While the Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the most talented rosters in the MLB, there are a few spots that lack depth across the organization. The middle infield is one of those categories. Mookie Betts and Tommy Edman have been seeing the lion’s share of playing time up the middle, but there are a handful of top-quality prospects beginning to emerge at various levels of the organization who could make some noise in the bigs.
Alex Freeland, the 23-year-old switch-hitting shortstop at Triple-A Oklahoma City, has quietly become one of the more intriguing prospects in the Los Angeles farm system. His steady improvement at the plate and solid defensive work have transformed him from organizational depth into a player worth keeping an eye on. While not as flashy as some of the organization’s top prospects, Freeland’s development represents another potential success story at the MLB level.
Scouting Report
The Dodgers saw Freeland’s potential and selected him in the third round (105th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Central Florida. His selection came despite having missed significant time during his sophomore year with a broken wrist. As the second-highest drafted position player in UCF Knights history, Freeland brought with him an inspiring personal story after having overcome multiple surgeries as an infant to correct clubfoot.
Freeland’s profile as a switch-hitter begins with his exceptional plate discipline, a skill that helped him rank sixth in the minors with 91 walks last season. Though he generates more consistent contact and power from the left side, his continued improvement as a right-handed batter has elevated his overall offensive potential. His quick bat and natural ability to launch balls to his pull side suggest a player who could reasonably produce 20 home runs annually at the major league level.
After slashing just .240/.345/.362 over 461 plate appearances during his age-21 season exclusively at High-A in 2023, Freeland hit .260/.387/.442 with 18 long balls over 137 games across two levels last year. So far in 2025, he is hitting a very impressive .321/.389/.491 in his first 100 ABs at OKC this season.
Despite being just an average runner by scouting metrics, Freeland plays above his raw speed thanks to advanced baseball instincts that enhance his effectiveness both on the basepaths and defensively. His solid range, reliable hands and plus arm strength make him a legitimate shortstop prospect. While the Dodgers have given him opportunities at second and third base to increase his versatility, Freeland’s defensive toolkit suggests a player who could handle everyday shortstop duties rather than settling into a utility role.
Looking Ahead
With Freeland currently ranked as the fifth-best prospect in the Dodgers’ system according to MLB Pipeline, his path points toward a possible 2026 MLB debut if he maintains his developmental pace. The front office faces no pressure to rush him to Los Angeles with options like Betts, Edman, Miguel Rojas and Hyeseong Kim up the middle.
This extended stay at Triple-A gives Freeland valuable time to refine his right-handed swing and continue gaining experience at multiple infield positions, potentially increasing his value to the Dodgers or as a trade chip should the team pursue upgrades at the summer trade deadline.
While Freeland represents the organization’s most advanced shortstop prospect, the Los Angeles pipeline features several intriguing younger options that emphasize the organization’s commitment to depth. Eighteen-year-old Emil Morales has dazzled scouts with his exceptional defense and quickness since signing as an international free agent in 2024. Kellon Lindsey and Joendry Vargas, both just 19, offer outstanding combinations of projectable power and defensive versatility that have scouts excited about their long-term potential.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Noah Miller, acquired in a trade from the Minnesota twins two winters ago, offers solid defensive skills and improving offensive production that could accelerate his timeline. This depth gives the organization multiple options at shortstop, with Freeland currently among the leaders.