The Los Angeles Dodgers are loaded in 2026, at least on paper. They may have the most complete team in their history. It remains to be seen, though, as they have yet to take the field. Last year, they were supposed to dominate too, but thanks to injuries, a leaky bullpen, and, at times, a lackluster offense, they failed to win 100 games in the regular season. Nonetheless, they got hot at the right time. Despite some stiff competition from the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays, they won the World Series. Now, with a roster with All-Stars at nearly every position, expectations are at an all-time high. Who is under the most pressure to perform for the Dodgers? Here are three possibilities.

Three Dodgers Under Added Pressure in 2026
The Obvious Choice

Left-handed closer Tanner Scott signed a lucrative four-year deal last winter. It was an anomaly of a contract offered by Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. The year didn’t go as planned. Scott gave up a lot of home runs and blew the saves for most of the season. It got so bad that the high-leverage reliever, whose ERA normally hovers around 2.00, said, “Baseball hates me right now.”

To make matters worse, Scott struggled with injuries. A sore elbow and an abscess limited his playing time and kept him off the World Series roster. Manager Dave Roberts hinted in an interview that his closer struggled to stay healthy last year. Whatever the case, the Dodgers signed Edwin Díaz as an insurance policy to boost the bullpen. For his part, Scott says he is going to try to avoid the middle of the plate, especially when ahead in the count. Whether it’s the weight of the contract or the chance to redeem himself for all the boo birds he heard last year, Scott has a chance to get back to himself in 2026.

Keeping Mookie Off the Milk Carton

Perhaps this is a bit unfair for a player who switched his position to shortstop in 2025 and ended up being a Gold Glove finalist. After all, last season didn’t get off to a great start for Mookie Betts. He was sent home from Japan with an illness that ended up costing him 30 pounds. It seemed to affect him offensively as well. His .258 batting average in 2025 was the lowest figure in his career, and 30 points below his career average. Moreover, he struggled to make hard contact in the World Series. There was speculation that playing shortstop was taking a toll on his bat, and he should return to right field.  If Betts has a sluggish start to the season, look for the calls for a position change (however unlikely it is) to continue and the pressure to mount.

The Long Man

This is the least obvious of the trio, but Ben Casparius may be feeling the heat. The right-handed bullpen arm does know exactly what his role is for the Dodgers next year, but with limited roster space, he may have to make the most of his chance. He was called up in 2024 and was inserted into the bullpen, and provided much needed relief and an ERA of 2.16. However, last season was more of a slog, and his ERA inflated more than two extra runs. If last year repeats itself, Casparius may be fighting to stay in the big leagues next season.

Dodger Fest: Ben Casparius discusses his role in pitching and offseason prioritieshttps://t.co/GEkxUQ3V8r

— DodgersBeat (@DodgersBeat) January 31, 2026

The Dodgers may have an All-Star roster, but they know better than most that it takes the best efforts of every individual to land a ring.

 

Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images