What happened to Freddie Freeman's son in 2024? The story behind his $1m gift

‎Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is not just leading the National League in batting average and OPS—he’s leading with heart.

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Freddie Freeman runs the bases against the Diamondbacks.

‎Kirby Lee/Imagn Images

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‎Just a year after his youngest son, Maximus, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome during the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series-winning campaign, Freeman is giving back in a profound way. The 2020 National League MVP announced Monday that he is donating $1 million to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), the facility that helped save his son’s life.

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‎The news, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, has resonated deeply with the sports community and families affected by pediatric autoimmune diseases.

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‎“Getting to know the doctors, nurses and care teams and seeing how they show up each day to bring healing and hope to kids and their families was inspiring,” Freeman told ESPN. “CHOC saved Maximus’s life.”

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‎Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare but serious autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, sent shockwaves through Freeman’s family last summer. At the height of the Dodgers’ 2024 postseason push, Freeman briefly stepped away from the team to be with his son, who was hospitalized during the ordeal. The Dodgers organization and fans across Los Angeles rallied around the Freeman family, uniting behind the beloved All-Star first baseman.

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‎Now in his fourth season with the Dodgers, the 35-year-old Freeman continues to shine on the field. As of May 2025, he leads the National League with a scorching .357 batting average and an OPS of 1.063—statistics that underscore not just his talent, but his resilience amid personal hardship.

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‎Freeman’s donation will directly support pediatric neurological research and care at CHOC, a facility renowned for its cutting-edge treatment and compassionate care. It’s a personal and poignant gesture from a father who lived through every parent’s nightmare—and came out with gratitude and a desire to make a difference.

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‎The story of Freddie Freeman’s 2024 season is now more than a tale of championship glory. It’s one of perseverance, family, and an enduring commitment to give back to those who saved his child’s life.