The Los Angeles Dodgers boast one of the most stacked rosters in MLB, but with that depth comes a challenge any team would envy too much talent and not enough roster spots. Manager Dave Roberts, who has led the club since 2016, acknowledged the dilemma while speaking to reporters on Monday.
“Guys will get an opportunity,” Roberts said, referring to the team’s emerging young talent. “When you have a roster that’s arguably the most talented in history, 1 through 40, playing time is hard.”
Among those vying for a key role this spring are outfielders James Outman and Andy Pages. Outman, 28, was a breakout star in 2023, finishing third in NL Rookie of the Year voting after hitting 23 home runs with a 114 OPS+ across 151 games. However, his sophomore season in 2024 was a struggle, as he posted a disappointing .147/.256/.265 slash line in 156 plate appearances.
Pages, meanwhile, made his Dodgers debut last summer. The Cuban-born outfielder showcased his power potential, launching 13 homers and drawing 29 walks over 116 games while primarily patrolling center field.
Veteran utility player Kiké Hernández is also in the mix. Entering his 12th MLB season, the 33-year-old appeared in 126 games for the Dodgers last year, contributing 12 home runs and 42 RBIs. Unlike Outman and Pages, Hernández offers unmatched versatility he played every defensive position except right field and catcher in 2024.
The Dodgers’ talent logjam will begin to sort itself out when the team kicks off Cactus League play against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, February 20.
