Kyle Freeland Bio
Kyle Richard Freeland is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball at the University of Evansville and was drafted by the Rockies with the eighth pick in the first round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft. Freeland has established himself as a key player for the Rockies since his debut, showcasing his skills on the mound and contributing to the team’s performance in various seasons.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Richard Freeland was born on May 14, 1993, in Denver, Colorado, USA. Growing up in a city known for its sports culture, Freeland was exposed to baseball at an early age. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, where he excelled in baseball, earning accolades for his performance. During his senior season in 2011, he set a state record with 145 strikeouts, was named an all-state player, and achieved an impressive 8–2 record with a 1.39 earned run average (ERA) over 65 innings.
After high school, Freeland was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 35th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft but chose to attend college instead. He enrolled at the University of Evansville, where he played for the Evansville Purple Aces. Freeland’s college career was marked by significant achievements, including being named a first-team All-American in his junior year, where he recorded a 10–2 record and a 1.90 ERA with 128 strikeouts.
Path to Baseball
Freeland’s journey to professional baseball began with his strong performances in high school and college. His outstanding skills as a pitcher made him a top prospect for the 2014 Major League Baseball draft. The Colorado Rockies recognized his potential and selected him with the eighth overall pick. He made his professional debut that summer with the Grand Junction Rockies and quickly moved up the ranks, showcasing his talent and determination.
In 2016, Freeland continued to develop in the minor leagues, posting an 11–10 record with a 3.89 ERA between the Hartford Yard Goats and the Albuquerque Isotopes. His consistent performance earned him a spot on the Rockies’ roster, and he made his major league debut on April 7, 2017, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he earned his first MLB win.
Kyle Freeland Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Freeland’s early career was marked by rapid development and impressive performances. After being drafted in 2014, he made a significant impact in the minor leagues, finishing his first professional season with a combined 3–0 record and a 1.15 ERA across two teams. His success continued in 2016, where he established himself as a reliable pitcher in the Rockies’ minor league system.
Upon his major league debut in 2017, Freeland quickly became a notable player for the Rockies. He finished his rookie season with an 11–11 record and a 4.10 ERA, tying for the team lead in wins. His performance earned him recognition, and he finished seventh in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Breakthrough (2018)
Freeland’s breakthrough season came in 2018 when he achieved remarkable success. He broke Ubaldo Jimenez’s single-season ERA franchise record with a 2.84 ERA and ended the year with a 17–7 record in 33 starts. His ability to excel at Coors Field, a notoriously hitter-friendly ballpark, was particularly impressive, as he set the single-season Rockies record for home ERA at 2.40.
In addition to his impressive statistics, Freeland’s 24 quality starts included a stretch of 11 consecutive quality starts from August 6 through the end of the season. His outstanding performance earned him fourth place in the Cy Young Award voting, solidifying his status as one of the top pitchers in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Freeland has achieved several milestones, including being named the Rockies’ Opening Day starter multiple times. He also made history by becoming the first Rockies pitcher to have a scoreless start in a postseason game during the 2018 National League Wild Card Game.
Kyle Freeland Award Nominations
Kyle Freeland has received recognition for his performances throughout his career, including finishing seventh in the 2017 Rookie of the Year voting and earning accolades for his outstanding 2018 season.
Kyle Freeland Awards Won
While specific awards won are not detailed, Freeland’s achievements, including breaking franchise records and his significant contributions to the Rockies, highlight his impact in Major League Baseball.
Kyle Freeland Family
Kyle Freeland is married to Ashley, and the couple resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. His parents, Don and Susan Freeland, have been supportive of his baseball career, and he has an older brother named Colin.
Personal Life
Freeland and Ashley were married in 2021. Outside of baseball, Freeland has shown interest in various sports, having lettered in golf during high school. His family remains an essential part of his life as he continues to pursue his professional baseball career.