Alex Freeland’s Remarkable Journey with the Dodgers

For Alex Freeland, the noise surrounding his performance could have been overwhelming. There were whispers about his struggles during spring training. Concerns arose regarding his ability to keep pace with player Kim Hye-sung, especially during the second base competitions. Then there was the ever-resent doubt—did he truly earn his spot on the Dodgers’ opening roster after a surprising last-minute victory over the competition? Yet, instead of letting it consume him, the rookie infielder chose to move forward quietly.

“I try not to get caught up in it,” he remarked, adding that letting such thoughts interfere with daily focus would be counterproductive. It’s a common saying, but this mindset clearly impressed the Dodgers’ leadership during spring training.

After a challenging debut season where he hit only .190, Freeland took time to reflect this offseason. “I wasn’t a great baseball player last year,” he shared recently. “It was important for me to look in the mirror and decide who I wanted to be moving forward.”

The offseason was a period of growth for him, highlighted by his decision to train extensively with the Dodgers at their facility in Camelback Ranch, Arizona.

Now, it seems like the team is ready for a revamped Freeland in 2026. “I don’t think it got any easier. I just feel more prepared, especially mentally,” Freeland stated.

His season debut last Friday showed this newfound confidence. He hit a home run in his first at-bat, showcasing improved bat discipline and swing mechanics. He followed that up with a double, contributing to a game-winning rally. Defensively, he made solid plays, recording two crucial assists. After the game, reliever Evan Phillips humorously remarked on his impressive performance.

“I felt confident and eager to get into the box,” Freeland said a few days later. “It was a feeling I didn’t really experience often last year.” In hindsight, 2025 had its share of ups and downs for Freeland, who was coming off a remarkable stretch at Triple-A with 16 home runs and 82 RBIs. His MLB debut came in late July, and while he had some initial success, troubles emerged soon after.

A rough patch saw him batting only .149 over 24 games, struggling to keep pace. This led to his demotion back to the minors, a moment that shocked many around the team. However, Freeland noted that this experience helped shift his perspective. He realized that improvement was essential: “Do you want a guy in your lineup who hits .190?” he quipped.

With determination, he focused on honing his skills, setting personal goals not only to prove himself but to grow as a player. His performance in spring training, while still lacking in traditional statistics—he hit just .125—caught the attention of the coaches. Despite comparisons to Kim Hye-sung and some backlash when the decision was made to start Kim in Triple-A, Freeland remained focused on his own journey. “It was challenging not to hear all of that,” he admitted, but emphasized, “I was just trying to make the team. Kim is a great player, and everyone respects him in the clubhouse.”

Now, with the struggles of spring behind him, the confidence in Freeland’s growth is palpable. Manager Dave Roberts noted his progress, stating, “I’ve been encouraging him all spring, and I think he’s genuinely confident.” It seems Freeland has truly embraced this new chapter.