As spring training unfolds, the Los Angeles Dodgers are seeing several players shine, with Alex Freeland emerging as a standout performer. At 24, Freeland has stepped up in 15 games this spring, filling in during the absences of Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim. While his batting stats show room for improvement, with a .480 OPS in the Cactus League, his defensive prowess and patience at the plate have caught the eye.
Freeland's ability to handle both second and third base with above-average skill, coupled with his switch-hitting capability, has positioned him as a strong contender for the Dodgers' Opening Day roster. His knack for grinding out at-bats and drawing walks hasn't gone unnoticed by scouts and front office executives.
General Manager Brandon Gomes echoed these sentiments, praising Freeland's hard work and impressive swing from both sides of the plate. “Alex has been really impressive all spring,” Gomes noted, highlighting Freeland's quality at-bats and solid defensive performances across multiple positions.
Freeland's brief stint in MLB in 2025 saw him participate in 29 games, posting a .190/.292/.310 slash line with two home runs and six RBIs before returning to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Despite these modest numbers, his time in the majors provided valuable experience.
Interestingly, Freeland remains rookie eligible. To lose this status, he would have needed to surpass 130 at-bats or spend 45 days on the MLB roster. Last year, he logged only 89 at-bats, keeping him in the running for Rookie of the Year this season.
Now ranked as the Dodgers’ No. 8 prospect, Freeland is eyeing a spot on the MLB squad, aiming to be a pivotal part of their title defense. Even if he doesn't make the cut immediately, his contract through 2032 ensures ample opportunity to make a significant impact in the years to come.