Dodgers Seek Second Base Solution as Edman Injury Opens Door

Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland compete for starting role with Tommy Edman sidelined to start season

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing an unexpected competition at second base this spring training after Tommy Edman's injury setback. Veteran utility player Miguel Rojas will likely see increased playing time, but the Dodgers are also looking at younger options in Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland to fill the void left by Edman's absence at the start of the season.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are perennial contenders, but Edman's injury has created an opportunity for other players to step up and potentially earn a starting role. How the team handles this second base battle could have implications for their depth and lineup construction as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

Edman underwent offseason ankle surgery and is not expected to be ready for Opening Day. This opens the door for Kim and Freeland, two infield prospects, to compete for the starting second base job. Kim struggled with velocity and off-speed pitches in his MLB debut last year, but has worked on adjustments to his swing. Freeland also had an up-and-down first taste of the majors, but the Dodgers believe he can make the necessary changes to stick at the big-league level.

  • Edman said it was 'always going to be kind of a stretch' that he would be ready for the start of the season.
  • Kim spent time this offseason working on his reads in center field, in addition to swing changes.

The players

Tommy Edman

A 30-year-old utility player for the Dodgers who is recovering from offseason ankle surgery and is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

Hyeseong Kim

A Dodgers infield prospect who signed a multi-year deal with the team last offseason. He struggled with velocity and off-speed pitches in his MLB debut in 2025 but has worked on adjustments to his swing this offseason.

Alex Freeland

One of the Dodgers' top infield prospects who made his MLB debut in 2025, hitting .190 with 35 strikeouts in 97 plate appearances. He spent the offseason working to refine his swing and cut down on strikeouts.

Miguel Rojas

A veteran utility player for the Dodgers who will likely see increased playing time at second base with Edman sidelined to start the season.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“I think that's okay to say. Competition is a good thing.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager (Los Angeles Times)

“I was not satisfied last year. I found out some of the things that I needed to work on. I just want to work hard and make sure that I make the roster right off the bat after spring training.”

— Hyeseong Kim (Los Angeles Times)

“I don't want to go back up there and do the same thing I just did. So something had to change. We were on the same page.”

— Alex Freeland (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Edman's recovery and evaluate Kim and Freeland's performances in spring training to determine the starting second baseman for Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' depth and flexibility will be tested as they navigate the second base competition created by Edman's injury. However, the opportunity for young players like Kim and Freeland to earn a starting role could pay dividends for the team's long-term future.