Dodgers Kick Off Three-Peat Bid with Festive Opener

Fans pack Dodger Stadium for annual Dodgerfest, as players embrace high expectations

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:55pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers officially opened their 2026 season with the annual Dodgerfest celebration, as the team looks to become the first National League club to win three consecutive World Series titles. Amid a lively atmosphere at Chavez Ravine, players like Will Klein, Miguel Rojas, and Freddie Freeman reflected on the team's recent championship success and the excitement surrounding their quest for a three-peat.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' sustained excellence has drawn the ire of some baseball purists, who argue the team's high-spending ways are "ruining" the sport. However, the team's ability to engage their passionate fanbase and build a winning culture suggests their approach is resonating with many fans and players alike.

The details

Dodger Stadium was packed with enthusiastic fans on Saturday, as the team kicked off its 2026 season with the annual Dodgerfest celebration. Players mingled with the crowd, signing autographs and posing for photos, while the energy and excitement around the team's three-peat bid was palpable. Several key contributors from last year's championship team, including Will Klein, Miguel Rojas, and Freddie Freeman, reflected on the emotional highs of their recent success and the privilege of playing in front of the Dodgers' devoted fanbase.

  • The Dodgers officially opened their doors for the 2026 season on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • The team is looking to become the first National League club to win three consecutive World Series titles.

The players

Will Klein

An anonymous pitcher whose life changed after throwing four scoreless innings to help the Dodgers in the World Series.

Miguel Rojas

A veteran infielder who hit a crucial 9th-inning home run in Game 7 of the World Series, a moment he says has had a lasting impact on Dodgers fans.

Freddie Freeman

The Dodgers' star first baseman, who grew emotional on stage while reflecting on the team's recent championship success and his decision to sign with the club.

Tanner Scott

A Dodgers pitcher who acknowledged his struggles last season, setting modest goals of "not being as bad" in 2026.

Shohei Ohtani

The Dodgers' star two-way player, who expressed excitement about the energy and enthusiasm of the team's fanbase.

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What they’re saying

“This is something I've never had before.”

— Will Klein (Los Angeles Times)

“The most important part is that everybody continues to say that is the best moment that they have in their life, the best moment of sports they watched. That makes me feel really good, because we were part of something bigger than just a home run.”

— Miguel Rojas, Infielder (Los Angeles Times)

“I'm home playing baseball in front of the best fans day in and day out. I couldn't even wrap my mind around coming back and signing here and being part of this. This has blown me away.”

— Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to continue their momentum and become the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series titles when the 2026 season begins in the spring.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' ability to engage their passionate fanbase and build a winning culture, despite criticism from some baseball purists, suggests their approach is resonating with many fans and players alike. Their quest for a historic three-peat has the team and its supporters energized for the upcoming season.