MLB star Freddie Freeman and his wife, Chelsea Freeman, are parents to three sons. The Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman became a father in September 2016 when he and Chelsea welcomed their son, Charlie.
Nearly five years later, Freddie and Chelsea, who married in 2014, had two more sons just six weeks apart, one of whom was born via surrogate. Brandon was born first in December 2020, followed by Maximus in February 2021.
The decision to use a surrogate came after the couple faced difficulties conceiving a second child. They were already well into the surrogacy process when Chelsea unexpectedly became pregnant.
“Not something we were expecting at all, but it’s everything you want and more,” Freddie told USA Today in March 2021 about having two sons so close together.
“It’s just such a crazy situation to try to wrap your mind around, but when you’re in it, and both boys are here, it’s like the best thing that ever happened. It’s going to be a long couple of years, but it’s going to be awesome when it’s all said and done. We’re having a blast. They’re great babies.”
Freddie met Chelsea while she was a student at the University of Central Florida. They began dating in 2011 and married in 2014. Before their wedding, Chelsea appeared on an episode of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta during its eighth season.
The couple’s struggles with infertility took a significant emotional toll on them, as Freddie explained to USA Today.
“I tried to be as comforting as possible, but it was definitely one of the toughest situations I’ve faced in my life, trying to support my wife through such an emotional roller-coaster,” the athlete said.
“When [Chelsea] told me she was pregnant, it was like a massive weight was lifted off her shoulders. It was just amazing to see her so relieved and happy.”
Freddie noted that they have not ruled out having more children and expressed a desire for a daughter. Chelsea shared with ESPN in November 2020 that fatherhood is deeply ingrained in Freddie’s identity.
“As long as I’ve known him, he’s always said that since he was a little boy, he knew he wanted to be a dad,” she said. “As important as baseball is to him, being a dad is even more important.”
Charlie, the eldest Freeman son, is already showing an interest in baseball, following in his father’s footsteps.
“He’s playing really well,” Chelsea told TMZ about Charlie in June 2023.
In February 2024, the Dodgers’ official Instagram account posted photos and videos of Freddie and Charlie practicing fielding ground balls together, with the caption reading, “Just like Dad.”
Freddie and Chelsea celebrated the third birthdays of Brandon and Maximus with a joint party in March 2024.
“Brandon, you are the sweetest soul. You have so much joy in you. You give the best bear hugs,” Chelsea captioned Instagram photos from the celebration.
“You LOVE everyone. You are the best surprise we ever got. Happy (belated) 3rd Birthday!!! We love you so much!!!”
“Maximus, you are cheeky, smart, and kind,” Chelsea captioned Instagram photos of her youngest son in March 2024. “You are determined and meticulous at everything you do. You give the BEST kisses. Happy 3rd Birthday!!! We love you so much!!”
In July, Maximus was taken to the emergency room due to severe pain that left him unable to stand or walk. Chelsea shared on her Instagram Story that doctors suspected he had transient synovitis, or irritable hip, caused by a viral infection.
“Please say a prayer for Maximus,” she wrote. “Day 3 of not being able to sit, stand, or walk… Any tips to help toddlers take/keep down medicine? He usually takes medicine well but keeps spitting it out.”
