Dodger Freddie Freeman on Son's Health Scare: 'No One Should Have to Go Through This'

Matt Levine | Aug 5, 2024

Dodgers star Freddie Freeman finally broke his silence regarding a scary medical issue with his 3-year-old son, Maximus. Maximus was diagnosed with a case of a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome after going into full-body paralysis.

"No one should have to go through with this, especially a 3-year-old," Freeman told reporters, including ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. "I don’t know how many times Chelsea and I said we wish we could switch.”

Freddie Freeman is back, wearing the #MaxStrong T-shirts all the Dodgers are sporting during BP. Clearly emotional, understandably.

“No one should have to go through with this, especially a 3-year-old. I don’t know how many times Chelsea and I said we wish we could switch.” pic.twitter.com/YueYcaff0Y

— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 5, 2024

Freeman also said that his son was starting physical therapy but that he was doing well. The Dodgers were wearing "Max Strong" shirts to support Freeman as he rejoined the team.

Freddie Freeman is here, donning a “Max Strong” shirt.

Said Maximus has started physical therapy but is doing well. pic.twitter.com/fniC68OdIY

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 5, 2024

It's a rare disease that unfortunately was caught by Freeman's son and it caused the star first baseman to leave the team's recent road trip early. Freeman was placed on the family emergency list on July 26.

Freeman's wife Chelsea posted an optimistic update on Maximus over the weekend, posting on social media.

“After 8 long days in the Pediatric ICU we are officially HOME!” Chelsea Freeman wrote Sunday. “Max still has a long road ahead of him to regain his strength and relearn how to walk. But we are so thankful to have our family back together. Thank you God for this miracle. Also, thank you to our incredible team of doctors and angel nurses for taking such good care of our boy. And to our village for helping so much with Charlie and Brandon. #MaxStrong#GBS#gbsawareness#gbssurvivor“

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A post shared by Chelsea Freeman (@chelseafreeman5)

Thankfully, Maximus was able to go home. The entire incident was a scary one and fans have been trying to keep up with the status of Freeman's son. There has been a wave of support from the fanbase during this unfortunate time for the star player.

The return of Freeman comes as the Dodgers get ready for a tough three-game series with the National League-leading Philadelphia Phillies at home. Philadelphia swept the Dodgers in three straight games when the two sides played in early July.

Full Freddie Freeman presser:https://t.co/yUYwH8BP6i

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 6, 2024

Los Angeles has been missing the bat of Freeman so his return is a welcome sight. The All-Star has hit .288 with 16 home runs and 67 runs batted in this season.

The Dodgers are only 4.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres for the NL West so a strong showing against the Phillies could go a long way. Los Angeles has an off-day on Thursday before they welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to town for a three-game series this weekend.