As the Los Angeles Dodgers bask in the glory of their 2024 World Series triumph, first baseman Freddie Freeman has unveiled his strategy to prevent the dreaded “World Series hangover” that often plagues defending champions. In an exclusive interview with ESPN at Dodger Stadium, the 2024 World Series MVP shared insights into the team’s mindset, preparation, and leadership approach, sparking excitement among fans eager for a repeat in 2025. With a 25-8 record leading the NL West, Freeman’s blueprint—rooted in discipline, team chemistry, and a relentless focus on the present—has positioned the Dodgers as early favorites to defend their title.

Freeman’s Formula for Sustained Success

Freddie Freeman, 35, spoke candidly about the challenges of maintaining momentum after a championship, drawing on his experience with the 2021 Atlanta Braves, who struggled to a 68-94 record in 2022 post-title. “The hangover’s real if you let it happen,” Freeman told ESPN on May 3, 2025. “The secret is staying hungry, treating every game like it’s October, and not resting on what you did last year.” Freeman outlined a three-pronged approach: rigorous offseason training, fostering accountability in the clubhouse, and embracing new challenges, such as integrating rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki.

Freeman’s leadership has been pivotal. After hitting .429 with a grand slam in the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees, he skipped celebratory excess, returning to his Orange County gym by November 2024. “I watched film of my at-bats the day after we won,” he said, echoing his 2024 postseason mantra of “never getting comfortable.” He organized voluntary workouts for teammates, including Mookie Betts and Max Muncy, at UCLA, emphasizing fundamentals like situational hitting, which has led to a .278 team batting average in 2025, third in the NL per MLB.com.

Team Chemistry and Accountability

Freeman credits the Dodgers’ tight-knit clubhouse for avoiding complacency. “We hold each other accountable, but it’s not about yelling—it’s about trust,” he said. Manager Dave Roberts reinforced this, noting Freeman’s role in mentoring younger players like Andy Pages, who’s batting .290 in 2025. Weekly team dinners, hosted by veterans like Betts and Freeman, have strengthened bonds, with Sasaki crediting these gatherings for his seamless transition from Japan’s NPB. “Freddie makes everyone feel like family,” Sasaki told The Athletic.

The Dodgers’ 2024 postseason run, marked by Freeman’s walk-off homer in Game 1 and Kiké Hernández’s clutch NLCS hits, forged a resilient culture. Freeman’s insistence on “no egos” has kept stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto focused, despite their global fame. X posts from @DodgersFanLA praised this dynamic, stating, “Freeman’s the glue. No hangover when your leader’s all about the grind.” The team’s 15-2 home record at Dodger Stadium, bolstered by fan energy, reflects this unity.

Embracing New Challenges

Freeman highlighted the importance of new goals to stave off stagnation. The addition of Sasaki, who’s 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA, and the return of Clayton Kershaw from injury have re-energized the roster. “We’re not defending anything—we’re chasing a new ring,” Freeman said, a mindset echoed by Roberts, who told Los Angeles Times, “Freddie keeps us forward-looking.” The team’s adoption of advanced analytics, like TrackMan for swing optimization, has Freeman, batting .305 with 9 homers, refining his approach at age 35.

Off-field challenges, including Freeman’s support for teammate Kiké Hernández’s daughter’s health crisis and his own son’s recent medical scare, have deepened the team’s resolve. Freeman’s Freeman Family Foundation, which raised $1.5 million for pediatric care in 2024, has rallied Dodgers Nation, with fans on X launching #FreemanStrong to support his initiatives. “Hardship makes you tighter,” Freeman said, noting the team’s dedication to playing for their community.

Historical Context and Challenges Ahead

The “World Series hangover” has plagued champions like the 2017 Astros (84-78 in 2018) and 2019 Nationals (68-94 in 2020), often due to injuries, complacency, or roster turnover. The Dodgers, with a $240 million payroll, face risks, including Kershaw’s injury history and a grueling May schedule with 10 road games. Freeman’s strategy counters this, but Bleacher Report warns that bullpen depth, with a 4.12 ERA in 2024, remains a concern, despite Clay Holmes’ 12 saves in 2025.

Freeman’s leadership draws parallels to Derek Jeter’s role in the Yankees’ 1998-2000 three-peat, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. His 2,397 career hits and .893 OPS place him among elite first basemen, but his off-field impact—mentoring Pages and supporting Ohtani’s $3.7 million shelter initiative—defines his value. Fans on X, like @LADodgerTalk, posted, “Freeman’s the anti-hangover MVP. He’s got this team locked in.”

Looking Ahead

As the Dodgers face the Atlanta Braves in a crucial series, Freeman’s approach is evident in their 3.45 team ERA and 112 stolen bases, tops in the NL. His call for “every day to feel like Game 7” has resonated, with Betts noting, “Freddie’s intensity is contagious.” The team’s next home stand, featuring a “1988 Reunion” event with Davey Lopes, whose recent health scare has galvanized support, will test their focus.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman lauded Freeman: “Freddie’s not just avoiding a hangover; he’s setting a new standard.” With a 25-8 start, the Dodgers are defying history, and Freeman’s blueprint—discipline, unity, and forward momentum—has fans dreaming of back-to-back titles. As one X user wrote, “Freeman’s secret? Work hard, love your team, and forget the parade. 2025’s our year!” Dodgers Nation is ready, fueled by their MVP’s vision to keep the champagne on ice.