The Los Angeles Dodgers, the defending World Series champions, have named Alex Freeland as their starting second baseman for Opening Day 2026. This decision comes after a Spring Training period where Freeland faced significant challenges at the plate, finishing with a batting average of just .116, accumulating only five hits in 43 at-bats.
In a surprising move, the Dodgers optioned Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A, despite Kim’s impressive performance during Spring Training, where he boasted a batting average of .407 with 11 hits in 27 at-bats. The decision to keep Freeland over Kim was not solely based on statistical performance, as Kim had better overall numbers.
Freeland did manage to hit a home run during Spring Training, but overall, he struggled, tallying only five hits while leading the Dodgers with 11 walks. Scouts have noted that Freeland possesses considerable promise, but they emphasize the need for him to start delivering consistent results at the plate.
As the Dodgers kicked off their season, they secured an 8-2 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This win marked a strong start to their campaign, which is particularly significant as the team received their World Series rings on the same day, March 27, 2026.
Looking ahead, Freeland is expected to platoon with Miguel Rojas at second base. This arrangement aims to optimize the team’s performance while allowing Freeland to develop further in his role. The Dodgers will face Ryne Nelson in their next game, providing Freeland another opportunity to prove his worth.
Overall, the Dodgers’ decision to start Freeland reflects their confidence in his potential, despite the uncertainties surrounding his recent performance. Observers will be keen to see how he adapts to the pressures of the regular season and whether he can elevate his game to meet the expectations set by the organization.