Dodgers Face Key Questions Heading Into Spring Training

From Roki Sasaki's role to Andy Pages' postseason struggles, the two-time defending World Series champions have important issues to address.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 11:15am

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As the Los Angeles Dodgers begin spring training, they face several key questions, including what to expect from pitcher Roki Sasaki, who the team's second baseman will be, whether outfielder Andy Pages can translate his regular season success to the playoffs, if newly signed pitcher Tanner Scott can live up to his $72 million contract, and if prospect Ryan Ward is already on the trading block despite his minor league success.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are the two-time defending World Series champions and have the most expensive collection of talent in baseball, but they still have important roster and lineup decisions to make heading into the new season. How they address these questions could determine if they can three-peat as champions.

The details

Sasaki, a 24-year-old right-hander considered a generational talent in Japan, underwhelmed as a starting pitcher last year and spent over four months on the injured list, though he returned late in the season and became the team's closer. The Dodgers have promised to give him another chance to start, but it's uncertain if he has the durability and arsenal to be a successful starter in the majors. At second base, the Dodgers will likely turn to a combination of Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim, and Alex Freeland with Tommy Edman recovering from ankle surgery. Outfielder Andy Pages crushed 27 homers in the regular season but struggled mightily in the playoffs, going just 4-for-45. Pitcher Tanner Scott, who signed a $72 million deal with the Dodgers, had a 4.74 ERA and 9 blown saves last year, and the team is hoping he can bounce back in a setup role. Finally, prospect Ryan Ward has hit 70 homers in the minors over the last two seasons, but the Dodgers opted to sign Kyle Tucker instead, and Ward could be a trade candidate.

  • The Dodgers begin spring training on Thursday, February 12 at Camelback Ranch in Arizona.
  • Sasaki returned in the final week of the 2025 regular season after spending over four months on the injured list.

The players

Roki Sasaki

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher who is considered a generational talent in Japan, but underwhelmed as a starting pitcher in his first MLB season with the Dodgers in 2025.

Miguel Rojas

Expected to share time at second base with either Hyeseong Kim or Alex Freeland while Tommy Edman recovers from ankle surgery.

Andy Pages

A 25-year-old outfielder who crushed 27 home runs in the regular season but struggled mightily in the 2025 postseason, going just 4-for-45.

Tanner Scott

A left-handed pitcher who signed a $72 million deal with the Dodgers but had a 4.74 ERA and 9 blown saves in his first season with the team in 2025.

Ryan Ward

A 28-year-old prospect who has hit 70 home runs in the minor leagues over the last two seasons, but the Dodgers opted to sign Kyle Tucker instead, and Ward could be a trade candidate.

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What they’re saying

“I've been practicing a cutter and slider since last year.”

— Roki Sasaki

“My goal this year was to 'remain standing on the mound for the entire year without any injuries'.”

— Roki Sasaki

What’s next

The judge in Sasaki's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to start the season in the Dodgers' rotation.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' ability to address these key questions will be crucial as they aim to three-peat as World Series champions. Their deep roster and financial resources give them the means to do so, but they'll need to find the right solutions at several key positions and roles.