The Texas Rangers have officially added infielder Cody Freeman to their roster, selecting his contract as they cope with the loss of Sam Haggerty, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to ankle inflammation, retroactive to July 15. This move follows the team’s recent trade of pitcher Dane Dunning, which opened up a spot on the 40-man roster.
Cody Freeman, 24, is set to make his Major League Baseball debut and is known for his contact-hitting skills. As a fourth-round pick for the Rangers in 2019, he has made significant strides in the minor leagues, boasting a low 15.7% strikeout rate over 2,150 plate appearances. This season in Triple-A, Freeman has showcased impressive numbers with an 8.9% strikeout rate and 12 home runs across 350 plate appearances, leading to a .315/.367/.494 batting average and a 113 wRC+.
Defensively, Freeman is versatile, primarily playing at third base while also having experience in the middle infield, first base, and catcher. He was recently recognized by FanGraphs as an honorable mention among the top prospect rankings for his contact-oriented playing style, despite needing further development in defense.
Haggerty, who has recently been a valuable multi-position player for the Rangers, will be missed during his recovery, but Freeman’s call-up offers the team an opportunity for new talent to shine. With Freeman’s first major league call-up, the Rangers have flexibility, as he can be sent back to the minors if needed.
This update marks an exciting transition for the team and provides Freeman a chance to showcase his abilities at the highest level of baseball. As the Rangers navigate challenges and injuries, the potential emergence of a promising player like Freeman brings a sense of hope to their lineup.