Spring training preview: Can the Dodgers be the first repeat champions in a quarter-century? With a renewed roster and a strong sense of camaraderie, the Los Angeles Dodgers are determined to reclaim their title. Miguel Rojas willingly returned to his original No. 72 jersey, relinquishing No. 11 to newcomer Roki Sasaki, a gesture that underscores the team’s unity and shared goal.
“I’m not asking for anything,” Rojas stated, reflecting on his journey and aspirations. “I have everything that I want in life. All I ask from him is to try to get us another championship.” At 35, Rojas embodies the leadership and experience the Dodgers need as they prepare for the upcoming season.
With spring training kicking off this Sunday, the Dodgers are poised to make history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back championships since the New York Yankees achieved the feat from 1998 to 2000. Following their second title win in five seasons, the Dodgers have bolstered their roster with Sasaki, a highly regarded 23-year-old right-hander from Japan, and left-hander Blake Snell.
The pitching staff is also expected to welcome two-way star Shohei Ohtani back to the mound by April or May after his recovery from elbow surgery. Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, who briefly played for the Dodgers in 2021, commended the organization, saying, “Kudos to them. They’re doing everything right. They have a well-oiled machine.”
Los Angeles will kick off the season with a two-game series in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs on March 18. The Cubs, eager to make their mark, will be the first team to begin practice this spring in Mesa, Arizona, with all teams expected to be on the field by Thursday.
Chicago’s manager, Craig Counsell, is also making a notable change by switching to No. 11, which he has chosen to honor Jim Leyland, his early mentor. Leyland famously reminded his players about the need for 11 postseason wins to secure the 1997 World Series title, a message Counsell hopes to echo later in the season.
On the other side of town, the Chicago White Sox are recovering from a challenging season, having recorded 121 losses, the most in Major League Baseball since 1900. General manager Chris Getz expressed hope for the future, stating, “I hope our fans understand that this commitment will pay off long-term.”
Hooray for Hollywood
This offseason, the Dodgers made significant investments, committing $452 million to eight players. They secured utilityman Tommy Edman with a five-year, $74 million deal, outfielder Teoscar Hernández for $66 million over three years, and right-hander Blake Treinen for $22 million across two seasons.
In addition to Sasaki, who received a $6.5 million signing bonus, and Snell, who was signed for $182 million over five years, the Dodgers also brought in reliever Tanner Scott ($72 million for four years), outfielder Michael Conforto ($17 million for one season), and second baseman Hyeseong Kim ($12.5 million for three years).
[Related: 2025 MLB free-agent signing tracker, trades: Pete Alonso returning to the Mets]
Tyler Glasnow is anticipated to join the rotation after spending last season on the injured list, while three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is expected to re-sign and return following his recovery from knee and toe surgeries.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred praised the Dodgers, stating, “The Dodgers are a well-run, successful organization. They strive to provide their fans with the best possible product.” However, he acknowledged concerns from fans in other markets about their teams’ competitiveness.
Mets also paying top dollar
In their quest for a World Series title since 1986, the New York Mets have made headlines by offering a record $765 million, 15-year contract to outfielder Juan Soto, poaching him from the rival Yankees. This is part of a larger $925 million investment in eight free agents.
Mets owner Steve Cohen remarked, “If you want something that’s amazing, it’s going to be uncomfortable. It’s never going to be comfortable,” emphasizing his willingness to take risks to achieve success.
Searching for ruby slippers
As the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics prepare for uncertain seasons, they will be playing in minor league ballparks. The A’s, after 57 years in Oakland, will temporarily call Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento home for at least three seasons before relocating to a new ballpark in Las Vegas. The Rays will play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the 2025 season due to damage at Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton.
A pair of rules changes
Major League Baseball has increased the penalties for violations of the shift rule, which mandates that two infielders must be positioned on the infield dirt on each side of second base when a pitch is thrown. A batter will now reach on an error, while the manager can choose to take the result of the play.
Additionally, if a baserunner bypasses second or third base on a potential force play without attempting to hold the base or advance, they will be called out for abandonment. A video review will determine if the lead runner touched home plate before the trailing runner’s second foot landed on the other side of the base, discouraging baserunners from running through bases without intent to advance.
