PHOENIX — During his annual spring address on Tuesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared a straightforward message with the team, the two-time World Series champions.
“It’s crucial for us to look ahead, focus on our game, and not get tethered to outside expectations, noise, or what other teams are doing,” he noted. “We’ve managed to do that well over the years.”
Roberts then invited two fresh additions to the team to convey his message.
At these traditional spring meetings, occurring just before the Dodgers held their first full-squad practice, the seasoned manager wanted returning players to connect with the new members of the team.
“It really comes down to why the Dodgers appealed to them,” Roberts said. “Hearing it from someone who’s new here is significant for our players.”
This year, Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz stood up to speak, detailing their motivations for choosing to sign with the Dodgers as free agents this offseason.
Roberts mentioned that Tucker, having spent eight years competing against the Dodgers as a member of the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros, views the franchise as a “destination.”
Diaz mirrored this sentiment while joking that the Dodgers always “look good on the field” and mentioned how players are treated well in the clubhouse.
“That was one of the aspects I was seeking,” the new closer mentioned to reporters.
The Dodgers hope that moments like Tuesday’s will help establish the mood as they pursue a third consecutive championship. The additions of Tucker, a $240 million outfielder, and Diaz, a $69 million right-hander, injected renewed energy into the organization this offseason. Veteran third baseman Max Muncy, the team’s longest-tenured player, described hearing the newcomers’ perspectives for the first time as “refreshing.”
“Not that anyone here has forgotten, but when they discuss their insights from the outside—what they hear about how the front office and staff treat players and their families—it serves as a reminder that we’re in excellent shape,” Muncy stated.
There’s another element to consider.
“It generates extra enthusiasm among players wanting to capture a ring,” Muncy added. “This enthusiasm is contagious, making everyone ready to give their all when it counts.”
It’ll be a while before the Dodgers enter competition mode.
In contrast to the past two seasons, the team won’t kick off the year early or embark on an overseas trip. Although five players, including Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, will participate in next month’s World Baseball Classic, the team plans to gradually integrate veterans like Muncy and Freddie Freeman. Roberts indicated those players might not participate in Cactus League games right away.
“Preparation is key,” Betts remarked, echoing a point he made during the meeting alongside other long-standing Dodgers like Miguel Rojas and Will Smith. “Our confidence is rooted in our preparation.”
Yet Tuesday was also about laying out a broader vision and reminding both returning players and newcomers that opportunities lie ahead.
“It’s about keeping that energy and focus every day,” Roberts emphasized in the clubhouse. “Let’s stay concentrated and get to work.”
