I had a great conversation with a wise old sage about Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland. This old sage goes by the name of “AI”, and here was our conversation:
Mark: What is the real story on why Hyeseong Kim was sent to the minors over Alex Freeland?
AI: Short answer: this wasn’t about spring stats. It was about role fit, development path, and how the Dodgers think offense actually translates to MLB pitching.
Now let’s peel the onion…
The “real” reasons (beneath the box score)
1) They didn’t trust Kim’s bat yet
Yes, Hyeseong Kim hit .407 this spring… but the Dodgers basically shrugged and said: “cool… but can it survive 98 mph with ride?”
- Internal concern: handling high-velocity MLB pitching
- He also struck out 8 times in 27 ABs, which raised flags about swing decisions
Translation:
Spring Training is a funhouse mirror. The Dodgers think Kim’s contact quality might crack once the real bullets start flying.
2) Freeland fits the Dodgers’ offensive philosophy better (right now)
Freeland hit like a wet newspaper (.116), but the Dodgers care about something else:
- Walks, pitch counts, swing decisions
- He matched strikeouts with walks and consistently saw deep counts
- Staff explicitly liked his “at-bat quality” over raw results
Translation:
The Dodgers value hitters who grind pitchers into dust.
Freeland = annoying at-bats
Kim = more contact, but less proven approach vs MLB stuff
3) Playing time math (this is a big one)
This is the quiet killer.
- Kim would’ve been part-time in LA
- In Triple-A: everyday player, multiple positions
- Roberts basically said: he needs daily reps, not scraps
Translation:
The Dodgers didn’t want Kim sitting 3 days a week while trying to adjust to MLB pitching. That’s how prospects stall.
4) Roster timing + opportunity window
This is a classic Dodgers move.
- Tommy Edman is hurt, creating a temporary opening
- That opening might only last a few weeks
- Freeland gets a clean audition window right now
Translation:
They’re using April like a test lab:
- Freeland = “let’s see what we have”
- Kim = “you’re insurance, but we want you ready to stick when you come up”
5) Risk management (this part is underrated)
There’s a subtle roster chess move here:
- If Kim struggles in MLB → confidence hit + fewer options
- If he dominates AAA → comes up with momentum and a longer leash
Translation:
They’re protecting the asset.
So what’s the real story?
It’s not:
“Freeland beat Kim”
It’s closer to:
“Freeland fits a short-term role, Kim is a longer-term piece we don’t want to rush.”
My blunt read (you’ll appreciate this one)
If you strip away the PR language:
- The Dodgers trust Freeland’s approach more today
- They believe Kim has a higher ceiling but more risk vs MLB pitching
- And most importantly…
They want Kim’s next call-up to stick, not wobble
What happens next?
This has a very predictable Dodgers arc:
- Kim rakes in OKC for 3–6 weeks
- Someone in the infield slumps or gets dinged
- Kim comes up… and this time gets real runway
And then suddenly:
“Wow, where did this guy come from?”
Hyeseong Kim vs Alex Freeland — Who actually has the higher upside?
Hyeseong Kim — “The chaos engine with turbo legs”
What pops immediately
- 80-grade speed (legit game-breaking)
- Elite contact skills (KBO track record matters)
- Defensive versatility (2B/SS/CF type flexibility)
What the Dodgers see
Kim is a pressure player:
- Forces rushed throws
- Turns singles into doubles
- Creates run expectancy without needing power
Think:
high-contact + elite speed + defensive value = top-of-the-lineup weapon
The swing question (this is everything)
- Can he handle MLB velocity + spin combo?
- Does contact quality hold up against 95+ with ride?
If yes…
you’re looking at a .290 hitter with 40+ SB and elite defense
If no…
he becomes a bench/utility spark plug
Realistic upside comp
A slightly more electric version of:
- Ha-Seong Kim (but faster, less power)
Alex Freeland — “The grinder with a chess brain”
What pops immediately
- Advanced plate discipline
- High baseball IQ
- Solid across-the-board tools (no glaring hole)
What the Dodgers love
Freeland is a system hitter:
- Works counts
- Fouls off tough pitches
- Gets on base even when he’s not hitting
He’s the guy pitchers hate in the 7th inning when they’re at 92 pitches.
The limiter
- No standout tool
- Power is average-ish
- Speed is fine, not impactful
- He has a high floor, but lacks that “game-breaking” gear
Realistic upside comp
Something like:
- Chris Taylor (prime version, with more OBP focus)
My blunt verdict
If everything clicks:
Hyeseong Kim is the better player. Not close.
But…
Alex Freeland is more likely to give you usable MLB production right now
P.S. Does anyone see anything wrong with the AI-generated cover photo?
Discussion (63)
Disagree, not disagreeable
The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t just “develop pitchers”…they run something closer to a pitching laboratory with a production line that rarely jams. Most teams draft based on results. The Dodgers hunt ingredients. They’ll take weird arm angles, elite spin traits, and athletic bodies. Instead of “this guy dominated in college,” it’s more like: “This guy’s fastball shape breaks physics—let’s build the rest.”
Every time.
I get MLBtv free from T-mobile. However it wouldnt let me screen mirror last year so I would hook my laptop to the TV via HDMI cable. I got it through Amazon the year before and hated it. Same with Fubo’s broadcasts. Really thinking of buying a vSeebox from my friend. It has every channel in the country, all the stuff on streaming services, and every movie and old tv show you could think of on them. There is about a minute lag on them and no DVR ability on live events though
I get MLBtv free from T-mobile. However it wouldnt let me screen mirror last year so I would hook my laptop to the TV via HDMI cable. I got it through Amazon the year before and hated it. Same with Fubo’s broadcasts. Really thinking of buying a vSeebox from my friend. It has every channel in the country, all the stuff on streaming services, and every movie and old tv show you could think of on them. There is about a minute lag on them and no DVR ability on live events though
Do I have to imput my name and email everytime I post or does it become automatic?
Amazing how many pitchers come to the Dodgers, do a decent job, leave for another team and can’ t really do shyte. there’s either something in the water in the Dodgers clubhouse or there is something the Dodgers know how to get the most out of a guy.
As I previously said, the Mets were just pumping Barnes and Rortvedt for information.
Screw em!
Hi Bear,
I am well thanks for asking. How are you?
I hope they both lose tonight.
A lot of players getting DFAd today including former Dodger lefty, Bryan Hudson by the Mets.
Spring Training Performance Data (2026)
The system was used roughly 4.32 times per game on average, with 2.28 of those challenges being successful.
Category Success (Overturn) Rate Key Trend
Overall 53.0% 1,012 overturned calls out of 1,907 attempts
Fielders 60.0% Catchers made 95% of defensive challenges
Batters 45.0% – 46.0% Batters had a harder time judging the automated zone
Team Leaderboards
Most Successful (Batting): The Chicago Cubs led hitters with a 65% success rate.
Most Successful (Defense): The St. Louis Cardinals topped the league, winning 75% of their defensive challenges.
Highest Volume: The New York Yankees challenged more than any other team, averaging 3.8 attempts per game and winning 52.6% of them.
Lowest Success: The Los Angeles Dodgers had the lowest overall success rate, winning only 21.4% of their appeals.
FROM AI:
The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System, often called “robot umpires,” is a high-tech replay tool that uses Hawk-Eye tracking technology to determine if a pitch is a ball or a strike. Beginning in the 2026 season, MLB uses a Challenge System where human umpires still call every pitch, but players can request a near-instant review of close calls.
How the Challenge System Works
Unlike traditional replay reviews, this system is handled by players on the field rather than managers.
Eligible Players: Only the batter, pitcher, or catcher can initiate a challenge.
The Signal: A player must tap their cap or helmet and verbalize the challenge to the umpire.
Time Limit: The challenge must be issued immediately, generally within two seconds of the call.
Number of Challenges: Each team starts with two challenges per nine-inning game.
If a challenge is successful (the call is overturned), the team retains it.
If the original call stands, the challenge is lost.
In extra innings, teams that have exhausted their challenges receive one new challenge at the start of each extra inning.
The ABS strike zone is a two-dimensional, rectangular plane located at the midpoint of home plate (8.5 inches from the front and back).
Dimension Measurement Criteria
Width 17 inches (the exact width of home plate)
Top 53.5% of the batter’s measured height
Bottom 27% of the batter’s measured height
To ensure accuracy, every player is measured in spring training without cleats. A pitch is ruled a strike if any part of the ball touches any part of this digital box.
I would love to see Benny Biceps back in blue.
Howdy Scott. Hope all is well with you.
Baseball season opens tonight, but not without controversy. The only way you can watch tonight’s Yankees-Giants game is on Netflix. Fans already complaining about MLB.TV being taken over by ESPN. Netflix is a very expensive service. It is the only streaming service I do not have. I get Disney free with my Spectrum account, I purchase MLB.TV and got a miniscule discount, I pay for MGM< Paramount. Prime and Apple + and Max, I get because my sister lets me use her account.
I am spending about $3,000 a year on Akismet Spam Monitoring, but we have up to 10,000 views a day.
Found you guys. Looking for a 3 peat. Nothing else to contribute just making initial contact and approval from the Grand Wizard.
Thanks for unbanning me. Looking forward to talking Dodgers.
Scott,
You apologized.
It’s over.
Move on. Let’s talk Dodgers.
The hosting fees can get pretty expensive. I pay at least several hundred dollars per year to keep LADR running. The high end hosting companies can run in the thousands of dollars per year range.
That is very sad news. I sincerely hope Jeff can recover the money he recently laid out for the upcoming year’s fees.
Hopefully the site will be up and running again soon.
Jeff Dominique has been in contact with me, and I will let him tell you what he has to say.
Last year, there were 14 games on Opening Day, including the Dodgers.
The fact that the Giants and Yankees are playing means nothing to me.
Can we ban Scott until he finally writes that damn article he has been teasing for half a decade?
Looks like I am unbanned. Thank you Mark.
Not sure if I am still banned over here, but I am sorry to hear about Ladodgerchronicles closing. Jeff has done a great job with the site, and I enjoyed the discussions there over the years. (Bear has done an equally great job as well)
I am hoping Mark can unban me here so I can keep in contact with everyone.
You sure of that.
Welcome to all the Dodger Chronicles’ readers and contributors.
Ours is on Peacock….
The game is on Netflix tonight.
Just wanted to let you guys know, Dodger Chronicles has been shut down. The server closed up over the weekend and did not give notice. I will be writing for this site until Mark says otherwise. Jeff is not sure what he is going to do yet.
The Mets may have just solved our lack of catching depth.
Poor Ben Rortvedt has once again been dfa.
Will Andrew grab him one more time? He doesn’t have options remaining so he’d have to pass through waivers in order to be outrighted to OKC. Not sure other teams would let us get away with that.
Miller to the 60 day IL today to make room for major league signing of Jake Cousins, a decent relief pitcher who can’t stay healthy. He’s been signed to a MLB contract but had TJ last June so likely won’t pitch this year. On the other hand, he’s controlled through 2028.
Wait tonights game is on NETFLIX, I cant even watch it.
Im glad its not the B2B champs.
PEACOCK is my only guess here….
Can anyone tell me why the MLB season starts tonight, and the back to back champs aren’t playing??
There is 1 game tonight, and the crap giants, not the back to back champs, get a home game to start the MLB season. Ridic.
i’m at the point where I only go if parking is included.
Dodger stadium is unique, its not like Wrigley or Fenway or other parks right in a city. A walking path “might” help but its always going to be a park people drive to.
Me, I UBER to the Douglas, grab a few cold ones and walk up the hill……not an easy walk up but can be fun!
Classic.
True!
Shaikin has an interesting article, that may strike some as at odds with the Dodgers ticket pricing strategy:
There is an official walking path to Dodger Stadium, from a nearby Metro station. The path is neglected and, in places, dangerous.
Why don’t we have a landscaped Dodgers-themed path, with decorations, entertainment, food carts, shade, and lighting?
https://x.com/billshaikin/status/2036837486136320154?s=46
Keith Law, lover of good books and fine food, on prospects from the White Sox and Dodgers:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7139911/2026/03/23/mlb-prospect-scouting-los-angeles-dodgers-chicago-white-sox/?source=user_shared_article
Positive stuff on Root, Tibbs and DePaula, but my pull quote has to be this gem:
The biggest culprit was Dodgers right-hander Lucas Wepf — yes, W-E-P-F, as in “Jesus wepf when he saw this guy enter the game.” Wepf threw 17 pitches and two were strikes.
Roki may make his first start … and we all know how that will go and then head to OKC with River Rollin into LA.
Wrobo was outstanding last night: 4IP 0R 0ER 0H 0BB 5K. He was outstanding this Spring except for one bad outing.
Cousins pitched 3 years with the Brewers and 1 with the Yankees and while he has had some injury problems, his career record is 90.2 IP/56 H/56 BB and 125 K’s. He is a perfect fit for the Dodger Pitching Machine. AF’ signs em’ cheap and stacks em’ deep!
“Cousins is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent on June 19, 2025, so he will likely be placed on the 60-day injured list soon. Given the recovery timeline, Cousins will miss most of the season and could return around July or later, as previous recovery timelines for relievers suggest.
Cousins last pitched for the New York Yankees during the 2024 season, when he was one of their top arms out of the bullpen. He posted a 2.37 ERA across 38 innings while striking out 53 hitters compared to 20 walks”.
Dodgers Place Seven Players On Injured List Ahead Of Opening Day
“The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Tommy Edman, Blake Snell, Gavin Stone, Brusdar Graterol, Brock Stewart, Landon Knack and Bobby Miller on the injured list ahead of 2026 Opening Day.
Edman was placed on the 10-day IL due to right ankle surgery, while Miller heads to the 60-day IL because of right shoulder soreness.
Snell (Left shoulder fatigue), Stewart (right shoulder surgery), Stone (right shoulder inflammation), Graterol (right shoulder surgery), and Knack (unannounced) were all placed on the 15-day IL.
All seven are retroactive to March 22.
Miller’s placement on the 60-day IL opened a spot on the 40-man roster. That was used to sign Jake Cousins, who is also likely to end up on the 60-day IL.
Dodgers early season probables
3/26: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
3/27: Emmet Sheehan
3/28: Tyler Glasnow
3/29: Off day
3/30: Roki Sasaki
3/31: Shohei Ohtani
4/1: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
4/2: Off day
4/3: Emmet Sheehan
4/4: Tyler Glasnow
4/5: Roki Sasaki
4/6: Shohei Ohtani
4/7 Yoshinobu Yamamoto
4/8: Justin Wrobleksi*
*Likely, or another spot starter
The Dodgers should also get Blake Snell and Gavin Stone back later in the year, giving them even more quality rotation options.
The AI take is quite fair. Freeland had a lot of SB in the minors but only had one in his freshman Dodger year and this ST. He will have to hit a lot better than .125 to stay up. And Kim needs to cut the Ks and continue to rake on the bases, and to play a solid defense. The Dodgers probably don’t expect either to be an all-star, but a solid platoon infielders. Not sure Kim or Freeland will get the MLB level pitching in AAA with high heat and movement he needs to progress but he will get the at bats.
The first few months will tell which guy forces their hand.
Indeed
Love me some Wrobo
Ryan has a case too
As does Hurt for pen
Stay ready, boys
Looking at Wrobo tonight, hard to believe Sasaki has the fifth spot.
Highest exit velocity of that Futures game. Dude is a player.
I loved watching Mike Sirota bite his strap on his batting glove on every pitch during his spring training at bats. Actually it was sort of a cool nervous tic…
Cubs will be very good in 2026.
I’m looking forward to watching Freeland evolve.
We also have a two-year option for ’28-’29 worth $9.5m that we need to exercise or decline after ’27.
There it is
Crow-Armstrong got a six-year extension from the Phillies. Joey Lucchesi signed with the Angels. He was with the Giants during spring training. Austin Slater signed a major league deal with the Marlins. Yankees traded Zack Short to the Nationals.
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a partnership with Red Bull on Tuesday, making the brand the Official Energy Drink Partner of the Dodgers.
Kim is currently in the second year of a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers that runs through the 2027 season.
Like I said: Never trust a bot!
Yes, Kim is a left handed batter and Freeland is a switch hitter. Picture shows Kim as a right handed batter.Also Kim’s number was 6 instead of 7.
LAST SPRING TRAINING GAME
8:10 PM ET MLB NETWORK
Angels (72-90) (16-15-1)
Dodgers (93-69) (20-8-2)
SP Jack Kochanowicz R
0-0 .00 ERA
SP Shohei Ohtani R
0-0 .00 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
RF Kyle Tucker L
SS Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
LF T. Hernandez R
CF Andy Pages R
2B A. Freeland S
75° Wind 7 mph Out
I’m not sure Kim is better but I think it’s more likely Freeland improves.
… and Kim is batting RH.
Never trust a bot…. 😉
That’s not Freeland.