Dodgers Spring Training 2026: The Three-Peat Push Begins with Big Questions and Bigger Expectations
The chase for history is officially on. As pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch, the Los Angeles Dodgers are setting the stage for what could be a legendary run at a third straight World Series title. For a team that’s already stacked with MVPs, Cy Young winners, and some of the most electric young talent in the game, the goal is crystal clear: win another ring.
While the roster is largely set, spring training won’t be short on intrigue. From Shohei Ohtani’s unique pitching schedule to how new stars like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz will slot in, the Dodgers are entering camp with a few key questions that could shape the early months of the season.
Let’s break down what to watch as the champs get back to work.
Ohtani’s Return to the Mound: A Carefully Managed Comeback
For the first time since signing his record-breaking deal ahead of the 2024 season, Shohei Ohtani is expected to take the mound for the Dodgers in a regular-season game. But don’t expect a traditional five-day rotation schedule. Manager Dave Roberts has made it clear: Ohtani’s return to pitching will be handled with caution and flexibility.
The plan, at least early on, is to give Ohtani six to eight days between starts. It’s a strategy designed to ease him back into the rhythm of a full pitching workload without overextending him. That approach could be especially important given the unique circumstances this spring - Ohtani will be suiting up for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic, but only as a designated hitter.
He’s already been throwing bullpens at Camelback Ranch and will face live hitters before heading to Tokyo. But once the WBC kicks off, keeping him on a consistent throwing schedule becomes more complicated. The Dodgers are hoping he can continue facing hitters during the tournament, but there are no guarantees.
Pitching coach Mark Prior summed it up best: “The fun part about [Ohtani] is as long as he knows when he’s pitching, he’ll pitch whenever. If it’s six days’ rest, if it’s eight days, three days, he’s willing to do what he needs to do to help this club win.”
That mindset - combined with careful planning - will be key to maximizing Ohtani’s two-way impact without compromising his health.
New Faces, New Lineup: How Tucker and Díaz Fit In
The Dodgers didn’t just rest on their laurels this offseason. They added two major pieces in Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in 2026.
Díaz, with 253 career saves under his belt, takes over as the closer. That pushes Tanner Scott - who struggled in his first season after signing a $72 million deal - into a setup role.
The bullpen will also get a boost from a fully healthy Brusdar Graterol, who was limited to just 10 innings last year. Veterans Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen return to round out what looks like a deep and experienced relief corps.
Brock Stewart, recovering from shoulder surgery, will be delayed to start spring, which could open the door for Ben Casparius to carve out a role. Casparius, who worked in a hybrid role last season, is expected to be used as a more traditional reliever this time around.
As for Tucker, he’s expected to start in right field and hit near the top of the order - likely second or third. That creates an interesting puzzle for Roberts as he maps out the batting order.
Ohtani will stay in the leadoff spot, and Roberts has floated the idea of moving Mookie Betts to third and Will Smith down to fifth. If that holds, Freddie Freeman would likely slide into the cleanup role, with Teoscar Hernández batting sixth and Max Muncy seventh.
The bottom of the order could feature Tommy Edman and Andy Pages, though Edman’s status for Opening Day is still up in the air as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. If Edman isn’t ready, Hyeseong Kim could get consistent reps at second base, with Miguel Rojas also in the mix.
It’s a lineup with power, balance, and versatility - and it might be even more dangerous than last year’s.
Rotation Depth Will Be Tested Early
Ohtani’s return to pitching is the headline, but the Dodgers’ rotation has plenty of other storylines heading into camp.
Blake Snell’s status for Opening Day remains uncertain. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will pitch for Team Japan in the WBC but likely won’t see action until the later rounds. Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki both come in with limited innings from last season - Glasnow made 18 starts, Sasaki just 11.
With so many question marks, the Dodgers are expected to lean on rotation flexibility early in the season. Roberts could opt for a six-man rotation or use hybrid options, especially with four off days built into the first four weeks of the regular season. That schedule gives the team a little breathing room as they manage workloads.
Young arms like Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone, Justin Wrobleski, and River Ryan will get serious looks this spring. All four could be in the mix for spot starts or long relief roles, depending on how things shake out.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman isn’t worried. In fact, he’s bullish on what this group can do.
“This is definitely the best starting rotation I’ve ever been around, and the deepest,” Friedman said back in January. “As we got into the offseason and kind of assessing where we’re at, what we’re looking for, it really kind of solidified and set in just how special this group of arms is.”
The Bottom Line
The Dodgers aren’t just chasing a three-peat - they’re doing it with one of the most talent-rich rosters in recent memory. But even for a team this loaded, spring training will be critical in setting the tone.
How they manage Ohtani’s return, integrate new stars, and navigate early-season innings limits will shape the first half of the season. There’s no shortage of depth, but that depth will be tested.
Still, if everything clicks? This team has the firepower to make history.
Let the journey begin.