Barring injury, third base should be easy. Left field is more nuanced.
Third Base
This one is easy – write Max Muncy’s name on the lineup card. Well, that is, unless there is a tough LHP on the mound or he is injured. In his first five full seasons with the Dodgers, Max averaged 139 games a year. In his last two seasons, Max has averaged 87 games a year. If Max stays on the previous two years’ trajectory, this will be his last season as a Dodger. However, if he can play 130-140 games, the Dodgers may offer him another one-year deal at about $15 million, even though he will be 36. I am not optimistic that Max can stay healthy at his age. If he does, it will be a plus!
Other players who could see time here:
- Alex Freeland – He’s as close to a natural third baseman as anyone on the team, but I see him as a utility man. He lacks the requisite power (I think). However, it’s wise never to underestimate Alex Freeland.
- Miguel Rojas – He can play 3B very well and could be a good platoon partner for Max, as he OPS’ed 879 against LHP last year.
- Tommy Edman – Very good at 3B
- Kike Hernandez – Above average at 3B
- Hyeseong Kim – I am sure he can play a credible 3B, but I doubt it.
- Will Smith – I have no clue if he can play here, but I would try him against tough LHP. This would be a good way to rest him from the rigors of catching. There, Bluto’s head will explode!
There’s not much in the minors that can assume the position in 2026. The best 3B prospects are Emil Morales (currently a SS) and Chase Harlan, who are both 19, followed by Logan Wagner, a switch-hitter who is 21 and has great power from both sides of the plate. I think Wagner is better suited for 2B. There is nothing on the horizon in the minors at 3B for at least two years. Well, Joendry Vargas likely will have to move to 3B as well, but he is only 20.
Left Field
This is as simple as it gets: Teoscar Hernandez needs to play here. What the heck is anyone thinking about getting Steven Quan? Do you want Teoscar back in RF? I’m better in RF than Teo. Come on, man! Teoscar is the LF’er. He is not getting traded… at least this year!
Other players who could see time here:
- Alex Call – Yep
- Tommy Edman – OK
- Kike Hernandez – Yes
- Dalton Rushing – Why not platoon him with Teo?
- Will Smith – Maybe not…
- Hyeseong Kim – Sure
Of course, even Ray Charles can see where this is going in CF and RF, but I will tell you later.
Do the Dodgers like Call?
I think we thought he’d be a poor man’s Bader but might be more a rich man’s [insert vague 5th OF here]
Yes, Teo should play LF.
No, he doesn’t need a platoon. (That’s one reason AF signed him in the first place–to be a full-time, middle-of-the-order bat.)
With the current roster, Teo could remain in RF and LF could be shared by Ryan Ward and Call. An alternative OF alignment would read Teo-Edman-Pages–assuming that Edman’s ankle is up to the task.
However, I do expect the Dodgers to acquire an outfielder — anybody from Tucker down to someone we haven’t thought of yet.
If the Dodgers do nothing, they’d still be the favorites to win the pennant and go on to the Series.
You don’t always platoon because of Splits.
I would platoon Teo because of his age. He will need more rest.
His OPS was over 100 points lower last year, and he’s never been this old before!
Teo in RF is just plain stupid.
Agree about Teo! He has to play left! As far as Call? I’m not sure he is a fit in LA. Maybe they move him and. Bring Kike back. He’s a nice player. But . They need an impact bat in that lineup! If they plan on bringing kike back, do they really need Call? A bench of Rojas, Kike,Edman, and Rushing? Should be ok defensively. Could be very weak offensively! It’s been said before. Everyone we talk about coming to LA , AF probably brings someone totally off the radar in!
Ryan Ward could be his generations Lou Johnson. Great in the minors but the brass just did not believe in him for some reason…….until Tommy Davis got hurt and forced them to give him a shot. I hope Ward gets his chance, He has earned it. I believe he will. Watching on what I admit is a peripheral basis, I see AF and BG as having a humane side to their business acumen. I do not believe they kept him with the Dodgers to spend another year in AAA or even on the major league bench full time. If that were the case I believe they would have given him a chance with another team. BG is not Buzzie Bavasi.
Sweet Lou Johnson was one of my favorites….
Ward deserved a chance last season. I doubt that he’ll remain with the Dodgers, but he could be a pleasant surprise in ’26.
Mark your calendars,6 weeks till the 3 peat begins:
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for their first workout on Tuesday, February 11, 2026. Position players will report shortly after, with the first full squad workout expected around Saturday, February 15, 2026.
2026 Spring Training Key Dates
Pitchers & Catchers Report Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2026
First Full Squad Workout Date: Saturday, February 15, 2026
First Cactus League Game: Saturday, February 21, 2026, against the Angels
Regular Season Opening Day: Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Dodger Stadium against the Arizona Diamondbacks
The reporting dates for 2026 return to a more standard schedule compared to the previous two seasons, which had earlier starts due to international games in Seoul and Japan.
You can find the full schedule on the MLB.com or ESPN websites.
On the flip side, there’s the World Baseball Classic to screw things up.
I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year! Hope it is filled with love and laughter. Dodgers need a solid leftfielder. Teo did the job in 24, he could do it again with a little back up. RF is not his forte.
Happy NY to you too. Can’t wait to see who the surprise is in spring training
My guess is Kim and Ward, maybe one of the prospect pitchers. If so that fill a lot.
Why are we still talking about Kike. We have way more talented and skilled players right now on the roster.
Kike was injured last year, but if you have to ask, Why are we still talking about Kike?” you might be among the fans who think that baseball is only about stats. It’s a lot more than that:
(1) Kike can play ANY POSITION at a High Level – I don’t think there is another player in baseball who can do what Kike does;
(2) Kike is beloved by his teammates;
(3) Several teammates, including Will Smith, Mookie, Freddie, and others, have said that they hope he is back in 2026.
(4) Kike was instrumental in getting Edwin Diaz to sign with the Dodgers.
(5) It is not a coincidence that he has been part of the last 3 World Championships!
Besides, he played Kike Claus to some kids who lost everything in the fires last year along with his elves, Jack Dreyer and Will Klein.
(6) BANG!
Because he produces in critical situations . It is a talent some just seem to have.
Giants signed RHSP Tyler Mahle to a one-year deal and Jared Kelenic signed with the White Sox. He is still just 26 years old. LA should have taken a flyer on him. Has a ton of talent.
*had
He’s just a guy now
Happy New Year to everyone here
It’s great to be a Dodger fan in the Golden Age of Dodger Baseball!
Be Safe and Gob Bless you all.
b00p