The Los Angeles Dodgers, the defending World Series champions, are entering the 2026 season with high expectations. Having secured titles in both 2024 and 2025, the team is looking to continue its success. On March 27, 2026, the Dodgers celebrated their championship legacy by receiving their World Series rings before kicking off the new season against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In a surprising turn of events, Alex Freeland has been named the starting second baseman for the Dodgers on Opening Day, despite a challenging Spring Training. Freeland finished with a batting average of just .116, recording five hits in 43 at-bats. However, he did manage to lead the team with 11 walks during the Spring Training period.
Freeland’s performance has drawn mixed reactions. Scouts have noted that he possesses significant promise, but there is a consensus that he needs to improve his performance at the plate. “Freeland has a ton of promise, according to scouts, but he needs to start delivering at the plate,” said an insider.
In contrast, Hyeseong Kim, who was optioned to Triple-A before Opening Day, had a standout Spring Training, boasting a batting average of .407 with 11 hits in 27 at-bats. The decision to keep Freeland over Kim was not solely based on on-field metrics, as Kim’s strong performance raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Despite his struggles, Freeland did hit a home run during Spring Training, showcasing his potential. However, the overall assessment of his performance remains critical, as he has faced difficulties in consistently getting on base. “Freeland homered on Saturday but has otherwise struggled at the plate, tallying just five hits in 43 at-bats while hitting .116/.286/.233,” noted a source.
As the Dodgers opened their season, they secured an 8-2 victory against the Diamondbacks, setting a positive tone for the year ahead. Freeland is expected to platoon with Miguel Rojas at second base, a strategy that may help alleviate some pressure on him as he adjusts to the regular season.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will face Ryne Nelson in their next game, and observers are keen to see how Freeland performs in this critical role. The team’s management is hopeful that Freeland can rise to the occasion and contribute to their continued success this season.
