Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates still keeps a video from the first time he observed Andy Pages in person.
This footage dates back to May 2018 when Bates served as the Dodgers’ minor league hitting coordinator while Pages, fresh from Cuba, was just an 18-year-old prospect.
The video documents Pages during a batting practice session at the team’s training facility in the Dominican Republic, where Bates went to work with the young hitter.
This week, Bates revisited that video, reflecting on Pages’ impressive journey to become a major league player, pointing out the similarities between then and now.
Pages showcased natural mechanics, the ability to hit pitches across the strike zone, and a confident demeanor with his swing.
“For an 18-year-old, he had a solid swing,” Bates noted.
However, it was evident that improvements were necessary.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll find Pages among the hottest hitters in Major League Baseball, starting the season with a .370 batting average and 21 RBIs. He’s not just a strong performer at the plate; he’s an athlete with speed, flexibility, and a powerful arm.
Yet, much of Pages’ minor league history paints a different picture. Throughout his teenage years and into his 21-year-old Double-A season in 2022, he struggled with weight issues and was often described in scouting reports as stocky with defensive shortcomings.
“Andy and I had numerous discussions,” Dodgers GM Brandon Gomez recalled. “I believed that altering his body composition could make a real difference,” which took three years to achieve.
Manager Dave Roberts remembered that while Pages demonstrated motivation through hard work in the batting cage, he initially resisted weight training, questioning its value.
However, one winter, everything changed for him.
“One offseason, he committed to it,” Gomez remarked, still amazed by Pages’ transformation over the past three years.
“He returned in fantastic shape,” Roberts affirmed.
In 2022, Pages faced a challenging season—he played as the youngest member of the Double-A Tulsa affiliate, hitting 26 home runs but with a disappointing .236 batting average.
Although he didn’t show it outwardly, this struggle prompted him to reevaluate his approach.
“I realized I had to adapt and reshape my body to become the player I wanted to be,” he recounted through an interpreter.
That winter, he revamped his entire routine.
With a focus on diet, he made significant changes, such as following a strict meal plan and avoiding eating out.
“It wasn’t a drastic shift; it was more about knowing what to eat to stay healthy,” he explained.
His weight training saw a significant overhaul, requiring both a primary gym and a backup option.
During the offseason, Pages would often travel from Arizona to the Dodgers’ training facility, embracing the gym environment like never before.
“I think that’s when I realized how much I had neglected the gym in the past,” he remembered.
To stay dedicated, he trained even when the facility was closed or staff were on vacation, often going to a nearby EoS Fitness with his wife.
“It really highlights what happens when players truly commit,” Gomez noted. “They recognize its importance.”
Pages’ primary motivation stems from his defensive ambitions and a desire to prove himself after limited opportunities at center field last season.
“I understood I needed to change physically for that,” he admitted. “That kept me focused.”
Unexpectedly, this transformation also improved his overall game consistency.
From the start to the end of the offseason, Pages shed weight from around 240-250 pounds down to 205-210 pounds.
This change not only enhanced his defense but also positively affected his swing and baserunning, allowing him to impact games regularly.
“I felt more like myself,” Pages reflected on his journey, “or at least how I feel now,” he added.
Gomez vividly remembers his first impression of Pages at the start of 2023 spring training. He was struck by the young player’s evident commitment and what that might mean for his future.
“Finding a good defender in center field who can also hit well is tough,” he said.
Despite facing setbacks, Pages has stayed optimistic. He reached Triple-A in 2023, but a torn labrum in his debut game sidelined him for the rest of the year. Nevertheless, the habits he formed during the preceding offseason allowed him to return stronger.
“His size and strength really made his swing effective,” Roberts commented.
In 2024, after just 24 games with the Oklahoma City team, Pages was promoted to the majors, and he’s been a consistent presence there, even with his share of ups and downs.
“When I look back, I’m proud of my progress,” Pages said. “But I prefer to focus on the present. Getting caught up in past achievements can derail your current focus, and I’d rather not go that route.”
To continue improving, Pages committed to another offseason overhaul. This time, he aimed to enhance his plate discipline, devising a routine to better distinguish balls from strikes using the team’s advanced pitching machine.
“He took the initiative on this,” said Robert Van Scoyoc, another Dodgers’ hitting coach. “It was something he recognized he needed and proactively pursued.”
Now, with an elevated level of defense, impressive power, and refined skills, Pages is evolving into a complete player—and potentially the next big star for the Dodgers.
“That’s a testament to him,” Bates said with a smile, recalling Pages’ journey. “If you give Andy guidance on what to improve, he’ll find a way to do it. He’s in a fantastic place right now.”
