Dodgers GM latest comments point toward Alex Freeland Opening Day roster spot

With the Los Angeles Dodgers using spring training to determine the plan at second base to start the season, Alex Freeland was the beneficiary of Hyeseong Kim playing in the World Baseball Classic. Freeland has gotten an extended runway with the Dodgers, but the problem is that he hasn't made the most of his opportunity. Hitting under .200 this spring with a wRC+ of 45, it would seem that Freeland has all but played himself out of an Opening Day Roster spot.

The Dodgers may not have closed that door just yet. The Athletic's Jim Bowden (subscription required) made note of a player from each team that has turned heads during spring training, and he landed on Freeland for the Dodgers.

It's an odd choice considering the actual results Freeland has had on the field during spring training. Sure, he is versatile with the ability to play multiple positions, but there's the whole issue of his not being able to hit. Far too many times, players are propped up because of their ability to be versatile, and in doing so, often overlook the liability that is keeping them from having an established position on a major league roster.

Brandon Gomes may have just tipped the Dodgers' hand ahead of Alex Freeland's Opening Day roster decision

Just because the player can play multiple positions, it doesn't mean they are Ben Zobrist. That's the type of lazy connection it felt like Bowden was making, but he included comments from Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes that made it sound like Freeland has an actual chance of making the Opening Day roster.

“Alex has been really impressive all spring," Gomes said. "He’s worked really hard with our hitting group, and his swing looks great from both sides. He’s also displayed outstanding at-bat quality along with strong defense at multiple positions.”

The Dodgers almost certainly have metrics not available to the public, but it seems like a leap for Gomes to point to Freeland's hitting as the first reason why he's been impressive this spring. The results — slash line of .118/.304/.176 in 46 plate appearances — simply aren't there. Yes, the strikeout rate has dipped to 15.2%, and he draws walks, but that doesn't make up for the lack of quality contact in Freeland's profile.

By pointing to Freeland playing strong defense at multiple positions, it feels like Gomes is laying the foundation for why the 24-year-old will break camp with the team.

It also shouldn't be ruled out that Gomes is providing some lip service. With Kim back in camp with the Dodgers, he could quickly emerge as the favorite to be the Dodgers' primary second baseman on Opening Day. If that happens, with Santiago Espinal on track to make the team, there's really no reason to have Freeland waste away on the bench.