LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers agreed to a new deal with corner infielder David Freese on Thursday, keeping him off the free-agent market.
Freese, acquired Aug. 31 from Pittsburgh, had a contract that included a $6 million team option for 2019 or a $500,000 buyout. He accepted a $4.5 million salary plus the $500,000 buyout from the Dodgers, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal.
Freese provides the Dodgers with a dependable right-handed bat off the bench and a veteran presence in the clubhouse, a role that has been handled in recent years by Chase Utley, who has retired.
Freese, 35, hit .385 for the Dodgers in 19 games, then went 8-for-22 with two homers and six RBIs in 14 postseason games.