Veteran MLB fans know better than to place too much weight on a team’s Spring Training win-loss record, or player stats. In particular, when the early Cactus League game competition includes prospects with high numbers and no names on their game jerseys. But it’s always fun watching the Dodgers players perform well and the team win games. Nonetheless, after months of craving actual games in place of hot stove meanderings we can wade into some much-too-early takeaways.

The Dodgers have finally found a defensive position for Miguel Vargas – left field. Not only does the 24-year-old La Habana, Cuba native look competent in left field, he has demonstrated excellent speed, aggressiveness, and ball tracking that could make him an above average defender. No longer a rookie under MLB rules, he is just now finding his way and could become an All Star level player.

Another Dodgers outfield prospect, Andy Pages, appears to be in terrific physical shape as he returns from last season’s shoulder injury that required surgery. The 23-year-old Pages, also from La Habana, Cuba, will start the season with the Dodgers recently rebranded Triple-A Oklahoma City Baseball Club, but he could be ready for the team’s active roster by mid-season. The development of Vargas and Pages in the outfield may push Manuel Margot to the trading block before the July 30 MLB trade deadline.

Max Muncy appears to be in much better physical shape than in 2023, and is quicker at third base – hopefully a step in the right direction (literally) toward significantly improving his past defensive shortcomings at the hot corner.

Outfielder James Outman and utility player Chris Taylor look like they are ready to start the regular season.

Chris Okey is making a strong push to become the Dodgers third catcher, moving ahead of Hunter Feduccia.

Trey Sweeney, the 23-year-old shortstop acquired from the New York Yankees last December, looks good on left side of the infield and at the plate. A very nice add to the Dodgers middle infield depth.

The team’s top prospect (MLB Pipeline and Baseball America) catcher Dalton Rushing doesn’t appear close to being MLB ready as a hitter. First impression, he is overly patient at the plate.

Dodgers are loaded with young, quality right-handed pitchers, with Landon Knack looking like he is ready now. Knack is old for a rookie (he’ll turn 27 the day before the 2024 MLB All Star game) but he is talented and aggressive in attacking the strike zone.

After trading Victor Gonzalez and Caleb Ferguson, then signing oft-injured James Paxton, the Dodgers left-handed relief pitching is underwhelming. To date, 27-year-old John Rooney has looked sharp. The 6′ 5″ left hander was drafted by the team in the third round of the 2018 MLB entry draft. After struggling as a starter, Rooney moved to the bullpen in 2023, pitching to a combined Double-A and Triple-A 2.86 ERA with 69 strike outs and only 22 walks in 69 innings.

First way-to-early takeaways, but … It’s Dodgers baseball!

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