One of the many minor roster moves the Los Angeles Dodgers made during the 2017 season was claiming Mike Freeman off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. The versatile infielder was immediately optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
He hit .295/.338/.361 with two doubles, one triple and four RBI in 19 games with the affiliate before Freeman was recalled in late June when the Dodgers put Franklin Gutierrez on the 10-day disabled list.
Freeman appeared in four games off the bench, going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts. Three of his at-bats came as a pinch-hitter. He was optioned back to Oklahoma City on July 1 in a corresponding move to the Dodgers reinstating Josh Fields from the DL.
One month later, Freeman was designated for assignment in order to create room for Yu Darvish on the 40-man roster.
Rather than accept an outright assignment, Freeman elected for free agency and signed a Minor League contract with the Chicago Cubs. He reported to their Triple-A Iowa affiliate before joining the club once active rosters expanded.
In 15 games (four starts) with the Cubs, Freeman managed just four hits, two of which were doubles, and two walks in 27 plate appearances. Over a combined 35 games with the Mariners, Dodgers and Cubs, the 30-year-old hit .133/.188/.200 with two doubles, one home run and one RBI.
2017 Highlight:
In just his second game but first start with the Mariners this season, Freeman produced a multi-hit effort with one home run against the Houston Astros.
While he found little success at the plate in Major League games after that point, Freeman’s two doubles came during a three-game stretch with the Cubs in September.
2018 Outlook:
Freeman was among the hundreds of Minor League players to reach free agency this month.
Although his bat leaves plenty to be desired, Freeman’s versatility — he pitched, played first base, second base, third base and shortstop this season — should earn him another Minor League contract with an outside chance of cracking an Opening Day roster.
