The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to embark on their 2025 spring training campaign, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for the reigning World Series champions. As the team prepares to defend their title, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate unveiling the Dodgers’ star-studded roster and integrating their high-profile offseason acquisitions.
Offseason Acquisitions and Roster Changes
The Dodgers’ front office has been busy during the offseason, making several high-profile additions to bolster their formidable roster. Baseball success is usually achieved with depth, unlike current NBA rosters that tend to be top-heavy, and the Dodgers have acquired just that. The most notable acquisition is Blake Snell, the former Cy Young Award winner who joins a stacked rotation. The Dodgers also won the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes, adding the highly touted Japanese pitcher to their arsenal. In the bullpen, the team secured the services of Tanner Scott, further strengthening their relief corps.
Perhaps the most significant move of the offseason was the retention of Shohei Ohtani, who is expected to continue his two-way player role. However, he will begin the season solely as a hitter while recovering from elbow surgery. The Dodgers also anticipate the return of Clayton Kershaw, who is expected to re-sign with the team, maintaining his status as the longest-tenured player in the organization.
Spring Training
The Dodgers will kick off their spring training on February 11, 2025, when pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. The first full-squad workout is scheduled for February 15, giving the team ample time to prepare for their condensed Cactus League schedule. The Dodgers’ spring training broadcast schedule includes all 22 games airing on SportsNet LA, with 15 games on AM 570 LA Sports and six games on Spanish radio station KTNQ 1020 AM.
The Cactus League slate begins on February 20 with a home game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch. In a unique twist to their spring schedule, the Dodgers will also play two exhibition games in Tokyo, Japan, against the Yomiuri Giants on March 15 at 3:00 a.m. PT and the Hanshin Tigers later that same day at 8 p.m. These international matchups will be a prelude to the Dodgers’ season-opening Tokyo Series against the Cubs on March 18-19.
Anticipated Opening Day Roster
The Dodgers’ projected Opening Day roster is a testament to their depth and talent. Behind the plate, Will Smith and Austin Barnes are set to continue their reliable partnership. Despite undergoing right ankle surgery in the offseason, Freddie Freeman is expected to man first base. The infield is rounded out by Hyeseong Kim at second base, Mookie Betts at shortstop, and Max Muncy at third base.
Teoscar Hernandez is slated for right field in the outfield, with Michael Conforto in left and Tommy Edman in center. The designated hitter role will be filled by Shohei Ohtani, who is expected to be ready for Opening Day as a hitter.
Pitching Rotation and Bullpen
The Dodgers starting rotation is shaping to be one of the most formidable in baseball history. Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and Tony Gonsolin are projected to form the initial five-man rotation. This group will be further strengthened when Shohei Ohtani returns to pitching duties, potentially in May.
The bullpen is equally impressive, featuring a mix of established veterans and emerging talents. Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Kirby Yates, and Tanner Scott headline a relief corps that could rival any in the league. Dustin May, who could serve as a swingman between the rotation and bullpen, further evidenced the pitching staff’s depth.
Expectations and Outlook
As the Dodgers prepare for the 2025 season, expectations are sky-high. The team aims to become the first since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to repeat as World Series champions. With their unparalleled depth, star power, and a mix of established veterans and emerging talents, the Dodgers are well-positioned to make another deep postseason run.
The spring training period will be crucial for the team to integrate their new acquisitions, allow recovering players like Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani to ramp up their activities, and fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming season. Fans attending spring training games at Camelback Ranch can witness this powerhouse team take shape, with workouts open to the public and free to participate.
As the Dodgers embark on their 2025 campaign, beginning with the Tokyo Series and followed by their stateside Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers on March 27, baseball enthusiasts worldwide will watch closely. The stage is set for what could be another historic season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it all begins with the first pitch of spring training in the Arizona desert.
