Los Angeles Dodgers: David Freese was an Underrated Acquisition
David Freese has proven to be a valuable piece of the Los Angeles Dodgers. How could he help the club throughout their Playoff run?
The Los Angeles Dodgers made an underrated acquisition when they acquired David Freese prior to the August 31 Waiver Trade Deadline. In the deal, the Dodgers sent Minor League infielder, Jesus Manuel Valdez, to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers sneakily acquired a Playoff seasoned veteran to add to their bench for their Playoff push. The 35-year-old infielder has proven to be a valuable right-handed bat and veteran presence for the club.
Dodgers’ third baseman, Justin Turner, raved about Freese’s clubhouse presence in recent comments made to the Orange County Register.
“His pedigree is off the charts in our clubhouse. He’s probably been in and done it better than anyone else we have.”
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David Freese has plenty of Playoff experience (he was the Wolrd Series MVP in 2011 while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals), making him the perfect veteran to help guide the Dodgers through the Playoffs. The club was one game away from a Championship in 2017, could Freese prove to be the missing piece?
Probably not… But he could still prove to be a valuable bench asset.
Down the stretch of the season, Freese mainly served as a part-time first baseman against left-handed pitchers. The righty excelled in this role. Freese hit .385/.489/.641 over 47 PA after coming to Los Angeles. The slugger hit .321/.387/.489 against southpaws throughout the 2018 season. This earned Freese a start in game three of the NLDS with LHP Sean Newcomb slated to start for the Atlanta Braves.
Freese’s presence could provide dividends for the Dodgers if they advance to the NLCS and beyond, especially with the Dodgers’ main first base options being both left-handed hitters. As we saw last night, we could continue to see David Freese fill in for Max Muncey or Cody Bellinger against a tough left-handed pitcher.
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This quiet acquisition could prove to be very meaningful for the Los Angeles Dodgers throughout their 2018 Playoff run.