After a busy Dodgers offseason, we have a pretty idea of what their roster will eventually look like. But the active roster over the 186 days of a major league regular season is an ever-changing organism.
The Dodgers last year used 62 players, for instance, including 40 pitchers, both the most in franchise history. If we increase the threshold of playing time to five games, the 2025 team used 48 different players. In other words, expect several players to contribute in some fashion in 2026.
With a full nine-player lineup and top six starting pitchers all signed through for at least two more seasons, the Dodgers have a relatively-set roster in the abstract. But there are still decisions to be made this spring, some of which are due to injuries and some uncertainty.
Blake Snell was dealing with some fatigue this offseason after shoulder trouble last season, and while he might be ready for opening day there’s at least a chance of a rotation opening at the beginning of the season. There’s also the returns of River Ryan and Gavin Stone after both missed last season after surgeries.
Among the position players, Tommy Edman is coming off right ankle surgery and making his way back with a goal of being ready for the whole season if not necessarily available in late March.
Kiké Hernández is back in the fold, but won’t be ready at the beginning of the offseason as he recovers from left elbow surgery. That opens up a spot on the bench even if Edman is fully ready, which could mean a chance for one or both of Hyeseong Kim and Alex Call.
In the bullpen, Brock Stewart had shoulder surgery in October and won’t be ready for opening day. Neither will Brusdar Graterol, who missed all of last season after his own shoulder surgery and will be slow-played this spring.
Today’s question is What position battles are you looking forward to seeing this spring training?