Alex Freeland will be 24 in August of 2025 and over the past two season he has went from being a suspect to becoming a bona-fide prospect. I am not going to go on-and-on about his “grit” and work ethic and the adversity he has faced in his life after being born with a club foot. Twenty years ago, the question was: will Alex walk? … and that was a valid question that took years to answer (and many surgeries). Now the question is: can Alex play SS for the Dodgers at a high level?
Let me say this: I am certain that Alex Freeland will be a MLB shortstop. He has come too far to only come this far! Baseball America ranks Alex as the Dodgers #2 Prospect, right behind Dalton Rushing and ahead of Josue DePaula. In 2024, Freeland moved from High-A to Triple-A and racked up a system-best 32 doubles while hitting 18 home runs and stealing 31 bases in the process. Not bad for a guy who used to have a clubfoot! Baseball America says this about him:
“Inside and outside the organization, Freeland drew raves from evaluators for his well-rounded skill set. In the batter’s box, he can work an at-bat until he gets the pitch he likes before spraying a line drive to the outfield—if not over the fence. He’s got quick hands, excellent bat speed and the ability to manipulate the barrel into different parts of the strike zone. Defensively, Freeland has a chance to stick at shortstop but second or third base are also viable options. His bat would profile at either spot. Freeland’s above-average arm makes third base his likeliest non-shortstop defensive home. He’s an above-average runner and was one of just four players in the minor leagues with 30 or more doubles and stolen bases. Evaluators were also particularly fond of Freeland’s makeup, citing a player dripping with the kind of confidence necessary to remain unfazed in key situations.
—Baseball America
Shortstop is one of the few spots where the reigning World Series champions have a bit of a question mark. If they do not sign a free agent to take over the role, Freeland has a shot to earn the job at some point in 2025. If not, he’ll head back to Triple-A to continue getting reps at other infield spots after having played exclusively at shortstop from Double-A onward.“
It should not be lost on anyone that over the past three years, Alex has steadily improved, wekk-over-week, and month-over-month. He was the Dodgers #25 prospect in 2024 and is now their #2 prospect. Alex just seems to adjust to where he lands. That’s why I believe that Alex Freeland will at some point in 2025 become the Dodgers SS. As a RH hitter, he could be league average, but as a LH hitter he could be an impact hitter. I can see him being platooned with Miguel Rojas at SS THIS SEASON.
I wrote this at the end of August:
“It’s hard to argue that any prospect in the Dodgers’ system made a bigger leap this season than Freeland. The UCF alum has skyrocketed his stock in 2024, powering through three levels with 14 home runs and an impressive .823 OPS. Already recognized as a solid defensive shortstop with a cannon for an arm, Freeland’s newfound offensive prowess could see him stepping onto Dodger Stadium’s turf as soon as next season.
— Mark Timmons (August 28, 2024)
Freeland’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. Born with a clubfoot, he underwent multiple surgeries as an infant to correct the condition. Despite his right foot being smaller and limited in mobility, he never let that hinder his baseball dreams. At UCF, Freeland hammered 18 home runs over two seasons as the starting shortstop, catching the Dodgers’ eye, who nabbed him in the third round as a draft-eligible sophomore.
In his first full season at High-A Great Lakes in 2023, Freeland flashed not only elite defensive skills but also promising offensive potential. A physical and athletic switch-hitter, he brings high energy and competitiveness to the plate. While he swings aggressively, Freeland demonstrates solid strike zone discipline and the potential to hit for both average and power, particularly from the left side. His explosive lefthanded swing yielded a .262 average and .740 OPS last year, compared to a .149 average and .579 OPS from the right side. Improvement in plate coverage and possibly dropping his righthanded swing could elevate him to a fringe-average hitter with double-digit home run potential.
Defensively, Freeland defies expectations for someone with his 6-foot-2 frame and average speed. He’s a fluid mover with sharp instincts, positioning himself well and covering enough ground to remain at shortstop. With a steady glove and a plus, accurate arm, he projects as an average defender who can hold his own at the position. Baseball America has taken notice, ranking him as the Dodgers’ #3 prospect—a testament to his rising star. MLB.com has him as the Dodger’s #4 Prospect, with only Dalton Rushing, Josue DePaula, and River Ryan ahead of him.
Because of Freeland, I do not think the Dodgers will try and sign a SS over the winter. Sorry Willy Adames! Miggy Rojas could start the season at SS, and when the time is right (and it could be early), Alex Freland could assume the position… or at least platoon with Miggy Ro. At age 36, that might be a perfect situation for Miggy. Alex may never be suitable as a RH batter, but he has opened my eyes this year. Maybe he will just hit LH in the future, although he has improved as a RH hitter this year. His first AAA Home Run was RH.“
Right now, he is a better hitter and has more power as a LH hitter, but you would be wise not to bet against him.
Hope he gets a solid chance.
Nice quiet set-up in that second clip. Kind of a Chase Utley swing. I bet the power will grow a bit.
Good to see confidence, but is he a Team player?!?
Goddam you’re a troll.
Say something original.
He’s not a troll. He’s just a contrarian with marginal people skills (i.e., he doesn’t give a fuck).
I thought that was very funny
He may not be a team player very often….but when he is …..he drinks Lalo.
Book em
Can anyone explain to me why in instead of wasting our time with the the 600 million dollar man we can resign Teo AND Santander and save a couple of 100 millions
Neither Teo or Santander can field.
Teo can play LF better than the stats say, but the Dodgers can’t have both players.
I see them signing Teo for LF. I believe we already have a DH!
BTW, Soto is a first ballet Hall of Famer. That’s why AF is interested!
Soto isn’t much of a fielder either. He’s a great hitter, but not a complete player in the mold of Mookie, Witt , Lindor…. or Shohei!
If defense is a concern–and it should be–then craft a blockbuster toacquire Luis Robert Jr, a 40-HR potential slugger who plays a high-quality CF. He’s only a year older than Soto and won’t be a free agent until ’27.
A deal for Robert probably won’t happen– but the Dodgers would have $$$ left over to could bring back Teo, Treinen and Kike.
Then the champs could “run it back” with a little help from Snell and Robert.
Hernandez is not a great fielder, but even though he sucks STATISTICALLY, he passes the eye test in LF for me. Defensive ratings are very subjective. He should not play RF… he is bad there!
His throw from left field gunning down Stanton at the plate in the World Series was huge.
When the team announced the return of Miguel Rojas it was quite clear, to me, that it was a bridge for the arrival, at some point in the season or in 2026, of Freeland. I am convinced that he will be the SS in the coming years.
Somehow I missed this news from last summer….
https://lataco.com/the-newest-addition-to-the-l-a-dodgers-is-a-14-year-old-from-culiacan-sinaloa
Wild.
I trust the Dodgers will take good care of young Master Rivera. Who knows? Maybe he’ll be that prodigy we’ve been waiting for.
How are the Dodgers allowed to sign an underage 14 year old?
You can’t (officially)
It’s a locally agreed upon but non-binding commitment that won’t be made “official” until he’s 16.
It’s kind of like asking your girlfriend to be pre-engaged! 😉
just drinking a cup of coffee and wondering. as of now the dodgers have an outfield of Taylor/Edman/Pages, with Outman on the bench! Now hopefully this won’t happen! But what if it does? With Rojas starting at shortstop? Barnes on the bench? ok , let’s not panic,right? So if Freeland is the shortstop of the future, ok, that’s ok. But if no soto(doesn’t matter to me either way). Can they just let Teo walk? i hope not! i may be wrong, but in my opinion, Max is winding down. Outman? like him, but not sure he’s even a #5 outfielder. Pages? 50-50 on whether he’s a starter. Edman? could be best super utility guy in baseball. I still believe he’s more valuable playing every where on the field. Taylor? .200 and a lot of k’s. very good defensively yes. Barnes? probably there till he’s 50! We’re talking about the dodgers getting younger, then maybe try for Robert to play center field. Absolutely hits more than Taylor or Outman! Teo, Robert, Pages? yes. Edman can play anywhere! use that to your advantage! If Freeland is ready, hand him the SS job. if not Rojas,edman, Taylor can hold it until he is ready. So unless Soto takes 5 @ 300 million, he’s going to be a New york ? (met i say)! Still. enjoying the world series win!! want another one! not greedy, just hungry!
Manfred said don’t worry about Golden Hitter any time soon. If ever!!
Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki is expected to be officially posted at Major League Baseball’s winter meetings next week, sources told ESPN on Saturday, opening a 45-day window in which teams will try to convince him to choose them once the international amateur signing period opens Jan. 15.
Nobody is talking about Freddy Freemqn’s surgery which could set him back a few weeks and most importantly, it could cost him some of his baserunning ability. That could force him to hit lower in the order.
I was under the impression that was relatively minor surgery that won’t keep Freddie from participating in spring training. (One Dodger site described it as “major” surgery but that seemed like clickbait to me.)
Is there a more detailed and dire report?
If Freddie is delayed, this could be an opportunity for Rushing–providing he isn’t traded. We hope Rushing can be a quality catcher, but he can also play 1B.
If Rushing proves he’s ready, I hope he makes the squad. He can play LF, 1B and maybe help ease Barnes toward his evolution to coach.
But Rushing truly might be most valuable in a trade for Robert or Matt McClain or ???
I say ??? in part because I can’t recall a single fan saying “the Dodgers should trade for that injured guy on the Cards.” That was just a brilliant three-team deal to bring in Edman and Kopech.
It’s always too early to judge trade “wins” involving prospects, but Dodgers only gave up Miguel Vargas and prospects Alexander Albertus (ranked 16) Jeral Perez (18) to get those guys. And in addition to Edman and Kopech, the Dodgers also picked up Panamanian pitching prospect Oliver Gonzales.
Just a shame that his first and last name didn’t start with P….
Could this be the lineup?
1. Edman CF
2. Ohtani DH
3. Betts 2B
4. Teoscar LF
5. Freeman 1B
6. Smith C
7. Muncy 3B
8. Pages/Outman RF
9. Rojas/Freeland SS
Can Edman up his OB% to over .370? That’s a big ask!
Freeman will bat third even he has two broken legs.
Agree.
Fully expect Freddie to be ready by opening day–and he’ll get a huge ovation in Tokyo. After all, the Dodgers are Japan’s favorite team, and Freddie was the World Series hero.
I think Edman batted some lead-off for the Cards a few years back. But on the Dodgers, he might be the ideal “second leadoff” guy batting ninth.
Nothing matters more for lead-off than just getting on-base–and the Big 3 had the best OBP on the Dodgers. Shohei finished at .390, Freddie at .378 and Mookie at .372.
Anybody guess who came next? Might surprise his many detractors. Mark has him batting down at the seventh spot.
It was Max at .358, followed by Teo at .339, Rojas at .337, Smith at .327 and Lux at .320. (This was a sizeable decline for Smith–a big reason why he was moved down in the batting order.)
BTW, guess who led the Dodgers in OBP after the all-star break?
It was Max at .405. (Only 33 games–so not a huge sample.) Remember how Mookie and Max were injured for a couple months? I fully expected Mookie to pick up where he left off, because he is Mookie.
But what about Max?
In those 33 games, he outslugged everybody but Shohei. And Max led in OBP in part because he had nearly as many walks as strikeouts, 24/27.
And which Dodgers had the second-best OBP after the break?
This really surprised me.
It was Lux, at .390. He also had the highest BA at .304, while Shohei was hitting .303.
Lux’s post-break numbers were so damn good–including an .898 OPS–that I almost question my desire to trade him…
Then I remember he’s really been a platoon guy for the Dodgers, and it’s time for Mookie to move to 2B. (Is it too late to try him again in LF?)
Lux is streaky. His second-half numbers were impressive; his first half numbers were depressing. For another team, he won’t be a platoon guy, and he might even get another chance at SS. And he could bat near the top of the order, not the bottom.
He’d be a great get for either the White Sox or the Brewers and some other teams. He could still be a star–but probably not for the Dodgers.
“One of the five teams vying for Juan Soto’s signature has emerged as the first to offer the Dominican outfielder a $700 million mega deal. According to Dan Bartels, editor of *The New York Post Sports*, a source confirmed that an MLB team from the East Coast has put this amount on the table for Soto.
Notably, except for the Dodgers, the other four teams in the race for Soto’s signing are from East Divisions. Therefore, the team that reportedly made the $700 million offer for 15 seasons of service to the star slugger is believed to be the New York Mets”.
Uncle Stevie is going to regret this contract.
I’m not sure if the FO can talk to Joel Wolfe and Roki until he’s posted. But if so Andrew will know what the dollar amount will be and he can negotiate off of that. He could entice Roki with endorsements galore and World Series aspirations every year. Also instead of trading for international bonus pool money. Roki might take less right now and defer the rest to help sign more Dominican studs. The Dodgers are in a really good spot right now. Everybody wants to be here. But AF will only take ‘team’ oriented employees. Farhad anybody? These are not the views of the LADT board of directors or it’s subsidiaries. And are solely the views of the writer.
Book em
Roki can only be offered Internatioanl Singing Bonus Money and a minor league deal.
I know.that Mark. But what if AF told Joel that massive Japanese and international endorsements can be had if he joins the Dodgers. The minor league contract along with the signing bonus are peanuts compared to the money Roki could make brandishing the Dodgers logo…..hmmm enticing for sure.
Book em
Interesting point.
Could Roki get more endorsement yen by joining the Dodgers?
Or would he wind up with less because he would forever be playing in the shadow of Ohtani? Would he be better off forging his own identity?
The simple course, I think, would be joining the mighty champs.
But Sasaki may prefer more of a challenge.
Good thing to listen to:
Really great video!
Thank you for it.
Plunkett has an excellent piece on deferred money (ironically, it’s paywalled)
https://www.ocregister.com/2024/12/07/dodgers-deferred-money-spending-sprees-stir-controversy/
“I mean, it’s just a lever,” Friedman said. “We’ve talked about this. We’ve done deals recently that don’t have it (most prominently Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325 million deal). We’ve done deals that do.
“In a negotiation I think it’s always challenging and so you’re looking to any lever you possibly can to help get to a point where there is overlap…It’s been a useful tool for us. … We just like to get deals done.”
Later on there’s a nod to another old Popeye character…
On the surface, a billion dollars in deferred salary sounds like a dangerous strategy – akin to the old Popeye cartoon character, Wimpy, whose ravenous desire for instant gratification combined with his constant lack of funds led to his catch phrase, “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.”
Another Good thing to listen to. Ben Badler of BA:
adames to the giants.
The Giants and shortstop Willy Adames are in agreement on a seven-year $182MM contract according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle first reported that talks between the sides were “picking up steam.” Passan adds that the CAA Sports client will receive a $22MM signing bonus as part of the contract, which is the largest in Giants history.
Good news for the Giants. For Adames too.
There had been some talk earlier than Posey was going to have cut payroll, so I thought he might target Ha-Seong Kim.
The Gnats sign Carlos Adames wait one……whoops we’re not sure about his medicals. Buster is a bust. Giants suck!
At least we don’t have to speculate about Willy Adames anymore. Soto, Crochet, Burnes,Freid and Flaherty are all you guys have left.
As for the Dodger guys…I’ll take Teo, Kike, Treinen and Striker.
Book em
Like it for the Giants. Kicks off the Posey era nicely and is a bargain considering the 13-year/ $350 million deal the Giants offered Correa two off-seasons ago.
Kudos to the Giants for signing Adames before Soto comes off the market. I’m surprised Adames camp agreed to sign at this time, as Willy along with Teoscar were likely fallback options for teams bidding for Soto’s services.
I’m sure the length played a role. A 7-year deal is longer than I anticipated.
I predict Teoscar is going to require a minimum of 4 years.
7 Years/$182 Million.
Teo at $$80 Mil is Chump Change.
Darn it sign him.We need him.Get it done.He should be easy to work with ,considering how we have been spending.
Per Passan:
Outfielder Tyler O’Neill and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a three-year, $49.5 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, a source tells ESPN. O’Neill, 29, hit 31 home runs with Boston in 2024. Deal is pending physical. On the news: Jon Heyman.
Per an unsolicited Bluto:
I really like O’Neill and thought he would be cheaper than and relatively close in production to Teo.
… if he can stay healthy… and he usually can’t!
BTW, the Giants just got better!
Supposedly, allegedly… the Yankees and the Mets have both increased their offers to Soto for $700 Million +
The Dodgers are out!
Ok the Giants got better.
But OPS 794 and horrendous defense in his walk year. And some folks are comparing him to Correa. Wow. Thank you Buster for stealing him . My Dodgers are a better team with Willy off the market. Do you realize Masyn Wynn, Zack Neto ,A.Jimenez and about 7 more shortstops had a better WAR?
The Buster era has started in the
Shitty by the Bay.
Book em