Shohei Ohtani is set to reclaim his position at the top of the batting order, while Will Smith is likely to bat fifth. Mookie Betts might be placed in the third spot.
With just three weeks until the Dodgers kick off their spring training, manager Dave Roberts is already thinking about the team’s lineup.
And honestly, why not?
Roberts is confident in his roster. It’s filled with All-Stars, has a rotation brimming with Cy Young contenders, and a bullpen packed with hard throwers.
When you’re a two-time World Series champion, there’s little left to speculate about. It’s easier when you’ve got the most costly collection of players in baseball history.
But that doesn’t mean the Dodgers don’t have their questions as they enter spring training this year.
Here are the five key questions:
What to expect from Aki Sasaki?
Aki Sasaki is considered a generational talent back in Japan, but at 24 years old, he remains a bit of a mystery heading into his second year in the majors.
Last year, Sasaki had a tough time as a starter; his control slipped and his velocity was down. After spending over four months on the disabled list, he returned just in time to finish the season as the team’s closer.
Though he accepted a role in the bullpen, Sasaki wants another shot at starting. The Dodgers are committed to honoring that wish, but there are lingering doubts about his ability to endure and perform in that role.
His five-year stint with the Chiba Lotte Marines shows a history of injuries, and he has expressed his goal this season as simply being healthy enough to pitch consistently.
Sasaki heavily relies on his fastball and forkball, so Manager Roberts has suggested he work on developing a third pitch. Sasaki seems to be taking that advice to heart.
“I’ve been focusing on my cutter and slider since last year,” he stated.
Who will play second base?
With Tommy Edman out due to ankle surgery, Miguel Rojas is expected to split time at second base with either Hye-sung Kim or Alex Freeland.
Kim showed promise when he joined the major leagues last season, though his performance declined over time. He managed to steal 13 bases during his time in 71 games.
Freeland, on the other hand, was viewed as a top prospect but didn’t fare well when he finally entered the majors, finishing the season with a disappointing .190 average in 29 games.
Which version of Andy Pages will show up?
Andy Pages became a bit of a Dodgers legend after his clutch catch in Game 7 of the World Series. But is he ready to solidify his role on the team?
At just 25, Pages is at a crucial point in his career. Last year, he managed 27 home runs during the regular season, but struggled in the postseason, hitting only 4-for-45.
This could either be the year he transitions from a prospect to a regular starter or, conversely, the moment he steps back like James Outman, who hit 23 home runs for the Dodgers before being traded to the Minnesota Twins.
Is Tanner Scott worth the investment?
Tanner Scott referred to his first year with the Dodgers as “kind of terrible,” and many might agree. The left-hander, signed for $72 million, didn’t come close to matching Ohtani’s caliber.
Scott posted a 4.74 ERA with nine saves, acknowledging that he might be too aggressive against hitters, as data indicates he threw more pitches within the strike zone last season.
Now that Edwin Diaz is the designated closer, Scott is expected to take on a setup role, where he can be utilized against tough left-handed hitters.
Is Ryan Ward on the trade block?
After hitting 70 home runs in the minors over the past two seasons and earning MVP honors in the Pacific Coast League, Ryan Ward might seem an unexpected candidate for trade consideration. Yet, here we are.
Why did the Dodgers spend $240 million while seemingly sidelining Ward? Team executives maintain that the decision to invest in Kyle Tucker was based on Tucker’s talent, not a reflection of Ward’s capabilities.
The reality of being part of a team like the Dodgers is that you can’t take risks on promising but untested players—there’s simply too much pressure to win immediately. They’ll ponder the possibility of Ward emerging as a late bloomer, similar to Max Muncy. However, other teams are interested in him, making a move before the trade deadline likely.
