As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to open their 2025 spring training at Camelback Ranch in Arizona, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting season. The defending World Series champions are set to kick off their campaign in Tokyo, facing the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series on March 18-19. With the Dodgers looking to become the first team since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to secure back-to-back championships, MGM Campaign has installed them as heavy favorites, giving them +250 odds to repeat as world champions in 2025.
Star-Studded Roster Faces New Challenges
The Dodgers’ offseason moves have solidified their status as baseball’s superteam, but questions remain as they head into spring training. Shohei Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, is working his way back from shoulder surgery and is expected to make his spring training debut later this week. All eyes will be on the two-way superstar as he attempts to return to both hitting and pitching duties.
Ohtani’s Recovery and Impact
Ohtani’s recovery from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder suffered during the World Series, has been closely monitored. He has already faced live pitching for the first time since the injury, taking 32 pitches in a batting practice session and showing promising signs with authoritative line drives7. While Ohtani is expected to be in the lineup for the Tokyo Series, his pitching timeline remains uncertain, with a potential return to the mound projected for May.
Betts’ Transition to Shortstop
Another key storyline to watch is Mookie Betts’ transition to shortstop. The six-time Gold Glove winner in right field is set to make another run at the position after starting 61 games there last season before a broken wrist interrupted his progress6. The Dodgers are committed to giving Betts every opportunity to stick at shortstop, which could have significant implications for the team’s defensive alignment and overall strategy.
Roki Sasaki’s MLB Debut
The Dodgers’ spring training has been intrigued by the addition of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. Sasaki, MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 overall prospect, is expected to start the season in the rotation if he’s ready. The Dodgers will work closely with Sasaki to fine-tune his delivery and pitch mix, aiming to maximize the potential of his high-velocity fastball and wipeout splitter.
Managing a Loaded Rotation
With the additions of Blake Snell and Sasaki and the return of Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers face the enviable challenge of managing a rotation loaded with ace-caliber talent. Balancing workloads and keeping everyone healthy will be crucial, especially given the injury histories of several key pitchers6.
Embracing the Villain Role
The Dodgers’ aggressive offseason spending has elevated them to “baseball villains” in the eyes of many fans and analysts10. With a payroll exceeding $380 million, the team has faced criticism for “buying success.” However, the Dodgers seem prepared to embrace this role, focusing on their goal of dominating the league and making another deep postseason run.
Bullpen Battles and Roster Decisions
As spring training progresses, several bullpen spots remain up for grabs. The health and readiness of key relievers like Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech will be closely monitored9. Additionally, the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation between Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Bobby Miller adds another layer of intrigue to the Dodgers’ camp.
Hyeseong Kim’s MLB Transition
Korean signee Hyeseong Kim is working to earn a spot on the major league roster, but his spring training performance has been somewhat underwhelming so far. Manager Dave Roberts has left open the possibility that Kim could begin the season in the minor leagues as he adjusts to MLB pitching9.
As the Dodgers navigate these storylines and challenges throughout spring training, they remain the team to beat in 2025. Their combination of star power, depth, and organizational resources has positioned them as clear favorites to repeat as World Series champions. However, as history has shown, the path to back-to-back titles is fraught with obstacles, and the Dodgers will need to overcome both internal challenges and the target on their backs as they pursue their place in baseball history.
