The Los Angeles Dodgers have a loaded roster and are early in the spring training process, but that doesn’t mean the team doesn’t want its stars ready. Some of the top players for the team, like first baseman Freddie Freeman, have been recovering from offseason surgery.

Freeman underwent surgery to repair an injured ankle that had been bothering him for most of the season. His recovery has been slow, as he hasn’t participated in many drills and workouts while he recovers.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated on Friday morning that Freeman has finally been engaged in running workouts.

The original plan was for Freeman to be ready to play by the first game of the season when the Dodgers take on the Chicago Cubs in the 2025 Tokyo Series on March 18.

Freeman is now ahead of schedule, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya. Freeman could see some playing opportunities next week in the Cactus League.

Despite being named an All-Star in the last two seasons, Freeman’s production in the regular season has dropped. However, he became one of the most explosive players this past postseason, particularly in the World Series against the New York Yankees.

The veteran accounted for five runs (four home runs), six hits, 12 RBIs, two walks, and only one strikeout in five games against the Yankees.

If the Dodgers get a fraction of Freeman’s performance from the World Series run, the team will be in great shape. Freeman has shown to be ahead of schedule, which is bad news for the rest of the league.