Opening Day is a month away, and the majority of the Los Angeles Dodgers roster is set. However, injuries are inevitable in the game of baseball. This leads to opportunities for players who might be on the outside looking in on a roster filled with All-Stars. Here are three names to keep in mind as the Dodgers get closer to Opening Day.

Three Dark Horse Candidates to Crack the Dodgers’ Opening Day Roster
The Right-Handed Utility Man

Santiago Espinal might just be what the doctor ordered for the Dodgers. Both Kiké Hernandez and Tommy Edman will start the year on the injured list due to offseason surgery. Both players are expected to miss significant time recovering. As a result, the Dodgers need a right-handed bat off the bench. Espinal just might be that guy. He made the All-Star team four years ago, but has yet to recover that form. The 31-year-old had a season to forget last year in a Cincinnati Reds uniform, and they eventually outrighted him to Triple-A.

Aug 13, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Santiago Espinal (4) throws to first to get Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (not pictured) out in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

He is known for his defensive versatility and prowess. Espinal has made several sparkling plays on the infield this spring. He could spell Max Muncy at third base this season. However, since having a batting average near .300 in 2022, Espinal has struggled to recover his offensive stroke. It appears his bat may be back. Espinal is hitting .500 this spring, and Manager Dave Roberts said, “Things bode well” for the veteran.

Santiago Espinal is hitting .500 so far in Spring Training. He’s shown versatility at 2 spots the Dodgers need versatility at, and he has GREAT experience. Dude has a GREAT chance, IMO, to make the roster, at least until Edman gets back. #dodgers pic.twitter.com/Y5jwGb3H5t

— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) February 27, 2026

Old Friend Alert

Yency Almonte is back in Dodgers camp after agreeing to a minor league deal. He was part of the Michael Busch trade and was sent to the Windy City. Unfortunately, Almonte struggled to find himself with the Chicago Cubs and has been recovering from major shoulder surgery. The right-handed reliever struggled to find his control early in his career, but he made his mark in 2022 with a 1.02 ERA. His repertoire was filthy. The Dodgers bullpen appears to be set with left-handers Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer, and Tanner Scott. But the door is ajar for right-handers. Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol are going to be sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming season. If Almonte can seize the opportunity, he could be a high-leverage option early in 2026 and beyond.

The Korean Defender

Hyeseong Kim may be the obvious call thus far. However, he struggled so badly in the last half of 2025 that it might not be a given. In addition, his spring training sample is very limited since he will be playing in the World Baseball Classic. Kim was on fire at the plate with a batting average nearly at .500. He is an elite defender, and Roberts said that the left-handed bat will get some starts in center field this year. Even if he comes down to earth offensively, Kim can run, and as the old adage says, “Speed never slumps.” To put it plainly, it would be more of a surprise if he didn’t make the roster. However, his absence from spring training does give others the opportunity to distinguish themselves.

It will be interesting to watch the chips fall as the Dodgers approach Opening Day.

 

Main Photo Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images