Three things the Dodgers learned from their spring camp
Three Things the Dodgers Learned from Their Spring Camp
Spring training is always a critical time for MLB teams, serving as a bridge between the offseason and the regular season. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team with a championship pedigree and a legacy of sustained success, spring camp is no different. It is a time for evaluating talent, refining strategies, and ensuring that everyone is ready to go for Opening Day. From the latest developments in player performance to positional battles and managerial decisions, the Dodgers have learned a lot from their spring camp.
1. The Emergence of New Faces: How Depth Is Key for the 2025 Dodgers
One of the most important lessons the Dodgers learned during their spring camp is the growing importance of their roster depth, with several new faces making strong impressions. As the team prepared for the regular season, the Dodgers were able to evaluate not only their established stars but also several younger and less experienced players who are set to contribute in various capacities.
The Dodgers have always been known for having a deep farm system, and their spring training camp provided an opportunity to see the potential of some of their up-and-coming prospects. The biggest takeaway here is that the Dodgers’ ability to cultivate a deep bench and seamless player rotations has put them in a great position for sustained success. Having role players who can step up and deliver when needed is crucial for a team that has aspirations of competing for a World Series year in and year out.
Some of the standout performances from rookies and lesser-known players have made it clear that the Dodgers have more than just a strong starting nine. Players like Miguel Vargas and James Outman have proven themselves ready for bigger roles, further solidifying their position as reliable backups for key starters. Vargas, for instance, showed his potential at the plate with solid performances throughout the spring, making it clear that the Dodgers can rely on him as a utility player who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
Similarly, Outman impressed with his versatility in the outfield, showing that he can be an asset whether in a starting role or coming off the bench. With injuries always a potential factor over the course of a long season, knowing that they have these young players ready to step in provides the Dodgers with greater security and depth.
The spring camp also highlighted the Dodgers’ focus on improving their farm system and giving prospects an opportunity to prove themselves. The positive results from this evaluation process reinforce the fact that the team’s success isn’t dependent solely on their superstar players, but also on the next wave of talent.
2. Managing the Aging Core: Balancing Veteran Presence and Young Talent
Another key lesson learned by the Dodgers during spring camp revolves around how to balance their aging veteran core with the rising tide of youthful energy. With key players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw now in the later stages of their careers, the Dodgers face the challenge of maintaining high performance from their established stars while transitioning younger players into key roles. Spring training served as the perfect testing ground to begin adjusting this balance.
What the Dodgers have learned is that while the veteran leadership of players like Freeman and Kershaw remains indispensable, there is a definite need to monitor the usage of these older players over the course of the season. This is particularly true when it comes to Kershaw, who has been plagued by injuries over the past few seasons and whose workload has to be managed carefully. Throughout spring training, the Dodgers gave Kershaw the opportunity to refine his mechanics and condition his body for the grueling 162-game season ahead. The team made it clear that Kershaw’s health is paramount, which will likely mean fewer innings pitched and more strategic rest days.
For Betts and Freeman, while they remain among the best in the league at their respective positions, the team is learning that managing their workload is also key to their long-term success. Betts, in particular, will be given more opportunities to rest or rotate positions in the outfield, allowing for a reduction in wear and tear. While both of these players are more than capable of playing at an elite level, spring training proved that the Dodgers can rely on their depth to allow the veteran stars to stay fresh throughout the season.
In terms of younger talent, the Dodgers learned that some of their top prospects—such as Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot—are primed to contribute in more significant roles this season. These two players, both highly touted pitchers, showed tremendous promise throughout camp, with Miller in particular displaying the type of velocity and command that could make him a future ace. The decision to lean on these younger players to relieve the workload of Kershaw and other veterans will be vital for the Dodgers’ chances at a championship.
Ultimately, the Dodgers have learned that spring camp is not just about preparing for the regular season; it’s about understanding how to manage a roster that blends youth and experience. Keeping key veterans healthy while ensuring young players have the opportunity to grow and contribute will be a defining factor in the team’s success.
3. The Pitching Staff Is the Foundation for a Championship Run
Finally, one of the most significant lessons the Dodgers learned from their spring camp was the critical importance of their pitching staff. As has been the case for the past several seasons, pitching remains the bedrock of the team’s success. With several question marks hanging over the rotation and bullpen heading into the season, spring camp provided the Dodgers with an opportunity to evaluate their pitching staff more thoroughly.
First and foremost, the Dodgers have reaffirmed that their starting rotation, led by Julio Urías and Dustin May, has the potential to be among the best in the league. Urías, coming off a strong 2024 season, showed in camp that he’s ready to build on his dominant performance, with his ability to generate weak contact and pitch deep into games a key asset for the team. May, who missed significant time due to injury in the past, impressed with his electric stuff and sharp control, making it clear that he is a key contributor for the upcoming season.
However, it is the development of the younger pitchers that really stood out during spring training. As mentioned earlier, Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot proved their worth with strong outings, earning spots on the team’s roster. Miller’s fastball command and his ability to mix pitches with ease give him the potential to be a breakout star, while Pepiot’s slider has been particularly effective, leaving the Dodgers with several options to fill any gaps that may emerge throughout the season.
Additionally, the bullpen has been a source of concern for the Dodgers in recent years, but spring camp provided hope that the relief corps will be deeper and more reliable this year. Evan Phillips, Yency Almonte, and Bruce Turner showed significant improvement, particularly in their ability to get out of tough situations. The Dodgers learned that they can rely on their bullpen to handle late-game situations and bridge the gap between the starting pitchers and the closer.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from spring training, though, was the Dodgers’ ability to stay flexible in their pitching approach. Whether it’s giving more opportunities to younger players or strategically managing the workload of veterans, the team has learned that a strong, deep pitching staff is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for any championship contender.
Spring training is always a time of evaluation, and for the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2025’s camp offered critical lessons that will shape their approach heading into the regular season. The importance of roster depth, managing an aging core of veterans while incorporating younger talent, and maintaining a strong pitching staff were the standout takeaways from camp. With a strong combination of established stars and promising new players, the Dodgers are well-positioned for another championship run, provided they can successfully balance these various elements throughout the season. Their spring camp has reaffirmed that their success in 2025 will depend on a strategic mix of experience, youth, and depth—traits that have defined the Dodgers for years and will continue to carry them forward in the pursuit of a World Series title.