Dodgers forced into early second base shuffle as Tommy Edman recovery reshapes Opening Day plans
Despite boasting what many evaluators consider the deepest roster in franchise history, the Los Angeles Dodgers will begin the season navigating an unexpected infield vacancy while prioritizing long-term health over short-term urgency.
Initial optimism suggested that versatile infielder Tommy Edman might be ready for Opening Day, but the organization ultimately chose patience, electing to keep him on the injured list rather than accelerate his recovery timeline unnecessarily.
With championship expectations extending deep into October, Los Angeles has little incentive to rush Edman back into action when roster depth provides alternative stopgap solutions at second base.
That patience, however, creates a legitimate position battle, opening the door for multiple candidates to stake an early-season claim in one of the most strategically important defensive alignments on the diamond.
The first name in consideration is veteran infielder Miguel Rojas, who enters what is expected to be his final campaign before retirement.
Rojas etched himself into Dodgers lore with postseason heroics, and his Gold Glove-caliber defense remains intact even as offensive production has fluctuated in recent seasons.
Historically deployed as a matchup-based contributor against left-handed pitching, Rojas struggles against right-handed starters, with a batting average hovering near .200 in those scenarios.
Given the Dodgers’ offensive standards, Rojas is unlikely to receive everyday starts at second base unless injuries further thin the depth chart.
Another intriguing option is Santiago Espinal, recently signed to a minor-league contract after spending 2025 with the Cincinnati Reds.
Espinal brings defensive versatility across nearly every infield position except first base, offering manager Dave Roberts flexibility during lineup construction.
In his debut major-league season, Espinal impressed with a .300 batting average, though subsequent campaigns have seen diminished offensive consistency.
His splits against left-handed pitchers remain respectable, with a 107 runs-created-plus mark, suggesting he could function effectively in a platoon role.
Espinal’s ability to spell players such as Max Muncy further enhances his utility value, even if he is unlikely to dominate everyday at-bats.
The organization’s most intriguing internal candidate may be top prospect Alex Freeland, widely regarded as one of the Dodgers’ premier minor-league talents.
Freeland received his first extended MLB opportunity in 2025 amid injury waves and demonstrated impressive defensive range across the infield.
However, his offensive transition proved challenging, as he hit below .200 while striking out in nearly one-third of his plate appearances.
Despite those struggles, Freeland flashed occasional power and maintained a disciplined eye capable of drawing walks, traits that align with Los Angeles’ analytical hitting philosophy.
At Triple-A Oklahoma City, Freeland delivered more promising production, batting .263 with 16 home runs, hinting that adjustments could unlock his big-league potential.
Given the Dodgers’ developmental track record, Freeland could receive an extended audition in 2026, particularly if the club values long-term upside over short-term steadiness.
Perhaps the most compelling storyline surrounds Hyeseong Kim, whose defensive reputation was forged in the Korean Baseball Organization before transitioning stateside.
Kim’s glove and athleticism impressed Roberts so significantly that the manager suggested he might even see time in center field, underscoring his adaptability.
After beginning last season in the minors to refine his hitting approach, Kim was promoted and immediately posted a batting average north of .350 during his early stretch.
His speed out of the batter’s box injected dynamic energy into the lineup, turning routine ground balls into infield hits and applying consistent pressure on opposing defenses.
Unfortunately, an injury derailed that surge, leading to a steep decline in contact rate and ultimately relegating him to a bench role for much of the remainder of the season.
Kim enters 2026 with perhaps the clearest path to regular starts at second base, particularly as a left-handed bat capable of balancing lineup construction.
His defensive reliability and baserunning instincts provide tangible value even if offensive production remains volatile in the early going.
For the Dodgers, the second-base vacancy underscores the importance of roster versatility within a championship framework.
Unlike rebuilding clubs, Los Angeles does not require one player to dominate the role immediately, but rather needs stability until Edman returns at full strength.
Roberts and the front office will likely evaluate matchups, defensive metrics, and offensive consistency before committing to any single solution.
The early weeks of the season could feature a fluid rotation of candidates, each receiving opportunities to prove they deserve a longer runway.
Ultimately, this temporary hole at second base reflects less a crisis and more a testament to organizational depth, as multiple viable options exist without compromising the Dodgers’ competitive integrity.
While Edman’s eventual return should restore clarity, the interim competition offers a compelling subplot within a roster already brimming with talent.
In the shadow of a deep and balanced lineup, the battle at second base may quietly shape the rhythm of Los Angeles’ opening months, determining which player transforms opportunity into permanence.
