many expected it would.
In reaching 350 home runs, Freeman joined an exclusive club of hitters who have achieved this feat. As the 101st player in MLB history to hit 350 career home runs, Freeman’s name is now etched alongside the game’s all-time greats, such as Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Ken Griffey Jr.
To understand just how significant reaching 350 home runs is, it’s important to consider the history of the home run in MLB. For much of the early part of the 20th century, the home run was a rarity. Players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx were among the first to hit 300 home runs, a feat that was considered exceptional at the time. As the game evolved and new generations of players entered the league, the home run became a more common part of the game.
By the 1970s and 1980s, the likes of Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, and Eddie Murray began to push the boundaries of home run hitting, with multiple players surpassing the 500-home run mark. By the 1990s and 2000s, players like Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds rewrote the record books, with Bonds famously finishing his career with 762 home runs.
However, the milestone of 350 home runs remains a significant threshold, marking a level of sustained power that requires both longevity and ability. As of 2025, only 101 players in MLB history have reached the 350-homer mark, a testament to how difficult it is to achieve this level of success. Freeman’s membership in this club places him among a distinguished group of players who have had long and prosperous careers, contributing to the game’s history for over a decade.
For context, Freeman’s 350 home runs place him in rare company, just behind other elite hitters of his era. Players like Miguel Cabrera (500+ home runs), Albert Pujols (700+ home runs), and Robinson Cano (300+ home runs, as a combination of both power and consistency) have set high standards for future generations of hitters. Yet, Freeman’s 350 home runs are a remarkable achievement, given the context of how he reached them — consistent, balanced hitting, impressive durability, and leadership.
As of May 5, 2025, Freddie Freeman’s career is far from over. At 35 years old, he is still one of the most productive and reliable hitters in baseball. He remains an important part of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup, continuing to contribute to his team’s championship aspirations. If he maintains his current level of performance, Freeman could eventually surpass 400, 450, or even 500 home runs, further cementing his place among the all-time greats.
Freeman’s future trajectory, however, will not only be defined by his home run total. As he ages, his leadership, plate discipline, and overall impact on the game will become even more important. His consistency and ability to adapt to changing conditions will likely enable him to maintain a high level of performance for several more seasons.
In addition to his contributions on the field, Freeman’s impact off the field is also noteworthy. A consummate professional, Freeman has been a mentor to younger players and a fan favorite throughout his career. His dedication to his craft, along with his humility and work ethic, have made him a respected figure in the baseball community. In addition to his on-field success, Freeman has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, using his platform to give back to the community and make a positive difference in the world.
Freddie Freeman’s achievement of 350 career home runs is a testament to his remarkable skill, consistency, and longevity. It places him in an exclusive group of hitters who have reached this milestone, further cementing his legacy as one of the greats in Major League Baseball history. As he continues to build on his already impressive career, Freeman’s place among the all-time best is secure, and his legacy will only continue to grow in the years to come.
