Trending Now - Dodgers Promote Alex Freeland, Fans Criticize Kim's Demotion

WHO:

Hyeseong Kim, infielder/outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Alex Freeland, infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers

Miguel Rojas, top candidate to see time at second base for the Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Hyeseong Kim, infielder/outfielder

Alex Freeland, infielder

Dave Roberts, manager of the Dodgers

Brian Murphy, reporter for MLB.com

WHAT:

The Dodgers announced on March 22nd, 2026, that they had optioned Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing Alex Freeland to claim the final spot on the 26-man roster.

Kim batted .407 with a .967 OPS in nine Cactus League games in 2026.

Freeland, the Dodgers’ No. 8 prospect, has a walk rate of 11.3% and a chase rate of 19.3% during Spring Training.

The Dodgers announced the optioning of Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City on March 22nd, 2026, to finalize their Opening Day roster.

Alex Freeland has been confirmed to claim the final spot on the 26-man roster.

The Dodgers optioned Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

This decision clears the way for Alex Freeland to claim the final spot on the 26-man roster.

Kim batted .407 with a .967 OPS in nine Cactus League games in 2026.

Kim struck out eight times in 27 at-bats and walked once during Spring Training.

Freeland has struck out 11 times in 43 spring at-bats but has also drawn 11 walks.

Kim signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract prior to the 2025 season.

Kim batted .280 with a .699 OPS in 71 regular-season games in 2025.

Kim posted a 30.6% strikeout rate over 170 plate appearances in 2025.

Freeland struck out 36.1% of his plate appearances during his 2025 debut season.

Freeland hit .190 with a .602 OPS through his first 29 big league games.

WHERE:

Oklahoma City, home of the Triple-A team for the Dodgers.

WHEN:

The decision regarding the roster was made public on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026.

The decision to option Kim was announced on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026.

The Dodgers' Opening Day game is scheduled for Thursday, March 26th, 2026.

Freeland was called up on July 29th, 2025.

WHY:

The Dodgers want Kim to continue working on his swing due to concerns about his swing-and-miss rate during Spring Training, as he was away for a significant time while playing for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic.

The Dodgers want Kim to continue working on his swing due to concerns about his swing-and-miss rate during Spring Training.

The decision was made to provide clarity on the Opening Day roster.

HOW:

Manager Dave Roberts stated, "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."

Manager Dave Roberts stated, "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."

The Dodgers evaluated player performance during Spring Training to make roster decisions.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 01:31 UTC)

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced yesterday that they have optioned infielder/outfielder Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing infielder Alex Freeland to secure the final spot on the 26-man roster. Kim had an impressive Spring Training, batting .407 with a .967 OPS over nine games, but the team is concerned about his swing-and-miss rate after he missed significant time while playing for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic. Manager Dave Roberts noted that while they haven't seen enough of Kim yet, Freeland has been taking great at-bats, emphasizing that deeper conversations will follow as they assess their players.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 23:19 UTC)

The Dodgers have finalized their Opening Day roster by optioning Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City and confirming Alex Freeland as the last player on the 26-man roster. Manager Dave Roberts explained that the decision was tough, noting that there were valid arguments for both players, but ultimately, they want Kim to refine his swing after a challenging Spring Training. This announcement was made public on Sunday, March 22, 2026, as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 21:19 UTC)

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that they have optioned infielder/outfielder Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City, a move that clears the way for Alex Freeland to secure the final spot on the 26-man roster. Kim, who signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract prior to the 2025 season, batted .407 with a .967 OPS in nine Cactus League games this spring but struggled with a 30.6% strikeout rate in the regular season last year. The Dodgers made this decision to help Kim work on his swing and provide clarity ahead of their Opening Day game scheduled for March 26.