Dodgers' Alex Freeland Sends Love to Hyeseong Kim After Winning Roster Battle

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Alex Freeland was fighting for one of the team's final roster spots this spring — and he won.

Freeland has proven the Dodgers correct in their judgment as he's hitting .250 with one home run across eight at-bats thus far. While a small sample size, the early success is key for Freeland maintaining a spot on the active roster, which is arguably the best in baseball.

The only downside is what Freeland's success meant for fan favorite Hyeseong Kim.

Kim opened the season in the minor leagues after Freeland earned the final roster spot in spring training. However, Freeland doesn't look at it that way, despite all the noise around the battle this spring.

“I mean, it was tough not to [hear the noise from people wanting Kim on the roster],” Freeland said to the California Post. “But that wasn’t what my spring was for. Like, it wasn’t me versus Kim for this last roster spot. I was just trying to make the team.

"And I think Kim’s the man. You ask anybody in this clubhouse, everybody loves Kim.”

Why is Hyeseong Kim Not Playing For the Dodgers?

Kim began the season in the minors, just like he did last year. Last winter, the Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million deal. The former KBO infielder earned four Gold Glove awards during his time overseas, boasting elite defense and speed.

His bat, however, isn't quite where it needs to be.

The Dodgers didn't want Kim sitting on the bench in the big leagues, so he's instead getting everyday playing time to continue improving in the minor leagues. The best situation the 27-year-old can be in is exactly where he is at Triple-A.

“It was probably the toughest decision of the spring,” manager Dave Roberts said of sending Kim to the minor leagues this spring. “There’s no doubt that Hyeseong at some point is going to come help us out.

“I think the driver as far as the outset, is giving Hyeseong the opportunity to play every day, play all over the diamond; he’s going to play some short, some center, some second base there. Whereas here, he wouldn’t have the runway to play more frequently."

With the Oklahoma City Comets, Kim gets consistent at-bats to find success with his second-year swing changes. The most staggering offensive stat from Kim was his 30% strikeout rate. If that persisted, Kim would have been a liability in the lineup as the Dodgers rely on hitters at the bottom of the order to get on base.

Kim sent a message to fans after getting cut from the Opening Day roster, as he will likely get a chance to feature in the Dodgers lineup sooner rather than later this season.

“Hello, fans,” Kim began. “I mentioned that my biggest goal for this season was to make the opening roster and show my face in the major leagues throughout the year, but I feel so sorry for not being able to keep that promise right from the start. Still, since the season is long, I’ll work hard to perform well, get called up quickly, and show you all my active presence in the major leagues. Thank you.”