The Dodgers head into spring training with a loaded roster and sky-high expectations, especially after a headline-grabbing offseason. But beyond the stars and top prospects, there’s another group quietly preparing to make their case at Camelback Ranch - the non-roster invitees.
This year, the Dodgers extended spring training invites to 32 players not currently on the 40-man roster. While the spotlight naturally falls on elite prospects like Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope, a few familiar names further down the list could end up playing meaningful roles in 2026.
These aren’t prospects climbing the ladder - they’re big leaguers who’ve been around the block, trying to carve out another shot. And in a long MLB season, with injuries and depth always a factor, experience matters. Let’s take a closer look at three non-roster veterans who could crash the Dodgers’ party this year.
Seby Zavala - Catcher
If you missed the Dodgers quietly signing Seby Zavala on February 5, don’t feel bad - it barely registered on the transaction wire. But the move could prove to be a sneaky insurance policy behind the plate.
Zavala’s well-traveled - the Dodgers are his fifth organization - and he’s seen major league time with the White Sox, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. Most recently, he finished the 2025 season in the Red Sox system before electing free agency. Now, he’s in camp with L.A. on a minor league deal.
The Dodgers’ catching depth behind Will Smith and Dalton Rushing isn’t exactly overflowing, and the team’s decision to part ways with Ben Rortvedt again makes a little more sense with Zavala in the mix. He’s not coming in to compete for a starting job, but if either Smith or Rushing goes down, Zavala’s experience could earn him a call-up. In a position where defense, familiarity with pitching staffs, and game-calling matter just as much as offensive production, Zavala brings a veteran presence that could prove valuable in a pinch.
Nick Senzel - Utility Infielder/Outfielder
Nick Senzel’s career hasn’t exactly followed the script you'd expect from a former No. 2 overall pick. Injuries, inconsistency, and the challenge of finding a defensive home have all played a role in his winding journey. But the Dodgers clearly see something worth holding onto.
After signing a minor league deal with L.A. last April, Senzel stuck around for the rest of the season, even though he never cracked the big league roster. Now he’s back for another run - again on a minor league deal with a spring invite.
Last year, he hit .252 with a .749 OPS across Double-A and Triple-A. Those aren’t numbers that jump off the page, but they come with versatility and big league experience. That combo always has value, especially in a system like the Dodgers’, where roster flexibility is a constant priority.
If Max Muncy goes down and the infield depth is stretched thin - think Hyeseong Kim, Miguel Rojas, and Alex Freeland all being unavailable - Senzel could be the next man up. He’s not flashy, but he’s capable of holding his own, and sometimes that’s exactly what a contending team needs.
Cole Irvin - Left-Handed Pitcher
Of the three veterans on this list, Cole Irvin might have the clearest path to the majors in 2026 - and that’s saying something, considering he spent last season pitching in Korea for the Doosan Bears.
Irvin logged 144 2/3 innings with a 4.48 ERA in the KBO, and while those numbers don’t scream ace, they do show durability and competence - two traits the Dodgers never take for granted when it comes to their pitching staff.
The Dodgers signed Irvin to a minor league deal with a spring invite on February 1, and it’s easy to see why. With Blake Snell’s Opening Day status already uncertain, and given how frequently Dodgers pitchers land on the IL, Irvin could be called upon sooner than later.
Think of him as a potential September arm - someone who can eat innings, spot start, or provide depth down the stretch. He’s not likely to be a rotation fixture, but in a long season where pitching attrition is a given, Irvin fits the mold of the kind of arm the Dodgers have turned into value before.
The Bottom Line
The Dodgers' roster is stacked, and their top prospects are generating plenty of buzz. But don’t overlook the veterans grinding for one more shot. Players like Zavala, Senzel, and Irvin may not be headliners, but they’re the kind of depth pieces that good teams lean on over the course of a 162-game season.
Spring training is where the stars tune up - but it’s also where under-the-radar contributors start to write their comeback stories. Keep an eye on this trio. If opportunity knocks, they just might answer.