Alex Freeland flies under the radar more than most prospects on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list, even though he's ranked No. 35. He doesn't have a single spectacular tool, but he has all-around ability and leaves no doubt that he's capable of playing shortstop in the Majors.
With Max Muncy (bone bruise, left knee) still on a rehab assignment, Kiké Hernández (left elbow inflammation) already on the injured list and Tommy Edman (right ankle) and Hyeseong Kim (left shoulder) banged up, the Dodgers needed an infielder who could contribute in a variety of ways. So they gave Freeland his first big league callup on Tuesday, placing Kim on the IL to make room.
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Freeland, 23, was batting .253/.377/.421 with 12 homers and 17 steals in 94 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He leads the Pacific Coast League in walks (75) while also ranking fourth in runs (69) and doubles (26) and seventh in RBIs (71).
Born with a clubfoot, Freeland endured several surgeries as an infant to correct the condition. He developed into one of the best shortstops in the 2020 high school class, though that Draft was shortened to five rounds amid the pandemic and he went unselected. He spent two college seasons at Central Florida, breaking his hamate as sophomore-eligible in 2022 but still playing well enough for Los Angeles to select him in the third round.
Freeland had an underwhelming first full pro season in 2023 before breaking out as one of baseball's best shortstop prospects last year. He makes some of the best swing decisions in the Dodgers system and ranked sixth in the Minors with 91 walks in 2024.
A switch-hitter, Freeland makes more contact and impact from the left side, though he's effective as a righty as well. He has a quick stroke and the aptitude to turn on pitches and launch them in the air, which could translate into 20 homers per season. His only apparent weakness at the plate is that he struggles against sliders, though he does a good job of not chasing them out of the strike zone.
While he possesses just average speed, Freeland's advanced instincts help him play quicker than that. He has swiped 81 bases in 97 attempts (84 percent) in 345 games as a pro and has legitimate 20/20 potential.
Freeland also covers plenty of ground to both sides at shortstop while displaying reliable hands and plus arm strength. He's a solid defender there and also has played third and second base in the Minors, which will enable him to fill in all over the diamond as needed in Los Angeles.
It's unclear how long Freeland will stay with the Dodgers, who expect Muncy back sometime next week. He could play fairly regularly until then, and if he performs well, he could take over at second base and allow Edman to shift more to the outfield to take at-bats away from a struggling Michael Conforto. The Trade Deadline also is approaching on Thursday, and Freeland will be an attractive target for clubs looking for a big league-ready shortstop.