Dodgers Keep .116 Hitter Over .407 Spring Performer

Hyeseong Kim sent to Triple-A despite strong spring performance

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to keep Alex Freeland, who hit just .116 this spring, on their MLB roster over Hyeseong Kim, who hit .407 in Spring Training. Manager Dave Roberts explained the decision, saying the team felt Kim would benefit more from regular at-bats in Triple-A right now.

Why it matters

This move by the Dodgers has surprised many fans, as it's unusual for a team to keep a player with such a poor spring performance over someone who clearly outperformed them. It raises questions about the Dodgers' decision-making process and whether they are making the right call for the team's long-term success.

The details

Freeland, a right-handed hitter, will platoon with Miguel Rojas at the starting role against right-handed pitching - the same role Kim would have had in the majors. Despite Kim's impressive .407 batting average in Spring Training, the Dodgers felt he would benefit more from regular at-bats in Triple-A Oklahoma City.

  • Kim hit .407 this spring.
  • Freeland hit .116 this spring.

The players

Hyeseong Kim

A Dodgers prospect who had a strong .407 batting average in Spring Training but was sent down to Triple-A.

Alex Freeland

A Dodgers player who hit just .116 this spring but was kept on the MLB roster, likely to platoon at the starting role against right-handed pitching.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who explained the decision to keep Freeland over Kim.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dave Roberts said the 'driver' behind the Alex Freeland/Hyeseong Kim decision was that the Dodgers felt Kim would benefit more from getting everyday at-bats in AAA right now. He said team was 'not blind to the fact' Freeland only hit .116 this spring.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will hope their decision to keep Freeland over Kim pays off, as they look to contend for another World Series title. Fans will be watching closely to see if Kim can earn his way back to the majors with strong play in Triple-A.

The takeaway

This move by the Dodgers highlights the complexities of roster decisions in Major League Baseball, where factors beyond just spring training performance can influence a team's choices. It will be interesting to see how this decision impacts the Dodgers and Kim's development going forward.