A's rookie SS Jacob Wilson places 'trust in Him every single day'

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Call at the plate, Aug. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Los Angeles Dodgers are not shy about trying to upgrade their roster. Whether it’s signing superstars in free agency or trade-deadline acquisitions like 2024 NLCS MVP Tommy Edman, the defending World Series champions rarely sit still.

While the Dodgers weren’t involved in the biggest deals of this season’s deadline, they did land reliever Brock Stewart and outfielder Alex Call. Call — who has played between 89 and 100 games at all three outfield positions — is another versatile piece for a team that places tremendous value on them.

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The 30-year-old made his big-league debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022 and spent the past three years bouncing between Triple-A and the majors. He was claimed off waivers by the Washington Nationals midway through the 2022 season and made 265 appearances for the team.

Call hit .274 with three home runs and 26 RBIs in 72 games for the Nationals this year before being traded to L.A. Since joining the Dodgers, he is 10-for-35 (.286) with a home run and three RBIs. Two of those RBIs came in an 11-4 win over the Colorado Rockies on Aug. 19 when Call collected four hits, went deep once and scored three runs.

With just over a month remaining in the season, this is the first year in his career Call has not spent time in the minors. His baseball journey has not been a straightforward one, and he’s leaned on his faith in God through it all.

“I think that you can actually perform at your highest when you’re fully surrendered, when you’re fully present in the moment,” he said on the Sports Spectrum Podcast in December. “I think having a relationship with Christ actually allows you to get to that place where it’s like, all right, I know I’ve done the work. … Now I’m just going to give it to You.”

“God’s got you in his hands.”

Washington Nationals outfielder Alex Call talks about playing free as a pro baseball player on the latest Sports Spectrum podcast.

Listen to the entire conversation here. https://t.co/SrOcz7hRQB pic.twitter.com/bZhvxQ1E6D

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) December 4, 2024

There was a point last year when Call felt stuck. He got off to a rough start in Triple-A and knew he wasn’t playing up to his potential. Video analysis wasn’t particularly helpful in addressing his struggles. At the suggestion of his wife, Sam, he called some mentors. One encouraged him to ask God for a fresh perspective, so he did.

He immediately started playing better. Eventually, the Nationals brought him up. He hit .343 over 113 plate appearances and posted an OPS of .950. Call knew it wasn’t his own doing, and the experience had a profound impact on him.

“I surrender basically before every at-bat, but I truly, truly am giving this to [God] and I truly, truly am just completely trusting [Him] in this moment,” he said on the podcast. “I’m just so grateful for His presence and His peace that has sustained me.”

Even in the lowest moments of his career, Call has not allowed himself to be defined by the sport he plays. He recognizes the gifts God’s given him and believes he is called to serve the Lord through baseball, but his peace comes from knowing where his identity lies.

“It only comes from knowing that your identity is rooted and built up in Him,” he said on the podcast. “You’re strengthened by His Word. You’re strengthened by His presence. And you’re not going to be shaken because your house is built on the rock, not on the sand.”

With the Dodgers (75-57) locked in a NL West-division battle with the San Diego Padres (74-58) but firmly on track to make the playoffs for a 13th consecutive season, Call is likely to get his first taste of postseason baseball. His fulfillment, though, comes from Christ. Whatever individual and team success he has is just an added bonus.

“I’ve been a lifelong Christian. My hope, my trust, is in the Lord. I’m so grateful for all He’s given me. If I never played baseball again, I would be completely content because I know that I have everything that I need in Christ,” he said on the podcast.

The Dodgers continue their series with the Cincinnati Reds (68-64) at Dodger Stadium at 10:10 p.m. ET Tuesday.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

A’s rookie SS Jacob Wilson places ‘trust in Him every single day’

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