The doors are getting oiled so that they can swing open.
I have tickets for games on February 24th and 26th. I will be in Glendale that whole week. They have a strict list of what you can take and what you can’t take inside, and these guys are trained ICE agents (I am only slightly kidding), who have no sense of humor and are strictly by the book. Here’s the list of what you can and can’t take in:
If you haven’t been there, here are a few pics for your perusal:
Here I am getting ready to strike the late Roger Dodger with my 36 MPH fastball. It was easy since he had a “phantom” bat. Maybe these photos will get you in the mood. I have lots more.
Discussion (91)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I posted it yesterday. Check above.
The Dodgers extend Max and sign Kiki and nothing from you guys? AVF? Bear? Dodgerdad? Matt? Come on guys I need my Dodger analysis fix!
Am I the only one who gets nervous when Vesia goes on the mound?
02/12/26 Los Angeles Dodgers placed RHP Evan Phillips on the 60-day injured list. Right forearm discomfort.
I wouldnt bet against him. Hes a DOG!
One of the BEST days of the year! Pitchers and catchers report. The journey begins to a three peat. AF has done his job, now it is up to the players to execute the plan and perform. This year’s team is much better and more complete than the 2 previous World Series teams.
I wouldn’t say a lot of power.
I’ll take that bet
The Dodgers signed Keyston Hiura to a minor league contract per MLBTR. 29-year-old was a top prospect at one time. First baseman with a lot of power and a very high K rate.
Cal Raleigh 60 home runs? I doubt he’ll hit more than 20. Last season was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments for the entire Seattle team. Be grateful if they make the playoffs again!
For clarity’s sake, no actual money exchanged hands; rather, the Twins shrunk their league-allotted spending limit by $500K, while the Dodgers’ limit correspondingly increases by $500K.In simple terms the Dodger’s International Signing Pool for 2026 increased by $500k to sign players in the Banda trade
Always liked him
The Phillies have released outfielder Nick Castellanos, per a club announcement. He’s now a free agent who can sign with any club for the league minimum.
Dodgers sign Keston Hiura to minor league deal, per reports
He goes over the magic 10/5 year threshold halfway through this year and gets to reject a trade. Good for him.
Muncy just got a year extension with a 3 mil buyout for 2028. Also he goes over the 10year and 5year threshold mid season. No trades without his approval.
Excited to see the outfielders performance and see who might get a roster spot. Performance probably won’t matter as much as who can be sent down and who can’t.
The Twins have acquired veteran left-hander Anthony Banda from the Dodgers, reports Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Minnesota is sending international bonus space back to L.A. in return. Banda had been designated for assignment by the Dodgers last week. Righty Jackson Kowar has been designated for assignment to open a 40-man spot for Banda, Hayes adds.
Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers OFFICIALLY report tomorrow. Players on the 40 man roster can be placed on the 60 Day IL which opens up rosters spots. If a player is placed on the 60 Day IL ,the earliest that player can play in a game is May 24th.
The Dodgers announced Thursday that they’ve agreed to a one-year contract extension with third baseman Max Muncy. He’s now guaranteed an additional $10MM in the form of a $7MM salary in 2027 and a $3MM buyout on a $10MM club option for the 2028 campaign. Muncy is repped by Hub Sports Management.
Dodgers To Re-Sign Kiké Hernández
It’s a one-year, $4.5MM deal, reports Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Muncy gets a very team friendly extension that buys them time until Morales is ready to be the man at 3rd.
Kike coming back too
He’s NOT signed because he’s all done! He couldn’t even make our stacked bullpen right now.
Why isint Buehler signed yet?
Lets bring him back for the Pen…..and maybe spot starts….
I only say good things about people who are gone:
He’s gone – Good!
Did somebody say Conforto?
It’s not nice to speak ill of the dead.
Evidently Nick Cas.made some comments that really upset the front office and Rob Thompson. Guess you don’t Really know what kind of person the player is. Not saying he’s a bad guy, but if you’re told not to show up to camp? Pittsburgh would be a good choice. Oh, they just signed Ozuna. Don’t need another DH! Colorado? Cleveland? He can still hit a little so someone will take a chance on him.
Nice move by the Dodgers bringing back Evan Phillips! Love the loyalty! Besides, dude can pitch. He will fall in line behind Diaz and Scott when he gets back.
Sasaki needs a third pitch? Everything Doc is saying means he can’t be all he can be as a starter in this rotation. He seems to be just a bit stubborn at times. Really excited for him though. Electric at times!
Guys on mlb (Minkowski and spiibourg) believe Kyle Tucker is going to have a great season! So do I! It’s going to seem strange not seeing Conforto running out to let field this season . I think he can still play at the level he once did. But I haven’t heard anything about anyone signing him yet.
Poor ole Ben! Hope he slides through waivers and gets to come back to the Dodgers! He seems to be a perfect fit in AAA. Hey, if Barnes is still making money, why not Ben?
The Mets keep getting bitten by bad luck! Lindor is a great player. They can’t afford to lose him for a long period of time. Soto can’t carry the team by himself., and I’m not convinced Robert will be any better in New York than he was in Chicago!
What to know about every hitter in Dodgers spring camp:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7036051/2026/02/11/dodgers-roster-hitters-review/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=147501&source=dailyemail
Phillies expected to trade or release Castellanos in the next few days. They told him not to report to spring training. He has been with the Phillies for 4 years.
Kurtz is a beast and will hit free agency at about the time Freddie decides to retire.
Sasaki working on the much needed third pitch. He’s trying both a 2-seamer and a cutter.
The Reds were idiots for taking him, but that was just to give the middle finger to AF for swindling them into trading Sirota for Lux. AF’s response:
Valuable insurance which we used as recently as last year, when those games actually mattered too.
Paul V said he would be at Camelback Ranch the week of the 24th, when I will also be there.
He suggested that we might meet up if possible.
OK, on the 24th, we will be in Section 118, Row 10, Seats 15-18.
On the 26th, we will be in Section 122, Row 20, Seats 1-4.
Feel free to e-mail me, and I will give you my cell #.
Dodgers, literally: It’s only money
No but there will probably be a limit on how much you can defer.
They want to be able to slide him to AAA. He’s perfect to work with the young pitchers in the minors and be an emergency call up for the Dodgers.
Geezus do we want Rortvedt or not?????
Alanna is a DODGER at heart and will always be. Every listen to Dodger Territory, she is on that Podcast.
She loves the Dodgers.
The Dodgers announced Wednesday that they’ve re-signed reliever Evan Phillips to a one-year deal worth $6.5MM. Catcher Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment to open a spot on the 40-man roster. Phillips, a client of Apex Baseball, was non-tendered by the Dodgers in November after undergoing Tommy John surgery late last May but will return on a new one-year deal.
Its the new trendy injury
Hello Mark,
I have been a Die Hard Dodger fan since 1978 and follow this blog regularly. I recently retired and first time going to Spring Training for 3 days.
I will also be in Glendale from February 24th to 26th and have tickets to the games on Tuesday and Thursday. Will there be get togethers in Glendale for people to meet who follow this blog?
NOT good news for the Snakes!
Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand yesterday during batting practice, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. He’s slated to undergo surgery today, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. That’ll sideline Carroll for the majority of camp and seems likely to land him on the injured list to begin the 2026 season.
Vlad is too low.
Scariest at-bats in baseball belong to Ohtani, Judge, Soto & Vlad in no particular order.
Right now my bullpen pecking order is:
1. Diaz
2. Scott
3. Treinen
4. Vesia
5. Graterol
6. Dreyer
7. Casparius
8. Wrobleski
9. Henriquez
10. Klein
11. Ryan
12. Stone
13. Millee
14. Hurt
15. Gervase
16. NRI
The Athletic profiles every Dodger pitcher in Camp:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7035092/2026/02/10/dodgers-pitchers-spring-training-analysis/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=147501&source=dailyemail
Top 10 MLB Hitters Entering 2026
The following rankings are based on consensus projections and MLB Network’s “Top 100 Players Right Now” lists released in early 2026.
Rank Player Team 2026 Outlook / Key 2025 Stat
1 Shohei Ohtani LAD Projected for 43 HR and returns to two-way play
2 Aaron Judge NYY Led MLB with .331 AVG, 53 HR, and 1.145 OPS in 2025
3 Bobby Witt Jr. KC Led MLB with 184 hits and 47 doubles
4 Juan Soto NYM Projected for MLB-leading .413 OBP; hit 43 HR in 2025
5 José Ramírez CLE Recorded second straight 30-30 season in 2025
6 Cal Raleigh SEA 2025 MLB home run leader with 60 HR
7 Francisco Lindor NYM Elite power-speed threat at shortstop
8 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. TOR Ranked top 3 for projected 2026 batting average (.295)
9 Julio Rodríguez SEA Recorded second 30-30 season in 2025
10 Kyle Tucker LAD Consistent 30-30 threat entering his first year with LAD
2026 Statistical Leaders (Projections)
As of February 2026, statistical leaders for the upcoming season are projected as follows:
Batting Average: Luis Arraez (SF) is the favorite to lead the league with a projected .302 average, followed by Jacob Wilson (ATH) at .296.
Home Runs: Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are tied for the highest projected total at 43 HR each, followed closely by Kyle Schwarber (PHI) with 40.
On-Base Percentage: Aaron Judge (.417) and Juan Soto (.413) are the only hitters projected to exceed a .400 OBP.
Runs Batted In: Cal Raleigh is expected to remain a top producer after leading the American League with 125 RBIs in 2025.
MLB Network’s Top 10 Relief Pitchers Right Now (2026)
Rank Player Team
1 Aroldis Chapman Boston Red Sox
2 Mason Miller San Diego Padres
3 Edwin Díaz Los Angeles Dodgers
4 Cade Smith Cleveland Guardians
5 Andrés Muñoz Seattle Mariners
6 Garrett Whitlock Boston Red Sox
7 Matt Strahm Kansas City Royals
8 Adrian Morejon San Diego Padres
9 Josh Hader Houston Astros
10 Jason Adam San Diego Padres
She looks like she’s aged at least 10 years since she left the Dodgers.
The only way Skubal gets traded is that the Tigers are out of it at the deadline… and I don’t see that happening.
She was actually a Red Sox or an A at heart.
I agree, I like her a lot. Rizzo? She was good…. where is she now?
Alanna lives in New England and works for NESN with her husband, Chris, their two wonderful stepdaughters, and their beloved rescue dog, Bentley. Her Dodger ship has sailed. Good Luck!
I love Freeland for what he is: A utilityman!
He was never expected to walk properly… let alone play in MLB.
Correct. I like Freeland but it’s hard to pencil him in as our next 3b.
It could happen because our choices to fill the position are linited.
Another smart owner using a deferred payment to pay a player. I doubt that deferred payments will be eliminated in the next CBA in 2027.
The Tigers appear to be all in and are going for it. Less of chance Skubal gets traded.
“It’s homecoming season in Detroit. After years of Tigers fans hoping for a reunion with future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, the team announced Tuesday that Verlander has been signed to a one-year contract for the 2026 season. The ISE client is guaranteed $13MM, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, though $11MM of that sum will be deferred and paid out beginning in 2030”.
Give her a chance!
Shes a Cardinal at heart…..
Shes no Rizzo
I am yes. First 2 games in DC.
I could actially see Muncy getting one more year if this season is good.
1. Field the position
2. Hit HRs
3. Draw walks
Those skills seem doable for another year or two.
Sirota? If he’s mlb ready in 2027 who goes? Tibbs? What if he’s ready? DePaula? We know Rojas is gone after this season. Max? What if he hits .230 with 25-30 bombs and plays solid defense? Would they give him another contract? He wants to retire as a Dodger. Kike? Assuming he’s back this season, how much longer do they keep bringing him back? Call? Probably his last season as a Dodger in my opinion. I’m guessing if Teo bounces back and has a better season in 26 , he comes back for his last season on his contract. I know the season hasn’t even started yet, but it’ll be interesting to see how they handle all the prospects in 27. Surely a couple will get traded. A couple might get to the big team. A couple could fade away. DePaula is at the top of my list of “must see” next level. The comparisons to Yordan are just that. But the buzz is so intriguing!
he has 3 option years left
Right answer!
I think he will start at Tulsa and could move up rapidly, if he can continue what he started last year.
She is an attractive girl (woman) who is obviously very intelligent and understands and knows baseball on a very deep level.
Nobody has a chance!
Definite articles matter
What’s your definition of a bomb? I think she’s attractive and very intelligent baseball-wise. I’m glad she is now covering the Dodgers.
Maybe because he’s coming off an injury and played limited games at A+ Great Lakes because of the injury.
Why would Sirota not be a NRI?
Dodgers Spring Training non-roster invites
Right-handed pitchers
Chris Campos
Patrick Copen
Carlos Duran
Nick Frasso
Carson Hobbs
Wyatt Mills
José Rodriguez
Jerming Rosario
Ryder Ryan
Jordan Weems
Lucas Wepf
Left-handed pitchers
Jackson Ferris
Luke Fox
Cole Irvin
Antoine Kelly
Garrett McDaniels
Adam Serwinowski
Catchers
Eliezer Alfonzo
Griffin Lockwood-Powell
Nelson Quiroz
Chuckie Robinson
Seby Zavala
Infielders
Matt Gorski
Ryan Fitzgerald
Noah Miller
Nick Senzel
Outfielders
Josue De Paula
Zach Ehrhard
Kendall George
Zyhir Hope
Chris Newell
James Tibbs III
MLB Network’s Top 10 First Basemen (The Shredder’s List 2026)
Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Nick Kurtz (Athletics)
Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)
Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)
Rafael Devers (San Francisco Giants)
Yandy Díaz (Tampa Bay Rays)
Pete Alonso (Baltimore Orioles)
Michael Busch (Chicago Cubs)
Willson Contreras (Boston Red Sox)
I like her
Katie Woo is the bomb!
Kike and Evan Phillips. Remember that Evan and Tanner Scott are best friends.
Several Los Angeles Dodgers players and top prospects are already at Camelback Ranch for early 2026 Spring Training workouts, including superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Other players spotted at the Arizona facility include pitchers Brusdar Graterol, Blake Snell, Emmet Sheehan, Alex Vesia, and Andy Pages. Players participating in the World Baseball Classic, such as Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Will Smith, are required to report early. Other players like Seby Zavala and Nick Senzel are also on-site for camp. More will trickle in daily!
He will have to pass through waivers first.
That will tell us what other teams think of him.
The Dodgers announced their NRIs. 32 total invites:
17 Ps
5 Cs
4 IFs
6 OFs
Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 13. First full squad workout is Feb. 16. Names below:
https://x.com/katiejwoo/status/2021028577962230129?s=61&t=oTmTozxsqpdG0x2NImNUgA
I wonder if we’ll play Ward at 1b in AAA.
U going?
Tibbs III, Ehrhard, Siani, and maybe Ward could all end up at OKC.
Sirota is a long shot… but expect to see him at OKC before the season is over.
Senzel also plays OF.
Got my Prospect Handbook today.
Life is good.
The Dodgers show no outfielders at all on the OKC roster, but there are 9 on the AA Tulsa roster. Two on the 40-man will most likely be sent down. Ward would have to clear waivers first.
Ill see em at The White House in DC…..
Man, if I had freedom of time & responsibility, I’d ve drivibg there right now.
Thank you. This is perfect content for a Monday morning. Moving mountains again!
Earlier this year, Baseball America presented the Top 30 Dodgers Prospects for 2026. Now, we’re digging even deeper to highlight prospects who just missed making the cut but still have the potential for breakout seasons or future MLB careers.
Here are the next 10 players to know in the Dodgers system beyond their Top 30. You can find the complete index of players who just missed their teams’ respective lists here.
31. Ryan Ward, OF/1B
After three seasons in Triple-A, Ward was added to the 40-man roster in the winter. He hits the ball very hard, has cut down on his misses and could serve as depth for the outfield or first base if one of the team’s starters gets dinged up.
32. Adriano Marrero, RHP
Acquired from the Marlins for Esteury Ruiz, Marrero was part of a cache of high-upside pitchers swimming in the lowest levels of Miami’s system. Like they did when they acquired Christian Zazueta from the Yankees, the Dodgers are betting that they can bring the best out of Marrero in the coming years.
33. Brady Smith, RHP
In a return from Tommy John surgery, Smith showed intriguing upside. The righthander blended four- and two-seam fastballs along with a slider, curveball and changeup into a package that could take a jump in 2026.
34. Justin Chambers, LHP
Chambers has been a member of both the Dodgers’ and Brewers’ organizations, which is generally a good sign for a pitcher. The lefty has a projectable frame, a low-90s fastball, a decent feel for spin and a developing changeup.
35. Paul Gervase, RHP
Gervase came over from Tampa Bay via trade. He was coveted by the Dodgers for his excellent fastball, which jumps on hitters thanks to a deceptive delivery. He complements the fastball with a cutter and slider which he’ll need to separate better as he moves forward.
36. Jakob Wright, LHP
Wright was one of the Dodgers’ standouts in spring training but missed most of the regular season with injuries before returning to action in the Arizona Fall League. When healthy, he blends a mid-90s fastball with a sharp slider and a burgeoning changeup.
37. Rubel Arias, OF
The headliner of the Dodgers’ 2026 international class, Arias blends hittability and power into a player who could profile nicely in a corner. He has average speed and average arm strength, which should help him settle in nicely in either right or left field.
38. Ezequiel Melbourne, SS
The Dodgers signed Melbourne out of the Dominican Republic on the strength of smooth, athletic actions at shortstop and enough arm strength to stick at the position. A switch-hitter, Melbourne makes more contact from the left side and hits the ball harder when swinging from the right side.
39. Reyli Mariano, 2B
Mariano was a low-dollar signee in 2024 who blossomed in his second season in the Dominican Summer League. He doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard, but he rarely misses and does a good job pulling his best-struck balls in the air. Mariano has the hands and actions to be fair at second base.
40. Jaron Elkins, OF
Elkins has lots of likable traits. He hits the ball hard, can pull it in the air and runs like a gazelle (or maybe an elk?). Problem is, he doesn’t make nearly enough contact to take advantage of his gifts. Elkins’ profile is extremely boom or bust, and right now there’s too much of the latter.