Dodgers Roster Spot Goes to Alex Freeland Over Hyeseong Kim

Freeland makes opening day roster after strong spring training performance

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:19pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that infielder Alex Freeland has made the opening day roster, edging out Hyeseong Kim who was optioned to the team's triple-A affiliate. Freeland punctuated his case with a home run in the Dodgers' final Cactus League game, while Kim struggled at the plate in the World Baseball Classic.

Why it matters

The Dodgers had an open roster spot due to utility player Tommy Edman's offseason ankle surgery, and the decision between Freeland and Kim was a close one according to manager Dave Roberts. This move will impact the Dodgers' depth and bench options to start the 2026 season.

The details

Freeland finished Cactus League play with a .116 batting average, while Kim started the spring swinging a hot bat but went just 1-for-12 in the World Baseball Classic. Roberts said the decision between the two players was not clear cut, with both having arguments for making the opening day roster.

  • The Dodgers announced the roster decision on Sunday, March 22, 2026, before the first game of the Freeway Series against the Angels.
  • Freeland hit a home run in the Dodgers' last Cactus League game on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Alex Freeland

A Dodgers infielder who made the opening day roster after a strong spring training performance.

Hyeseong Kim

A Dodgers infielder who was optioned to the team's triple-A affiliate after losing out on the final roster spot to Freeland.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who said the decision between Freeland and Kim was not clear cut.

Tommy Edman

A Dodgers utility player who is starting the season on the injured list due to offseason ankle surgery, opening up the roster spot that Freeland won.

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What they’re saying

“It's one of those things that you could argue both sides of either decision, as far as Alex or Hyeseong. And so I just don't think it's clear cut. We still haven't seen Hyeseong a bunch. Alex, I think he's taken great at-bats, the numbers, the surface line certainly isn't there, but it's still spring training. There's just deeper conversations that are going to be had.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Hyeseong Kim's progress in triple-A, and he could be called up later in the season if needed. Tommy Edman is expected to return from injury in the coming weeks, which could impact the Dodgers' roster and playing time decisions.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' decision to keep Alex Freeland over Hyeseong Kim for the opening day roster spot shows the team is willing to look beyond spring training stats and make tough calls to build the best possible roster. This move highlights the depth and competition within the Dodgers organization as they aim to return to the playoffs in 2026.