Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has high hopes for the 2026 team after adding two big-money players at the positions of need.
The Dodgers opened their wallets again, signing Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz, two star players at their respective positions, while other players are getting healthy either before the season or are set to return for the playoff push.
Additionally, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman are all healthy, something that has not always been the case over the past two years.
Expectations are certainly higher than last year, with no clear flaws on the roster and depth at just about every position, other than the infield area.
Feb 13, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) watches from the bullpen during spring training camp. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Dodgers are eyeing a three-peat, the first in over two decades, and Roberts is confident that they will stack up highly in terms of the all-time rankings.
“On paper, it could be [the best],” Roberts said, per Bill Plaschke of the LA Times. “Looking at the guys in their prime, the experience, the talent, the starters, the pen, the depth of the young players … probably the best team we’ve had on paper.”
Dave Roberts on the Dodgers kicking off Spring Training today:
“Getting the pitchers, catchers here, majority of the position players are here. Guys are anxious. It’ll be good to get guys on the field.”
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 13, 2026 What makes this Dodgers team so special?
According to Roberts, this 2026 season is a result of meticulous planning from the front office and the development of depth.
It is a mix of finding undervalued players, holding onto farm pieces, and bringing in the right free agents who fit the culture.
“It does get lost, the things that we do well,” Roberts said. “Scouting and player development, I think we do as well as anybody in baseball … to get superstars to play well every night, to put out a good product every single night, I think we do a good job at that.
“That’s why the biggest conversation should be that instead of a payroll question. Why are we good for baseball?
“Because our players play the game the right way. When you watch our team play, there’s not anyone that can say our guys don’t respect the game and play the game the right way. We’re good because we play the game the right way and because we give our fans a great product every single night.
“I think we’ve built something very good, very consistent, and I’m proud of it, I really am. It’s really special what we have, this whole operation.”
LA Baseball Report
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