Chen hosted an “Ask Me Anything” thread on the r/Dodgers Reddit page on Thursday, responding to a question about whether or not Freeland had a chance to play for the Dodgers on opening day.
“I think Freeland could have a shot at making the Opening Day roster, but that roster spot might be more between him and Hyeseong Kim,” Chen wrote. “That feels like a big spring roster battle to watch. If Freeland doesn’t make it, he’s only in his age-24 season and could be a valuable depth piece. I think he has room to continue to develop in Triple-A if he starts the season there.”
Both Kim and Freeland started the 2025 season in Triple-A, and each had solid seasons at the lower level. Freeland had an .835 OPS with 16 home runs and 82 RBIs with Oklahoma City in 106 games, and Kim had a .793 OPS in just 37 games with the Comets.
How did Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim perform in the MLB in 2025?
Kim received his call-up before Freeland joined the Dodgers in early May. The rookie got off to a good start in the MLB, hitting .422 with a 1.058 OPS in May and hitting two of his three home runs on the season.
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After that, however, his opportunities became few and far between, leading to a gradual decline. He finished the year with a .699 OPS through 71 games.
Freeland didn’t join the MLB club until they were dealing with injuries in late July. The 24-year-old played second and third base in the MLB, but never got a chance at shortstop – his natural position.
He played almost every game for a full month, hitting .190 with a .602 OPS through 29 games with two home runs and six RBIs through 84 at-bats. After the return of key players like Kim and a new injury problem at the catcher, the Dodgers selected Freeland back to Triple-A in early September.
Will Alex Freeland or Hyeseong Kim start if they make the roster?
The Dodgers certainly have a spot for Kim or Freeland on the roster, and they could find their opportunity to get an early start.
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Tommy Edman’s availability for the start of the season is questionable according to Fabian Ardayaleaving second base up for grabs between the two sophomores and new signing Andy Ibañez. If either one has a solid spring, they could very well find themselves in the starting spot on Opening Day.
Which of the two would you rather see on the roster?
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