Alex Freeland: The Next Man Up or the Next Man Out?
So, let me get this straight. Lopez can develop into a quality major league player, but Freeland can't? Why? Because he hasn't done it yet? That's precisely the point of player development!
There has been a lot of discussing and cussing about Otto Lopez recently. Let's assume for the sake of argument that the Marlins want to trade Lopez... which they aren't! However, that has never stopped anyone from concocting trades anyway. If the Marlins were to trade Lopez, what would they want back? I think they would want Freeland and Jack Dreyer, to start with, as they need LH bullpen help, and they would ask for James Tibbs III... and maybe settle for Kendall George.
When a team is not eager to trade a player, getting that player requires an overpay. Lopez is a nice player, but if I am going to overplay, I want an Elly! I think the argument for Alex Freeland is stronger than some Dodgers fans are willing to acknowledge.
The case for Alex Freeland
Lopez experienced a genuine breakout, while Freeland is three years younger and has considerably less major league experience.
And Freeland's defense deserves some respect. He led the Dodgers in starts at second base in 2026, and his defensive metrics were above average.
I'm not suggesting that Alex Freeland is going to become Otto Lopez. I'm suggesting that we have absolutely no idea what Alex Freeland will become.
In 2025, Otto Lopez hit .246 with a .672 OPS. In 2026, he hit .305 with a .786 OPS. That's a substantial improvement. Good for him!
Meanwhile, Freeland hit .234 with a .652 OPS in 2026, and he's three years younger than Lopez. He also had a better OBP in 2026 than Lopez had in 2025.
So, let me get this straight. Lopez can develop into a quality major league player, but Freeland can't? Why? Because he hasn't done it yet? That's precisely the point of player development!
Freeland is a switch-hitter who plays above-average defense, understands the strike zone, and has demonstrated the ability to get on base. Yes, he has swing-and-miss issues. Yes, he needs to improve offensively. But those are reasons to develop a 25-year-old player, not necessarily reasons to trade him. Jeff has shown us the stats that show Freeland improved dramatically after his last minor league stint at the end of last season, so we can see progress.
And here's another question: What happens if the Dodgers trade Freeland and several other prospects for Lopez, only to discover that Freeland becomes a comparable player two years from now?
We've watched this organization develop talent for years, yet some fans seem determined to trade every prospect who doesn't become an All-Star in his first 200 at-bats.
I'm not opposed to trading prospects for a legitimate difference-maker. But there's a big difference between acquiring an established superstar and paying a superstar's price for a player coming off one outstanding season.
Give Freeland a legitimate opportunity to win the second-base job in spring training. If he earns it, let him play. Sometimes the best acquisition is the player you already have.
Sometimes you need the conviction to develop your own players rather than buying someone else's breakout season.
Discussion (12)
Disagree, not disagreeable
What are the Dodgers plan for Morales? He could be ready in 28. Third base what’s the plan, Morales, Harlan, Lawrence (probably won’t be ready but should be knocking on the door.) if the Dodgers want to get younger second base and left field are the 27 positions and first and third base are the 28 positions. I believe the Dodgers could fill those spots within the organization. Catching is what concerns me. If we are going to use our top prospects for trade bait I think the first position to consider is catching. We don’t know if or when Rushing is ready and we need to give more rest to Smith. On the prospect list the only catcher is 29th out of the top 30. Strange the about five years ago we had multiple catchers in the top 30.
Here are some interesting FACTS:
The First two are 2026 MVPs, and the last one was the AL Runner-Up MVP!
Prospects are suspects until they are not!
Hill resigned with the Yankees for 1 year.
Good stuff. Progress is not linear.
If Freeland isn't the 2nd baseman, maybe it's Roberts that should be traded.
Well Mark, you changed my mind. I am going to adopt a wait and see attitude about Freeland, depending on whether or not there actually is a 2027 season. I also read where LA is actually interested in Mauricio Dubon, for the life of me I do not know why. Yes, he has 3 gold gloves, all 3 for being a utility player. Great, but he has no power, 51 career bombs in 8 years, even Edman hits more than that. He doesn't strike out much, which is a plus. The thing is, he is another over 30 player. With everyone screaming that the Dodgers need to get younger, why would they want another over 30 player? Just does not make sense to me.