Dodgers Manager Sees Bright Future for 2026 Team
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Dave Roberts has led numerous talented teams as the manager of the Dodgers. He thinks, however, that the 2026 squad is “probably the best team on paper.”
This optimism isn’t unfounded. The roster is packed with top-tier players, including veterans like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow, alongside this offseason’s additions of Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz.
There’s also considerable depth, featuring long-time contributors such as Max Muncy, Teoscar Hernandez, and Tommy Edman. The younger talent—like Andy Pages, Roki Sasaki, and Hye-sung Kim—will bolster the team’s prospects, especially with several talented pitchers returning from injuries.
Roberts shared his thoughts on Thursday during the Cactus League’s media day, just before their first spring training session at Camelback Ranch. He highlighted another crucial aspect that supports his confidence in this year’s team.
“We know we have a target on our backs as defending champions. It’s important to stay focused on ourselves and moving forward, and I think our guys do a good job of that,” Roberts mentioned. “It’s easy to say to avoid distractions, but actually doing it is much harder.”
The Dodgers have emphasized the importance of their behind-the-scenes culture, which they believe has fueled their recent successes, reflecting the investment in both talent and finances. Many within the organization attribute their back-to-back World Series titles to the strong chemistry in the clubhouse.
Despite new faces joining the team, the core consistency has created a stable environment.
This week, the Dodgers made moves to keep their familiar roster intact as the offseason came to a close. On Wednesday, the team re-signed veteran reliever Evan Phillips to a $6.5 million contract, keeping him with the organization after he was non-tendered earlier to create room on the 40-man roster.
Additionally, Max Muncy signed a $10 million contract extension on Thursday morning, solidifying his status as the team’s longest-tenured player through 2027, with a club option for 2028. In the afternoon, fan-favorite Quique Hernandez also returned, signing a $4 million deal, marking his third consecutive offseason with the Dodgers.
“Michael Jordan couldn’t have done it without Scottie Pippen and the rest of the guys,” fellow veteran Miguel Rojas said at a recent Fan Fest, referring to Hernandez but extending it to the broader team dynamic. “We’re all in this together.”
It’s yet to be seen how these recent moves will affect the upcoming season. Muncy is already set as the starting third baseman, while Phillips and Hernandez are likely to be out until, I’d say, “sometime in the summer,” according to Roberts. Phillips is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Hernandez is on the mend from elbow surgery.
Still, Roberts expressed optimism about their eventual contributions and the tone they’ll set as training camp commences.
After not being tendered earlier, Phillips had the option to explore other teams: “He wanted to see what was out there. I respect that,” Roberts said. Ultimately, Phillips chose to return, though his exact spot in the struggling bullpen is still uncertain.
“Evan understands the value of his role, and that’s crucial,” Roberts added, emphasizing the benefits that will come with his return.
Hernandez, now facing an uncertain role as he completes rehab, has experienced similar challenges in previous seasons. However, he managed to shine in limited chances when called upon in October.
“When it’s time, he’s going to be reliable,” Roberts assured.
Muncy’s extension also reflects a commitment to maintaining team unity, locking in a veteran who has been “very under the radar” despite his contribution to winning three championships.
These recent decisions further bolster the confidence that Roberts and the Dodgers have in their team this year. With hefty salaries (around $409 million for luxury tax purposes) and a plethora of star players, they enter spring training fortified by some strategic roster moves, setting themselves up for a promising season ahead.
