Career Timeline of Kyle Freeland: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Kyle Freeland built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kyle Freeland is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Colorado Rockies in MLB. He was drafted by the Rockies as the eighth overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft after playing college baseball at Evansville. Freeland made his debut in the major leagues in 2017 and has been a member of the Rockies pitching staff since then.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: High School Senior Season

During his senior season in 2011 at Thomas Jefferson High School, Kyle Freeland set a state record with 145 strikeouts, was named an all-state player, and achieved an 8–2 win–loss record with a 1.39 ERA.

2011: Drafted by the Phillies

In 2011, Kyle Freeland was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 35th round of the Major League Baseball draft but did not sign, choosing instead to attend the University of Evansville.

2012: Freshman Year at Evansville

In 2012, as a freshman at the University of Evansville, Kyle Freeland had a 4–5 record with a 4.55 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 91 innings.

2013: Sophomore Year at Evansville

In 2013, during his sophomore year, Kyle Freeland had a 4–8 record with a 4.34 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 93+1⁄3 innings at the University of Evansville. He also played in the Cape Cod League, earning all-star honors.

2014: Drafted by the Rockies

In 2014, Kyle Freeland was drafted by the Colorado Rockies with the eighth pick in the first round of the MLB draft.

2014: Professional Debut

In 2014, after being drafted, Kyle Freeland debuted professionally with the Grand Junction Rockies and was later promoted to the Asheville Tourists, achieving a combined 3–0 record with a 1.15 ERA across five starts for each club.

2015: Season Delayed by Injury

Kyle Freeland's pitching in 2015 was delayed until July due to shoulder fatigue and elbow surgery. He played for Grand Junction and Modesto Nuts, with a 4.05 ERA. He also played for the Salt River Rafters in the Arizona Fall League.

2016: Progression Through the Minors

In 2016, Kyle Freeland began the season with the Hartford Yard Goats and was promoted to the Albuquerque Isotopes in June, posting an 11–10 record with a 3.89 ERA between the two clubs.

April 7, 2017: MLB Debut and First Win

On April 7, 2017, Kyle Freeland made his major league debut with the Rockies against the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning his first MLB win and getting his first major league hit.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Kyle Freeland made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2018: Career Year

In 2018, Kyle Freeland had a career year, setting a Rockies single-season record with a 2.85 ERA and finishing with a 17–7 record. He finished fourth in Cy Young Award voting.

2020: Bounce-back Season

In 2020, Kyle Freeland had a bounce-back season, leading the NL with 9 quality starts despite a shortened season. He finished 14th in wins above replacement among NL pitchers at 1.9.

2021: Season on Injured List

Kyle Freeland began the 2021 season on the injured list with a shoulder strain, missing the first month and a half. He ended the season with a 7–8 record and 4.33 ERA in 23 starts.

2022: Contract Extension

In 2022, Kyle Freeland agreed to a five-year, $64.5 million contract extension with the Rockies and was their Opening Day starting pitcher. He finished the year with a 9-11 record and a 4.63 ERA.

2023: Losing Record in 2023

In 2023, Kyle Freeland had a 6–14 record with a 5.03 ERA. He led the Rockies rotation in several pitching statistics despite the losing record.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Kyle Freeland pitched for the United States in the World Baseball Classic, allowing 2 runs and striking out 5 batters in 6 innings.

2024: Donation to Evansville Baseball Program

In 2024, Kyle Freeland and his wife donated $3 million to the Evansville baseball program for a new clubhouse.

2024: Low Walk Rate in 2024

In 2024, Kyle Freeland had the lowest walk rate of his career, walking only 5.3 percent of batters faced. However, he ranked low in strikeout and whiff percentage and expected opponents' batting average.

2024: Opening Day Starter and Injury

In 2024, Kyle Freeland was the Rockies' Opening Day starter for the third time. However, after struggling to an 0-3 record, he was placed on the injured list with a left elbow strain on April 19. He returned to the team late in the season.

2025: Led Majors in Losses

In 2025, Kyle Freeland led the majors with 17 losses while getting five wins for the Rockies. Despite this, he also led the team in innings pitched, starts, and strikeouts.