Earlier this season, the Dodgers called up Dalton Rushing, a top prospect who was selected in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Now, their third-round pick from that year’s draft will join the reigning World Series champions. Infielder Alex Freeland, an on-base machine down in the Minors, is reportedly joining the Dodgers.
A Look at Freeland
The Dodgers took Alex Freeland in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft after two seasons at UCF. Freeland didn’t hit above .300 in either of his two seasons with the Knights. However, he hit for power, as he blasted 11 home runs in his 2022 campaign. And, he walked a lot, with a .409 career OBP and 70 walks over 105 games.
Freeland didn’t have a loud 2023 season, as he slashed .240/.345/.362 (.707 OPS) with Great Lakes (A+). His 2024 season, though, was a big one, as Freeland hit 18 home runs between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. Additionally, he stole 31 bases and walked 91 times over 136 contests.
Now 23 years of age, Freeland slashed .253/.377/.421 (.798 OPS) with 12 home runs and 38 extra-base hits across 94 contests at Triple-A this season.
A switch-hitter, Freeland’s shown strength and home run power wherever he’s played, both collegiately and professionally. He can get on baseballs quickly and doesn’t have too long a swing.
The numbers suggest Freeland is a highly patient hitter who doesn’t expand the strike zone too often. Freeland chased pitches out of the zone just 18.7% of the time this season with Oklahoma City (AAA).
That eye also served him well when it came to making contact. He didn’t miss on fastballs much, with an sub-20% Whiff% against fastballs, cutters, and sinkers this season.
Back in his college days, Freeland wasn’t regarded as a fast player. However, Freeland can use what he has to steal bases. Defensively, he stuck at short, as the Dodgers have kept him there, and he played at the position for most of the 2025 season. He also saw 26 games of work at third base.
The New York Times reported Alex Freeland will be called up this week.
Analysis
Freeland fits the textbook definition of the Dodgers: power-hitter who can get on base and play around the field, a profile that works with an analytically-driven team like Los Angeles.
It’ll be interesting to see exactly how Freeland will fit onto the Dodgers’ roster. The 23-year-old joins a team that has Mookie Betts at short. And while this isn’t Betts’ best season, he’s not leaving the lineup. Additionally, the Dodgers have Tommy Edman, Hyeseong Kim, Miguel Rojas, and utilityman Tommy Edman.
Freeland could get a look at third base, as Max Muncy is currently on the injured list. Muncy is going out on a rehab assignment and could be back within the next week.
Once that happens, the Dodgers have options, including working Freeland into the rotation as a utility infielder.
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