Dodgers agree to deal with infielder David Freese

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Dodgers have made their first offseason move, agreeing to terms with infielder David Freese on a one-year contract.

The team announced the deal Thursday night after the club option of $6 million was declined. The Dodgers will pay Freese a $500,000 buyout in addition to his new $4.5 million deal.

The 35-year-old former World Series MVP joined the team in August after a trade from Pittsburgh.

Freese was 8 for 22 with two home runs, six RBIs and a walk in 14 postseason games while platooning at first base.

He hit .385 in 19 regular-season games with Los Angeles.

With Chase Utley having just retired, Freese will fill his veteran leadership role in the clubhouse.