Dodgers Prospects Shine as Offense Struggles Early

Andy Pages, James Tibbs III, and closer Edwin Díaz make an impact despite the team's slow start.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:06pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Dodgers baseball game, with sharp planes of blue, red, and white representing the action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the Dodgers' early-season struggles and the emergence of their top prospects.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers have gotten off to a slow start offensively, with their star-studded lineup struggling to produce runs. However, some of the team's top prospects have stepped up, including outfielder Andy Pages, who is leading the team in batting average and OPS. Additionally, outfielder James Tibbs III has been tearing it up at the Triple-A level, while closer Edwin Díaz has been electrifying crowds with his signature entrance.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' early offensive struggles are surprising given the talent on their roster, but the strong performances from their top prospects provide hope for the future. Pages, Tibbs, and Díaz could all play key roles in helping the Dodgers turn things around and make a deep playoff run.

The details

Despite the Dodgers' star-studded lineup, the team has struggled offensively to start the season, ranking 20th in runs scored and 14th in team OPS. However, some of the team's top prospects have stepped up, including outfielder Andy Pages, who is leading the team in batting average (.429) and OPS. Freddie Freeman praised Pages' performance, saying he's been 'great since spring training.' Meanwhile, outfielder James Tibbs III has been tearing it up at the Triple-A level, slashing .500/.552/1.192 with four home runs, four doubles, 10 RBIs, and 11 runs scored in his first six games. On the pitching side, closer Edwin Díaz has been electrifying crowds with his signature entrance, featuring strobe lights and blaring trumpets.

  • The Dodgers' offensive struggles have occurred over the first six games of the 2026 season.
  • Pages has had multi-hit games in all three of the Dodgers' games against the Cleveland Guardians.
  • Tibbs has been tearing it up at the Triple-A level over his first six games of the 2026 season.
  • Díaz has made several appearances as the Dodgers' closer during the team's first six games.

The players

Andy Pages

A Dodgers outfield prospect who is currently leading the team in batting average and OPS despite the team's offensive struggles.

James Tibbs III

A Dodgers outfield prospect who has been tearing it up at the Triple-A level, slashing .500/.552/1.192 with four home runs, four doubles, 10 RBIs, and 11 runs scored in his first six games.

Edwin Díaz

The Dodgers' new closer, who has been electrifying crowds with his signature entrance featuring strobe lights and blaring trumpets.

Freddie Freeman

The Dodgers' first baseman and reigning two-time NL MVP, who has struggled offensively to start the season but praised Pages' performance.

Teoscar Hernández

The Dodgers' new $60 million right fielder, who has also struggled offensively to start the season.

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What they’re saying

“Andy's been great since spring training. He's one of the ones that carried it from spring training into the season. Andy looks good, both sides of the ball. Really happy for him. So hopefully the rest of us can join him on Friday.”

— Freddie Freeman, First Baseman

“Everybody was waiting for that moment. I wanted to watch everything: Him coming out of the bullpen and getting all the way to the mound. I'm happy that he's here now.”

— Teoscar Hernández

“When Edwin comes in the game, that means something good's happening for the Dodgers. So I'm a fan.”

— Freddie Freeman, First Baseman

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to turn things around offensively during their first road trip of the season, which begins on Friday.

The takeaway

Despite the Dodgers' star-studded lineup struggling to start the season, the strong performances from top prospects like Andy Pages, James Tibbs III, and closer Edwin Díaz provide hope that the team can turn things around and make a deep playoff run.