He previously served as the general manager for MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, where Sporting News named him Executive of the Year in 2008.

He played center field for the Green Wave, but was hit by a pitch that broke his left hand in the fall of his freshman year.

[14] Upon joining the Dodgers, team president and CEO Stan Kasten called Friedman "one of the youngest and brightest minds in the game today".

[16] The hirings cemented in place a highly accomplished front office, consisting of Kasten, Ned Colletti, Friedman and Byrnes—all former GMs—and Zaidi, a former assistant GM.

Through free agency or trades, the Dodgers parted ways with shortstop Hanley Ramírez, outfielder Matt Kemp,[17] second baseman Dee Gordon, and pitchers Brian Wilson and Dan Haren.

However, they bolstered their farm system and added key players such as catcher Yasmani Grandal, infielders Howie Kendrick and Jimmy Rollins, and pitchers Brett Anderson & Mike Bolsinger.

Baseball America recognized their efforts by naming the Dodgers as its 2017 Organization of the Year, honoring the team for its success from top to bottom.

In 2018, Friedman's Dodgers overcame a slow start and eventually won their sixth straight division title, after defeating the Rockies in a one-game playoff.

Friedman was aggressive at the trade deadline once again, acquiring Manny Machado to bolster the lineup following a season-ending injury to Corey Seager.

The Dodgers won their second consecutive National League pennant, but again fell in the World Series, this time to the Red Sox in five games.

During the 2019–2020 off-season, Friedman and the Dodgers traded for All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts, while subsequently signing him to the largest contract he has given out—a 12 year, $365 million deal.

Friedman and the Dodgers would sign two-way star Shohei Ohtani to a record 10-year, $700 million contract in December before the start of the 2024 season.

[23] The team solidified the strong off-season by signing outfielder Teoscar Hernandez and trading for All-Star pitcher Tyler Glasnow.

In terms of on-field success, Ohtani would win the (NL) MVP and become the first player to break the 50 home run, 50 stolen bases barrier.