Justin Wrobleski Isn’t Just Depth Anymore - He’s a Weapon the Dodgers Trust
When Justin Wrobleski showed up at DodgerFest, he didn’t sound like a guy wondering where he fits. He sounded like someone who already knows what it takes to stick - and maybe even thrive - on a championship roster. After all, when you’ve already handled World Series innings without blinking, the rest of the job starts to feel a little more straightforward: stay ready, take the ball, get outs, repeat.
And that’s exactly what Wrobleski did last October. The left-hander went from being a “depth arm” to throwing five scoreless innings across four appearances in the Fall Classic. That’s not just filling a role - that’s earning trust in the biggest moments baseball has to offer.
A Quiet Offseason with Purpose
Wrobleski didn’t spend the winter reinventing himself. No lab-built mechanics, no radical overhaul. Just a continuation of the work that got him here.
“I think for me it’s been more of the same,” he said, noting that last year’s shorter offseason gave him a blueprint for how to approach this one. “I had a good idea of how I wanted to go about it… and I feel pretty good. I’m ready to go.”
That kind of consistency speaks volumes. It’s not about chasing something new - it’s about sharpening what already works.
Adjustments That Paid Off
Wrobleski’s 2025 wasn’t smooth sailing from the jump. He had to make adjustments - mechanical tweaks, mental resets, the whole package. And while it took some time to find his footing, the Dodgers stuck with him, and he rewarded that patience.
“I learned a ton last year… not only physical but just mental,” he said. “It was a great year and I’m excited for this year.”
By the end of the season, Wrobleski wasn’t just a guy filling innings. He was a bulk reliever capable of stabilizing games, keeping things from spiraling, and giving the Dodgers a real chance to win when he was on the mound.
A Taste of Glory, and the Hunger for More
Winning the World Series changes everything - and nothing. Wrobleski got his ring, but he’s already back to work.
“Obviously ending with the trophies… what you want to do every year,” he said. “But… you get it and then you just want it again.”
He took maybe a week and a half off from throwing before diving back into his routine. Not because he’s trying to be a machine, but because he understands what comes next.
When you’re the champs, everyone’s gunning for you. There’s no time to coast.
“You want to take time to enjoy it,” he said, “but at the same time… you have to get ready for next year and you know that everyone else is out there chasing after you.”
Starter? Reliever?
Hybrid? Wrobleski’s Ready for Anything
When asked what role he expects to play in 2026, Wrobleski didn’t pretend to have the answer.
“My guess is as good as yours,” he said with a laugh.
But that doesn’t mean he’s unprepared. The Dodgers have had some conversations with him about how he might be used this spring, but Wrobleski is leaning into his versatility.
“If I’m ready to go multiple innings, that puts me in a good spot to do whatever they need me to do,” he said.
He’s preparing like a starter - three, four, five, even six innings - with the understanding that he can always scale back. That kind of flexibility is gold on a roster as deep and expensive as the Dodgers’. There are more arms than innings to go around, and even guys who contributed in October aren’t guaranteed anything when camp opens.
The Mental Shift: From Overthinking to Executing
Wrobleski came up as a planner - the kind of guy who wanted a detailed card on every hitter, who liked to map out every scenario. But he’s learned that sometimes, less is more.
“I always want to dive really deep into things,” he said. “And I think sometimes I can get in the way of just going out there and being me.”
He shared a story about wanting to create those hitter cards early in his career and being told not to. Eventually, when his command sharpened and he understood how to use his stuff, he built a version of that prep that actually worked for him.
“That’s something I’m going to take into this year and continue to refine,” he said. That shift - simplifying the mental side - was especially helpful in his relief role, and it’s something he believes will carry over if he starts again.
That’s the hallmark of a swingman: prepare like a starter, pitch like a reliever, and don’t let your brain get in the way of your stuff.
The World Series Wasn’t a Fluke
Wrobleski’s October performance didn’t come out of nowhere. He earned those innings - and made them count. He tossed 1.1 scoreless in Game 7, a game that had its share of drama, including a hit-by-pitch that sparked a benches-clearing moment.
“Being able to go out there and do that was super special to me,” he said. “Growing up, that’s what you want to do… pitch in World Series games… come through for your team when it matters.”
He made sure to highlight the trust factor, too. “I’m so thankful… to Dave Roberts and everybody for trusting me,” he said. “I just wanted to come through for him.”
Spring Training Plan: Keep It Simple, Dominate
With the rotation loaded and the bullpen crowded, Wrobleski knows what he has to do this spring.
“Go out there and dominate,” he said. “Kind of show them I belong… get better each day.”
That’s the mindset. It’s not about demanding a role - it’s about making yourself undeniable. And when you’ve already proven you can handle October, that message hits a little different.
Justin Wrobleski isn’t just a name on the depth chart anymore. He’s a proven piece of a championship puzzle. And this spring, he’s out to make sure the Dodgers - and the league - know he’s not going back in the box.