The Dodgers kick off spring training this week, with pitchers and catchers heading to camp on Thursday, February 12th.
Here’s a look at the team’s status as they gear up for the season.
Competition for Positions
If the Dodgers manage to maintain a healthy lineup through spring, they should be in decent shape for most positions. However, Tommy Edman is still recovering from ankle surgery he had in the offseason, leaving uncertainty about his readiness for Opening Day. Blake Snell is in a similar boat, having taken it slow this winter due to a shoulder issue.
Should Edman start the season on the injured list, there will be a temporary vacancy at second base. Miguel Rojas is expected to take plenty of swings, but Hye-sung Kim or Alex Freeland could also step up for the opener.
With Snell likely sidelined, one of the younger pitchers, such as River Ryan or Gavin Stone, might earn a spot in the rotation for Opening Day.
The Rising Star
There’s growing excitement around Ryan, who made a splash as a top prospect in 2024 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Despite that setback, he posted an impressive 1.33 ERA in four starts. He has since bulked up and added some velocity to his low-90s fastball, impressing team officials with his off-season training.
Even if he doesn’t break into the majors right away, it seems likely he will play a role eventually. If his earlier appearances are anything to go by, a breakout season could be on the horizon.
Monitoring Pitching Workloads
The Dodgers are aware of the need to manage their starting pitching rotation this year, especially after the demands of the 2025 playoffs. That’s why they’re exercising caution with Snell, which will be an important storyline as other veteran pitchers ramp up this season.
Other than Snell, the rest of the starters appear to be recovering well from last season’s wear and tear. But as practices intensify, there’s always the risk of lingering issues surfacing. By Opening Day, they should have a clearer picture of how well their pitchers have bounced back.
Challenges for Management
This year’s Dodgers lineup skews older, and manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged the necessity of giving his veteran players more rest.
It’s a delicate balancing act. For instance, Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts haven’t been exactly enthusiastic about taking days off in past years. Roberts will need to tread carefully to keep his aging stars both rested and satisfied as the season unfolds.
A Noteworthy Addition
It’s been five years since Kenley Jansen departed the Dodgers, marking a long stretch without a reliever achieving 25 saves in a season. The arrival of Edwin Diaz, boasting 253 career saves, could change that trend. The Dodgers have committed $69 million to fortify their bullpen, and if Diaz can deliver, it could transform a weak point from last season into a strength.
Missing a Key Player
For two decades, Clayton Kershaw has symbolized the Dodgers. Now, for the first time since 2006, he won’t be participating in spring training.
The team has options to fill the gap left by the retired left-hander in their rotation, but his absence will undoubtedly create a significant void in the clubhouse.
Anticipating Potential Issues
Injuries and rotations aside, health could still be a concern for the aging roster. Freeman will be 36, Muncy 35, Betts and Hernandez both 33, and Smith, Ohtani, and Edman each 31. Though the Dodgers were fortunate to have a healthy lineup during the playoffs last year, replicating that success becomes increasingly challenging.
Pitchers are already expected to face some downtime, and the hope is that the position players remain unscathed.
A Comeback to Watch
Ohtani made waves last season after returning to two-way play. This year, he’ll enter without any health limitations for the first time since 2023, when he had arguably his best season.
With Ohtani now favored to claim his fifth MVP award, there’s a strong possibility he will also be in the running for the Cy Young Award. The Dodgers are keen to see how he performs in what’s expected to be his first full season playing both sides of the game simultaneously.
