Next week, the Dodgers are gearing up to kick off spring training, as they aim for their third consecutive World Series championship.
Following Saturday’s Fan Fest, the picture for the upcoming season is becoming clearer.
As the 2026 season looms, here’s a brief overview of the team’s roster and what the final 26-man squad might look like for Opening Day.
Starting Rotation
Opening Day Locks: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Emmett Sheehan, Aki Sasaki, Blake Snell*
Competing for spots: River Ryan, Gavin Stone, Kyle Hart, Landon Knack.
(*Snell might begin the season on the injured list)
The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with their starting pitchers this season. So far, everything seems to be on track for Opening Day.
Yamamoto, who pitched over 200 innings last season, is already preparing for an early start in the World Baseball Classic next month. Given how pivotal he was last year, he might be in line for the Opening Day start if all goes well in the WBC.
Other pitchers are also looking optimistic this offseason—Glasnow and Sheehan, who have had their share of injuries, reported feeling good in winter training. Sasaki won’t be participating in the WBC, while Ohtani’s involvement is confirmed, both focusing on their prep for the regular season.
However, Snell’s status is the biggest mystery. He has delayed his offseason training due to a shoulder issue. He aims to be ready for Opening Day, but that’ll depend on how his spring goes. If he’s not ready, and the team opts for a six-man rotation, that could open a spot for a younger pitcher like Ryan or Stone.
Bullpen
Opening Day Locks: Edwin Diaz, Alex Bashear, Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol
Competing for spots: Anthony Banda, Jack Dryer, Ben Kasparias, Justin Robleski, Will Klein, Edgardo Henriquez.
The bullpen will be headlined by newly signed closer Diaz, valued at $69 million. They have left-handed options available with Bashear and Scott. There’s a lot of hope for bounce-back seasons from Treinen, coming off a tough year, and Graterol, who missed all of 2025 due to shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, Brock Stewart may end up on the injured reserve list this season.
With many choices to make, both Banda and Dryer provide additional lefty depth. Klein and Henriquez are looking to establish themselves in the majors after playoff contributions last year. Kasparias and Roblewski could also flex into multi-inning roles or even start if needed.
Infield
Opening Day Locks: Will Smith (catcher), Freddie Freeman (first base), Tommy Edman* (second base), Mookie Betts (shortstop), Max Muncy (third base), Miguel Rojas (bench), Andy Ibañez (bench), Dalton Rushing (backup catcher).
Battle for position: Kim Hye-sung, Alex Freeland.
Had it not been for Edman’s ankle surgery in the offseason, the infield might have been a done deal. His potential start on the injured list could create openings for others.
If he’s not ready by the start of the season, second base will likely see a mix of Rojas with either Kim or Freeland. Both showed promise last year and will be pushing for more offensive consistency this spring. Ibañez, who joined the team in the offseason, is essentially a lock since he has no options left and could play second, though Muncy might fill in at third.
Outfield
Opening Day Locks: Kyle Tucker (right field), Teoscar Hernandez (left field), Andy Pages (center field), Alex Cole (bench).
Battle for position: Ryan Ward.
Tucker’s hefty $240 million contract narrows down the options here. The outfield has three solid starters, with Cole as a bench option.
For Ward, who has fought through the minors and just made the 40-man roster, the arrival of Tucker has complicated his chances. Still, his dependable lefty bat stands out as a possible asset in case of injury during spring.
Designated Hitter
Opening Day Lock: Ohtani.
No explanations necessary here.
