As the 2025 Major League Baseball season hits its stride, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Los Angeles Dodgers are once again positioning themselves as a powerhouse in the National League. After a flurry of offseason acquisitions, high-stakes contract negotiations, and a few unexpected developments, the Dodgers’ 2025/2026 roster is shaping up to be one of the most complete and dangerous units in all of baseball. With eyes on another World Series run, here’s a deep dive into the composition, strategy, and strengths of the star-studded roster that could define the next chapter in Dodgers history.
The Cornerstones: Betts, Freeman, and Ohtani
At the heart of the Dodgers’ success lies their superstar trio: Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani.
Betts, despite some offseason health challenges that caused him to lose weight due to illness, has returned to form in spectacular fashion. The former MVP has adjusted seamlessly to a hybrid role between second base and right field. His leadership, work ethic, and offensive production (.303 AVG, 7 HRs, 21 RBIs through mid-May) continue to set the tone.
Freddie Freeman, entering his fourth season in Dodger blue, has shown no signs of slowing down. With his textbook swing and savvy baserunning, Freeman remains a top-tier hitter and a dependable glove at first. Through 40 games, he’s boasting a .324 average and anchoring the middle of the lineup with calm consistency.
Then there’s Shohei Ohtani, whose presence continues to redefine the game. Though his pitching was put on pause after elbow surgery, his bat has been nothing short of thunderous. Leading the team in home runs (12) and slugging percentage, Ohtani’s offensive dominance is helping fill the void of his absence on the mound. The team expects him to pitch again in 2026, which could be a turning point in their championship aspirations.
Reinforcements & Role Players: The New Faces
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
One of the Dodgers’ splashiest offseason additions, Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto, has quickly proven why he was worth the $325 million investment. With a mid-90s fastball and devastating splitter, Yamamoto boasts a 2.67 ERA and 68 strikeouts in his first 9 MLB starts. His transition from NPB to MLB has been smoother than most expected, and his control has impressed veterans and coaches alike. He’s quickly emerging as a possible ace of the rotation.
Tyler Glasnow
Acquired in a savvy trade with Tampa Bay, Tyler Glasnow has provided much-needed velocity and swing-and-miss ability to the Dodgers’ rotation. With a 3.12 ERA and a WHIP under 1.10, Glasnow has been a stabilizing force when the team needed one most. If he stays healthy, he could finally achieve the ace-level ceiling analysts have projected for years.
Teoscar Hernández and Gavin Lux
Teoscar Hernández, brought in to provide depth and power, has found his groove hitting behind Ohtani and Freeman. His right-handed pop has already produced 9 home runs, and he’s delivered in clutch moments, including walk-off hits and critical late-inning homers.
Meanwhile, Gavin Lux, finally healthy and playing full-time at shortstop, has reminded everyone why he was once considered a top prospect. Though his bat hasn’t fully broken out, his defense and athleticism have been critical, especially with defensive shifts and infield alignment strategies.
Depth Matters: The Dodgers’ Bench & Bullpen
A hallmark of recent Dodgers teams has been depth, and 2025 is no exception.
Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernández
Versatility reigns supreme with veterans Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernández, both capable of filling multiple defensive roles. Taylor, in particular, has been a Swiss Army knife, stepping in at second base, left field, and shortstop when needed. Though his bat has cooled, his glove and baserunning remain valuable.
James Outman and Andy Pages
James Outman, who had a breakout year in 2023, has settled into more of a platoon role this season but remains a defensive force in center field. His cannon of an arm and range continue to rob base hits and prevent extra bases.
A rising star, Andy Pages, has injected youthful energy and offensive upside into the lineup. Called up in late April, Pages has already tallied 4 home runs in limited action and is making a case to earn more consistent starts.
Bullpen Brigade
Led by Evan Phillips, the Dodgers bullpen is holding strong. Phillips has cemented himself as a reliable closer, and he’s joined by a healthy Blake Treinen, whose return from injury has stabilized high-leverage innings.
Alex Vesia and Ryan Brasier are delivering solid performances from the left and right sides, respectively, while Brusdar Graterol, known for his 100+ mph sinker, is thriving in a setup role.
A surprise contributor has been Nick Frasso, a rookie right-hander whose funky delivery and sharp slider have added another weapon to manager Dave Roberts’ bullpen arsenal.
Prospects and Future Stars
The Dodgers aren’t just built for the present — they’re preparing for the future. Several top prospects are waiting in the wings.
Dalton Rushing
A power-hitting catcher, Rushing is tearing up Triple-A and could be in line for a September call-up, or earlier if injuries hit the big-league catching corps.
River Ryan
The hard-throwing right-hander is being groomed as either a future rotation arm or multi-inning reliever. His 2025 numbers in Oklahoma City have been eye-popping, with a K/9 ratio north of 12.
Jackson Ferris
Acquired from the Cubs, Ferris is a high-ceiling lefty who’s drawing comparisons to Blake Snell. He’s only 20 but could factor into the 2026 rotation picture if he continues developing.
The Managerial Influence: Dave Roberts’ Steady Hand
Dave Roberts has faced his share of criticism over the years, particularly regarding postseason bullpen decisions, but his ability to manage egos, rotate lineups, and keep the clubhouse cohesive remains unmatched. In 2025, he’s shown increased willingness to let young players grow and veterans rest — a shift that’s already paying dividends.
He’s also embracing analytics more than ever, collaborating with the Dodgers’ cutting-edge front office to align pitching matchups and optimize lineup construction. Under Roberts’ leadership, L.A. is playing sharp, unselfish baseball.
Injury Watch and Comebacks
The Dodgers have had to endure some injury setbacks — most notably to Walker Buehler, who made his long-anticipated return in May after missing most of two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery. Though he’s on a strict innings limit, Buehler’s velocity and command have returned, and he could be a pivotal playoff starter.
Max Muncy, recently traded to Baltimore in a shocking deal involving top prospect Jackson Holliday, was a locker room presence and clutch bat. While the trade shook fans, it cleared up the infield logjam and created room for Lux and Miguel Vargas.
Playoff Outlook: World Series or Bust?
The 2025 Dodgers are not just aiming to win the NL West — they’re gunning for October dominance. With the San Diego Padres retooling and the San Francisco Giants in transition, the division appears to be L.A.’s to lose.
The real challenge will be outlasting Atlanta, Philadelphia, and a suddenly formidable Chicago Cubs team in the postseason. But with elite talent, unmatched depth, and the financial resources to add even more at the trade deadline, the Dodgers are arguably the NL favorite.
Final Thoughts
The Los Angeles Dodgers have built a juggernaut, blending generational talents like Ohtani and Betts with savvy veterans, rising prospects, and one of the league’s best pitching staffs. As the 2025 season unfolds, the Dodgers are clearly not just trying to win games — they’re trying to cement a dynasty.
If the current roster stays healthy and the front office remains aggressive, the 2025/2026 Dodgers could be remembered not just as a great team, but as one of the greatest in franchise history.