Alex Freeland flies beneath the radar greater than most prospects on MLB Pipeline’s High 100 listing, despite the fact that he is ranked No. 35. He would not have a single spectacular software, however he has all-around potential and leaves little question that he is able to enjoying shortstop within the Majors.
With Max Muncy (bone bruise, left knee) nonetheless on a rehab task, Kiké Hernández (left elbow irritation) already on the injured listing and Tommy Edman (proper ankle) and Hyeseong Kim (left shoulder) banged up, the Dodgers wanted an infielder who might contribute in a wide range of methods. In order that they gave Freeland his first large league callup on Tuesday, putting Kim on the IL to make room.
Freeland, 23, was batting .253/.377/.421 with 12 homers and 17 steals in 94 video games at Triple-A Oklahoma Metropolis. He leads the Pacific Coast League in walks (75) whereas additionally rating fourth in runs (69) and doubles (26) and seventh in RBIs (71).
Born with a clubfoot, Freeland endured a number of surgical procedures as an toddler to right the situation. He developed into probably the greatest shortstops within the 2020 highschool class, although that Draft was shortened to 5 rounds amid the pandemic and he went unselected. He spent two school seasons at Central Florida, breaking his hamate as sophomore-eligible in 2022 however nonetheless enjoying properly sufficient for Los Angeles to pick out him within the third spherical.
Freeland had an underwhelming first full professional season in 2023 earlier than breaking out as one among baseball’s greatest shortstop prospects final yr. He makes among the greatest swing choices within the Dodgers system and ranked sixth within the Minors with 91 walks in 2024.
A switch-hitter, Freeland makes extra contact and impression from the left facet, although he is efficient as a righty as properly. He has a fast stroke and the aptitude to activate pitches and launch them within the air, which might translate into 20 homers per season. His solely obvious weak spot on the plate is that he struggles in opposition to sliders, although he does a superb job of not chasing them out of the strike zone.
Whereas he possesses simply common pace, Freeland’s superior instincts assist him play faster than that. He has swiped 81 bases in 97 makes an attempt (84 p.c) in 345 video games as a professional and has official 20/20 potential.
Freeland additionally covers loads of floor to each side at shortstop whereas displaying dependable fingers and plus arm energy. He is a strong defender there and in addition has performed third and second base within the Minors, which is able to allow him to fill in everywhere in the diamond as wanted in Los Angeles.
It is unclear how lengthy Freeland will stick with the Dodgers, who anticipate Muncy again someday subsequent week. He might play pretty recurrently till then, and if he performs properly, he might take over at second base and permit Edman to shift extra to the outfield to take at-bats away from a struggling Michael Conforto. The Commerce Deadline is also approaching on Thursday, and Freeland might be a horny goal for golf equipment in search of a giant league-ready shortstop.
