Dodgers Explore Depth at Second Base Ahead of WBC

As the World Baseball Classic nears, the Los Angeles Dodgers face short-term uncertainty at second base. Hyeseong Kim, projected as a hopeful Opening Day starter, will be leaving to represent Team South Korea, while veteran Tommy Edman continues his rehab from offseason surgery. The departures leave the Dodgers looking for reliable options during spring training and beyond.

Manager Dave Roberts recently highlighted two players he is eager to watch step into the spotlight: Santiago Espinal, a former All-Star with extensive MLB experience, and Alex Freeland, a young prospect slowly making his way through the system. Both offer distinct skill sets, yet each could play a critical role as the Dodgers navigate roster gaps this spring.

Roberts praised Espinal’s baseball instincts and versatility. “The game’s slow for him. I love the way he plays the game. I love his energy. The bat to ball, he catches it. Can you trust him anywhere on the diamond? And it’s been fun getting to know him,” he said. Espinal’s experience and steady approach make him a potential anchor during the early Cactus League schedule.

Meanwhile, Roberts noted Freeland’s progress. “The game has slowed down for him. He’s a lot more comfortable. Even today, right-handed, I thought he almost had a chance for a homer in the first inning. And defensively, he’s been steady. It’s going to be interesting, because with Hyeseong gone, we’ll get a lot more looks at Alex this spring.” The young infielder’s growth trajectory positions him as a promising option for the Dodgers’ roster.

1. Santiago Espinal’s Experience

Santiago Espinal brings a wealth of experience to a Dodgers team suddenly thin at second base. Since debuting in 2020 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Espinal earned an All-Star selection in 2022 and has continued to contribute at the MLB level with the Cincinnati Reds from 2024-25. His consistent approach and ability to play multiple infield positions make him an attractive option for a team seeking stability. Espinal’s versatility is one of his strongest attributes. Capable of handling infield duties across the diamond, he allows the Dodgers to plug holes defensively while maintaining offensive production. His track record provides a reliable foundation for younger players to learn from during early-season experiments. Beyond stats, Espinal’s clubhouse presence and energy have impressed Roberts. The manager highlighted his professionalism and ability to navigate different game situations, calling him “just a baseball player” whose instincts make him a trusted contributor. As the Dodgers prepare for Opening Day, Espinal’s experience will be crucial. He can serve as a bridge between seasoned veterans and emerging talent, helping the team stay competitive even with roster disruptions.

2. Alex Freeland’s Development

In contrast to Espinal, Alex Freeland is still in the early stages of his professional career. With only 29 pro games under his belt after a late-season call-up last fall, Freeland represents the developmental side of the Dodgers’ infield depth. Spring training provides an opportunity to evaluate how he handles increased responsibility. Roberts has noted Freeland’s progress, pointing to his comfort at the plate and improved defensive steadiness. Observing him in live game situations will give the coaching staff insight into his readiness for higher-leverage roles. The ability to adapt quickly to MLB pitching and defensive demands is critical for young players like Freeland. While Freeland lacks the seasoning of Espinal, his athleticism and work ethic have stood out. Increased spring innings could accelerate his development and potentially secure a spot on the Dodgers’ initial 40-man roster, particularly if Kim and Edman remain unavailable at the start of the season. The Dodgers’ willingness to provide playing time to Freeland reflects a broader strategy of blending veteran experience with emerging talent. This approach allows management to evaluate depth options while keeping prospects engaged and prepared for future opportunities.

3. Roster Implications

With Kim joining Team South Korea and Edman rehabbing from surgery, the Dodgers’ early-season roster will rely heavily on infield depth. Super utilityman Kike Hernandez is also likely to start the season on the injured list, further emphasizing the need for Espinal and Freeland to gain meaningful spring reps. Manager Dave Roberts sees the situation as both a challenge and an opportunity. Evaluating these players now allows the team to identify versatile contributors who can fill gaps during the regular season and potentially beyond. Both could make the initial 40-man roster, providing insurance against injuries and absences. The blend of experience and youth at second base could pay dividends in the long run. Espinal’s steadiness and Freeland’s growth trajectory create options for the Dodgers, both defensively and offensively. How the team balances these players will be closely monitored throughout spring training. Ultimately, the early Cactus League schedule will serve as a testing ground for the Dodgers’ infield depth. Performance during this period may influence the opening-day roster, ensuring that the team remains competitive while accommodating players participating in the World Baseball Classic.