LOS ANGELES – A seemingly small decision in the starting lineup is sparking a major debate ahead of the 2026 MLB season. The Los Angeles Dodgers – the team predicted to dominate the league – are considering moving superstar Freddie Freeman down to fifth position in the lineup when facing left-handed pitchers.

This isn’t just a position change. This could be a sign of a “tactical revolution” at MLB’s strongest team.

In a recent Freeway Series game against the Angels, Freeman was surprisingly placed fifth – his first low position in the lineup since 2016, when he played for the Atlanta Braves.

Notably: throughout his four years with the Dodgers, Freeman was almost exclusively in the top lineup – second, third, or cleanup positions.

The fact that an MVP, a multi-year All-Star, and a key offensive player was “relegated” to the fifth position immediately drew attention. But behind it lay a much more complex strategy.

Coach Dave Roberts made no secret of his goal: to put opponents in a difficult position.

“I want a lineup that makes it as difficult as possible for the opponent to adjust,” he shared.

The new strategy focuses on alternating right-handed and left-handed pitchers to disrupt the opponent’s pitcher substitution plans.

Specifically:

Right-handed pitchers like Will Smith or Teoscar Hernández are moved forward.

Freeman – a left-handed pitcher – is moved back.

“Super left-handed” pitchers like Ohtani or Kyle Tucker remain in leading roles.

The result: if the opponent wants to keep a left-handed pitcher to face Freeman, they are forced to overcome a series of right-handed hitters beforehand.

This is what the Dodgers once called the “Teoscar tax”—the price opponents pay for trying to match up their strategy.

It’s no coincidence the Dodgers chose Freeman as their “adjustment pick.”

Statistics show he doesn’t always dominate against left-handed pitchers. In one recent season, Freeman averaged around .248 against left-handed pitchers—significantly lower than his overall performance.

At 36, analytical models are also beginning to show a slight decline in his ball-contact ability in 2025.

That doesn’t mean Freeman is getting weaker—but it’s enough for the Dodgers to consider optimizing his position instead of the “default top lineup.”

What makes this decision logical is the Dodgers’ incredible strength.

With a lineup including:

Shohei Ohtani
Mookie Betts
Kyle Tucker
Will Smith
Teoscar Hernández

…the fact that a superstar like Freeman has dropped to the 5th position is no longer a “shock,” but rather proof of the team’s formidable depth.

The Dodgers can even field players like Max Muncy or Hernández as far down as the 7th position – a rare occurrence for any team.

The key point: this isn’t Freeman being “devalued.”

On the contrary, the Dodgers are redefining his role.

At the 5th position, Freeman can:

Play with more runners on base
Focus on RBIs instead of inning
Become a “finishing punch” instead of an inning

In a lineup already so strong up front, this role could be even more dangerous.

However, not everyone believes this is the right move.

Some opinions suggest:

Freeman remains the most consistent hitter in the lineup.
Moving him down could reduce the number of swings.

Player morale could also be affected.

In baseball – where rhythm and familiarity are extremely important – changing the hitting position is never a small matter.

If there’s one thing clear from this decision, it’s this:

The Dodgers are willing to do anything to win.

There are no “fixed positions.”

No “star privileges.”

No comfort zones.

Even a legend like Freddie Freeman can become a tactical asset.

MLB 2026 hasn’t even started yet… but the Dodgers have already sent a strong message.

They not only possess the strongest lineup.

They are also willing to change their approach to optimize every small detail.

And if pushing Freeman down to fifth place becomes a long-term trend…

It wouldn’t just be a lineup adjustment.

It would be proof that the Dodgers are entering a new level – where tactics are as formidable as talent.

An empire that is not only strong… but also incredibly versatile.