After a trade from Pittsburgh to LA, Freese hit .417 in the 2018 World Series and slugged .773 in the playoffs, impressive enough to earn a one-year offer to return. His postseason reputation and their postseason aspirations were a fit. Freese is nearly eight years removed from his iconic game — a game-tying triple and game-winning home run for his boyhood team in Game 6 of the World Series — and six years removed from the trade that sent him away, for his own good.

With a decade in the majors, one World Series MVP award, two prominent car accidents and four foot surgeries to look back on, Freese greets possible retirement a far different man than he left St. Louis. He’s given up alcohol. He’s picked up the guitar. He’s moved to Austin, Texas. He fell in love and married Mairin O'Leary (now Freese), and their son, Kai, is almost 2.

During a 45-minute interview with the Post-Dispatch, St. Louis’ favorite son touched on it all. Edited for space and clarity, here is a conversation with the National League’s Mr. October, in the autumn of his career. He begins at the end, with unprompted praise for LA.

FREESE: Best team I’ve ever been on.

GOOLD: Why do you say that?