The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently facing a significant dilemma as they navigate the preseason roster ahead of the 2025 MLB season. With established players and promising prospects contending for key positions, attention has shifted to the potential impact of newcomers and how it may affect current roster members.
On March 22, 2025, the Dodgers’ fan base was stirred by reports from Dodgers Way that highlighted expectations around 24-year-old infielder Alex Freeland. According to ESPN, Freeland is projected to make his major league debut in May and is expected to start in 95 games at second base. This bold prediction throws a spotlight on the competition within the team, particularly affecting Kim Hye-seong, a recent addition to the Dodgers.
Freeland, born in 2001, has shown promising stats in the minors, with a batting average of .260, coupled with 18 home runs and 31 stolen bases last season, ranking him the 71st best prospect by MLB Pipeline. Despite these achievements, Freeland has yet to step onto the major league field, making this forecast a significant gamble.
Meanwhile, Kim Hye-seong, a versatile player who signed a 3+2 year contract worth $22 million with the Dodgers in January 2025, faces a precarious situation. Known for his defensive skills, Kim did not set the spring training ablaze this year. He struggled through 15 spring training games, where he recorded a batting average of only .207, hitting six times in 29 attempts, with one home run and three RBIs. With four walks and 11 strikeouts, his performance raised concerns, prompting speculation about his readiness for the major league.
“Kim Hye-seong has a question mark surrounding his batting,” admitted Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in late February, noting that the transition from the Korean league to MLB can be challenging. “He’s making changes to his swing, and that’s part of the adaptation process.”
The lineup at second base includes an impressive mix of existing talent, notably Tommy Edman, Kiké Hernández, Miguel Rojas, and Chris Taylor. Edman, a Gold Glove-winning player, and versatile utility, is expected to participate actively. However, Edman’s back-and-forth position could leave some incumbents vulnerable, especially with the competitive nature running high.
“One of them has to go,” Dodgers Way reported, suggesting that Chris Taylor, while still a valued member, might be the most at-risk as the front office weighs its options. It seems primarily centered on Kim Hye-seong and Freeland competing for a spot in the everyday lineup, raising the stakes significantly for both players.
Freeland’s anticipated contributions to the team do not come without a context. The Dodgers traded veteran Gavin Lux, who played an essential role for the team until his trade to the Cincinnati Reds only days after Kim’s signing. Lux had been a first-round draft pick for the Dodgers in 2016 and accumulated a decent batting average of .251 during his tenure despite setbacks, including knee surgery in 2023.
In a recent game on March 22, Lux demonstrated his talent by hitting two home runs during spring training. Lux commented on his readiness, saying, “I’m prepared to play any position but catcher.” His new manager, Terry Francona, also expressed optimism about Lux's versatile contributions, further underlining the challenges that both Freeland and Kim face as they seek to establish themselves in the league.
The Dodger’s current spring training highlights not only Freeland's rise but also raise questions regarding Kim’s future. Although he has been praised for his defense, his ability to adjust his offensive game remains in question. According to Roberts, Kim’s defensive skillset alone could lead to victories. "He can definitely contribute just based on his defensive abilities," Roberts remarked positively about Kim, hinting at strong hopes for his continued development.
As the days roll on into the final stretches leading up to Opening Day, fans are left wondering who will secure the spotlight in the crowded infield of the Dodgers. The expectation around Freeland and the struggles of Kim play out as a critical storyline this offseason. Each practice and game now carries heightened scrutiny, and with every swing, there are careers potentially on the line.
The pressure mounts as Freeland's arrival looms. Can Kim Hye-seong turn his field skills into a place within this competitive roster, or will Freeland’s momentum ultimately push him aside? This narrative sets an intriguing stage for the upcoming months in Major League Baseball as we approach a season filled with both opportunity and uncertainty for those wearing the Dodgers' uniform.
