Dodgers' Second Base Battle Heats Up With Tommy Edman Injury

Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland vie for playing time at second base to start the season

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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With Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman sidelined for the start of the season due to an ankle injury, a position battle has emerged between young infielders Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland to fill the role. Both players had inconsistent rookie campaigns in 2025, but are looking to prove themselves this spring training and earn the chance to start at second base while Edman recovers.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are loaded with All-Star talent across their lineup, so opportunities for playing time can be hard to come by. This second base competition represents one of the few position battles on the team, as manager Dave Roberts looks to find the best temporary replacement for the injured Edman.

The details

Kim, a 26-year-old offseason signing from South Korea, had a hot start to his MLB debut last year but struggled to maintain consistency, batting .175 after his initial .383 stretch. Freeland, a former top prospect, also showed flashes of potential in his 29 games but hit just .190 overall. Both players are looking to build on their rookie experiences and prove they deserve a spot on the Dodgers' roster to start the season.

  • Edman underwent ankle surgery in November 2025 and is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season.
  • The Dodgers' spring training camp is currently underway in Glendale, Arizona.

The players

Tommy Edman

Dodgers second baseman who is recovering from offseason ankle surgery and expected to miss the start of the 2026 season.

Hyeseong Kim

Second-year Dodgers infielder who had a hot start to his MLB debut in 2025 but struggled with consistency, looking to earn a roster spot this spring.

Alex Freeland

Former top Dodgers prospect who made his MLB debut in 2025, looking to build on his initial experience and win the second base job to start the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“The swing changes we made last year, I would say I felt about 70% comfortable. This offseason and spring training, we were able to recognize some of the other stuff that we needed to work on, so I'm working very hard to make those changes again this year.”

— Hyeseong Kim

“Last year obviously didn't go the way that I wanted, but I think everything that happened was something I can learn from. Not seeing success, I kind of got out of myself, instead of just taking it at-bat by at-bat. Got ahead of myself, let the failure get to me a little bit.”

— Alex Freeland

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Edman's recovery and determine a timeline for his return, while Kim and Freeland compete for playing time at second base during spring training.

The takeaway

This position battle highlights the depth and competition within the Dodgers' roster, as even with an injury to a key player, the team has multiple young talents ready to step up and earn an opportunity to contribute.