The Los Angeles Dodgers are typically one of the more active teams in Major League Baseball when it comes down to the trade deadline. With just under three days until July 31st, rumors are swirling around the Dodgers organization about who could be on the move and who Los Angeles could be trading for.
With a deep farm system loaded with minor league talent, the Dodgers have decided to make a major move just before the trade deadline. Los Angeles is 61-45 this season, but has the second-worst record in baseball since June 29th, just behind the Tampa Bay Rays. They are deciding to shake things up by calling up a top prospect.
Dodgers Calling up Top Prospect Alex Freeland
According to Los Angeles Dodgers reporter Fabian Ardaya, the Dodgers are making a somewhat shocking move by calling up their third-ranked prospect Alex Freeland. Freeland is an infield prospect who was drafted by Los Angeles in the third round of the 2022 MLB draft out of the University of Central Florida. He can play anywhere on the infield, and with Max Muncy injured, he may get some time at third base. It’s unclear what the corresponding move will be, but a sound guess would be a position player, Esteury Ruiz, being optioned, or another player going down to the Injured List. Freeland had been a mild subject of trade rumors over the past few weeks.
Freeland is having a solid season for the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, Oklahoma City. In 94 games, he is batting .253 with 12 home runs and 71 RBIs. He has spent his entire minor league season with Oklahoma City. Freeland could serve the Dodgers well for their infield depth, and it will be interesting to see when he gets his first start and what he can provide with the bat. One draw to Freeland’s game this season is that he has 100 strikeouts in just over 350 at-bats.
He is a switch-hitting prospect that provides defensive versatility, and with Kiké Hernández not nearing a return and the Dodgers struggling a bit on offense, they are taking a chance on seeing what Freeland can provide. It’s unclear how long he’ll stay up with the big league club, but the expectation should be until Muncy returns.
MLB Pipeline’s Scouting Report on Freeland
Here is a recent scouting report on Freeland, and what makes his game translate to the big league level:
âFreelandâs swing decisions rank among the best in Los Angelesâ system, and he ranked sixth in the Minors with 91 walks in â24. A switch-hitter, he makes more contact and has more impact from the left side of the plate, though he did improve his righty production last season. He has a quick bat and good feel for launching balls in the air to his pull side, which could translate into 20 homers per year.
âWhile heâs an average runner, Freelandâs advanced instincts allow him to play quicker than that on the bases and at shortstop. He covers ground to both sides and has reliable hands and plus arm strength, ingredients that add up to solid defense at short. He also has seen action at second and third base and has a floor of a utilityman, but he definitely profiles as an everyday player at shortstop.â
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