The 2026 Dodgers are a team of All Stars going through the Spring Training grind as they ready themselves for the rigors of the 162-game regular season. This is a group of veterans who understand what it takes to be World Champions and they are committed to winning the Commissioner’s Trophy for a third consecutive year.
A few random thoughts and observations after watching the first three weeks of Cactus League games:
Outfield
Teoscar Hernández has slimmed-down, perhaps playing with a chip on his shoulder after a subpar 2025 season and trade rumors during Hot Stove period. The 33-year-old outfielder is crushing Cactus League pitching, and improved defensively with his move to the less demanding position in left field.
There is no sign of a sophomore jinx for the 25-year-old Andy Pages as he is raking opposing pitchers (.414/.419/.690). He will be playing for a major boost in his 2027 salary as a MLB Super-Two player, eligible for salary arbitration.
Alex Call has all but won the fourth outfield position with his defense and strong offense during Cactus League play, slashing .474/.615/.684 with only one strike out in 24 plate appearances. But, there is a chance that the 31-year-old journeyman could be traded.
Several MLB teams are reportedly looking for outfield help (Houston Astros, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals for example) and the Dodgers have Kiké Hernández scheduled to return in late April or early May. And, Santiago Espinal (see below) has corner outfield experience. It will not be surprising for the Dodgers to sell high on Call and trade him.
Outfielders James Tibbs III and Zach Ehrhard (both 23 years old) have been sensational with their offense, defense, hustle, and grit. They have moved themselves up the Dodgers Top-30 rankings. With his 363-foot three-run home run to right field on Friday, Tibbs now leads the Dodgers with three home runs this Spring. (Tibbs home run image courtesy of SportsNet LA).
Headed in the opposite direction is 21-year-old Kendall George, who has struggled with the bat and centerfield defense. With so many talented outfield prospects in the system, George is more likely a trade chip than prospect.
Outfielder/first baseman Ryan Ward has struggled mightily with the glove and bat. At age 28, Ward’s place on the 40-man roster will likely go to another player, perhaps Espinal.
Infield
The early leader in the second base competition was 27-year-old Hyeseong Kim, who reported to camp with added strength and weight. However, his five strikeouts and no walks in 13 Cactus League plate appearances was concerning. Then, leaving camp to play in the WBC may have cost Kim a spot on the Dodgers Opening Day roster. He did not hit well in the WBC games, striking out six times in 14 plate appearances and he injured his hand while sliding. Kim could start the season on the IL and could possibly remain at Camelback Ranch for extended Spring Training.
Kim’s absence presented rookie Alex Freeland (24 years old) with the opportunity to win the second base competition, but Freeland has slashed a paltry .138/.350/.207 and is likely headed back to Triple-A. Freeland may have gone from prospect to trade chip, with infield prospects Noah Miller and Elijah Hainline (both 23 years old) demonstrating their offensive and defensive skills.
Freeland and Kim’s struggles have provided a golden opportunity for infielder/outfielder Santiago Espinal to make the Opening Day roster. Espinal is a 31-year-old non-roster invitee (NRI) who has slashed .448/.472/.759 in 33 plate appearances with 4 walks and only 5 strikeouts. Espinal is also an excellent defensive player who can also play first base and corner outfield.
Two other 31-year-old NRI’s, Ryan Fitzgerald and Nick Senzel, will not make the 40-man roster out of camp, but will be on-call at Triple-A should they be needed during the season.
Catcher
Dalton Rushing (25 years old) has gone from top prospect status to competing with Eliezer Alfonzo (26 years old) for the back-up catching position behind All Star Will Smith (31 years old in two weeks). Alfonzo is not currently on the 40-man roster, so Rushing will get the backup role by default.
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