Dodgers Announce Unexpected News at Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 2:05 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers feature the most talented roster in MLB as they look to win a third straight World Series title in 2026. However, with so much talent, the front office has been forced to make difficult decisions on players who likely would be starting on most other teams.

That led to an intense spring‑training battle between infielder Alex Freeland and utility player Hyeseong Kim, with both competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Freeland is one of Los Angeles former top prospects who made his debut last July, though he did not perform well enough to earn a role in October. Kim joined the Dodgers from the KBO on a three‑year, $12.5 million deal last winter.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30)© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The two players had very different springs. Freeland struggled to get anything going at the plate, collecting just five hits in 56 plate appearances. Kim, meanwhile, performed far better. Across nine games, he posted a .407 batting average, .448 on‑base percentage and .967 OPS with one home run, six RBIs and five stolen bases.

Despite that production, it still was not enough, as Los Angeles made the unexpected decision to option Kim to Triple A instead of Freeland. "The Dodgers optioned IF/OF Hyeseong Kim to Triple A Oklahoma City," the club wrote on X.

Moments later, a report from Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic confirmed that Freeland would be part of the Dodgers Opening Day roster. It remains unclear why the Dodgers chose Freeland for the final position‑player spot, though his defensive ability may have played a role.

The Dodgers optioned IF/OF Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 22, 2026

Freeland is a stronger infield defender than Kim, and the Dodgers may prefer his glove as a late‑inning replacement for Max Muncy at third base.

Last year, Freeland hit just .190 with a .292 on‑base percentage and .601 OPS with two home runs and six RBIs in 29 games, but the organization still believes in his long‑term upside.

Kim will now look to continue developing his bat and versatility in the minors, while Freeland gets another chance to prove he belongs at the big‑league level, a decision the Dodgers hope pays off as they chase another championship.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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