The Dodgers are the most dominant team in baseball right about now, but I am always looking forward to what will happen next year and beyond. Next year could bring some BIG CHANGES for the Dodgers. Let me list what I think they will be:
- Max Muncy will not be re-signed. He will be 35 this year and 36 next year. It’s time! Just ike Justin Turner, Max is going to decline.
- Miguel Rojas will retire and join the Dodgers front office or coaching staff.
- Michael Conforto will be gone by then… if not sooner.
- Kike Hernandez will retire a Dodger and go to work for the team.
- Mookie Betts will move to 2B, his best position.
- Dalton Rushing will become the Dodgers’ starting catcher. Oh, and along the way, he will become an All-Star Catcher.
- Will Smith will move to third base and work on this transition over the winter and in Spring Training. His bat will play there. He has become an elite hitter, but catching wears him down.
- Teoscar Hernández will move to LF. Andy Pages will move to RF, not because he can’t play CF, but because he is an elite RF’er, and Tommy Edman will move to CF, where he is also elite.
- That leaves SS to Hyesoeng Kim and Alex Freeland. I think Freeland will win the spot as Kim will be the “play-all-over” utility man. Elijah Hainline is also coming on fast – 22 year-old SS is hitting .300/.849 OPS between RC and OKC this year.
The Lineup will look like this:
- Ohtani DH
- Betts 2B
- Freeman 1B
- Smith 3B
- Rushing C
- Hernandez LF
- Edman CF
- Pages RF
- Freeland SS
Utility: Kim, Feduccia, Outman, ???
The key to this is Dalton Rushing, whom the pitchers love to pitch to and whose bat will be that of a slugger. He is very Muncy-esque. The Dodgers and all of his teammates are high on Dalton. Will Smith will be an All-Star third baseman (maybe not every year, but he will excel at that spot). SS is also taxing on Mookie. He is doing a great job there, but his offense is suffering. I could even see a move being made this year where Mookie moves to 2B, Conforto is DFA’d, and the outfield rotates with Kim and Freeland manning SS. If they are considering that, they should do it soon.
OK, let your heads explode!
Discussion (34)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Ardaya had a Q&A ($$$$)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6459611/2025/06/29/dodgers-live-qa-fabian-ardaya-trade-deadline-shohei-ohtani/
on Ryan Ward
….This is not intended as a slight towards, him but he’s 27 years old at this stage, and by all accounts the gap between Triple A and the majors has never been wider…..
On injuries:
“…I addressed this a little in our “The Pulse” newsletter recently, but the long and the short of it is this: the Dodgers did have an internal audit last year, and haven’t disclosed many details about what it revealed…. Two, the Dodgers invite this kind of variance just because of their spending power and risk tolerance. They’re willing to go after injury-prone pitchers because that’s what they feel is their best way to tap into high-upside talent. ….That, along with cluster luck (to be clear, not that the injuries themselves are unlucky, just the sequencing) have all contributed to the Dodgers getting obliterated by pitcher injuries….”
On Betts:
“….That being said, him being at shortstop is still likely a short-term solution. He won’t be the Dodgers’ shortstop when the contract is done – that’s a safe, safe bet.
If you’re looking at it from a contract standpoint, the Dodgers have already gotten enough surplus value out of the deal. He’s produced 26.5 fWAR already to date, won two World Series, and financially they will be more than fine.”
also touches on runway from Michael Conforto, Otani’s being slow, walked, rushing, playoff rotation and a lot more good stuff
07/01/25 Los Angeles Dodgers placed RHP Michael Kopech on the 15-day injured list retroactive to June 28, 2025.
07/01/25 Los Angeles Dodgers recalled RHP Will Klein from Oklahoma City Comets.
10:10 PM ET
White Sox (28-56)
Dodgers (53-32)
SP Shane Smith R
3-5 3.38 ERA
SP Y. Yamamoto R
7-6 2.61 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
RF T. Hernandez R
CF Andy Pages R
LF M. Conforto L
2B Tommy Edman S
SS Hyeseong Kim L
71° Wind 10 mph Out
Ol Friend Miguelito gets his ring tonight!
Will Smith will be 31 next year. I think he needs to move sooner, not later.
He can serve as the emergency catcher, but the Dodgers need to bring in a catcher to back up Rushing.
I am very high on Rushing BECAUSE he does not swing at stuff outside the zone. Mike Sirota is the same way. In fact, last week, Sirota had four walks in one game.
Now, maybe the Dodgers do not believe Smith can play 3B, but I think so.
I think the key here is to keep Rushing up, promote Freeland no d and let the other chips to all where they may. Kim has 4 Gold Gloves, 2 SS, 2 2B, in Korea. Defense is defense, no matter what league you play in. MOOK is hitting 250, not superstar caliber and little guys wear down quicker. Live the guy but…..
Catcher just wears down a player. Both Smith and Rushing could be elite hitters but playing catcher every day wears a player down. Witness Smith’s hitting every second half. Both are very athletic. Pick another position, I would say 3rd base, and let them platoon at 3rd and catcher. Both stay in the lineup and neither wears down. Move Max to second. He as several more years not just one.
If Dalton progresses like I am reading on this blog, and after the post-season concludes, he is considered ready to be the every day catcher, I would not rule out the possibility of the Dodgers trading Will Smith.
I know it sounds like a long-shot bc he’s so well-liked, a great hitter, and represents everything we like about the Dodgers, but he’s a man without a position and has tremendous trade value that could net the team a 3rd baseman or SS of the future.
No one is untouchable except for Ohtani, Betts and Freeman.
What a bunch of BS
There is so much bullshit on the web that you have to verify what you are reading. Jorge is referring to some slimeball who makes shock videos which have no basis.
I don’t know if anyone mentioned it here before, but have you read what Bobby Witt said about Ohtani? He accused him of cheating.
Does anyone know if that’s true? I’m watching it on YouTube.
MLB is reportedly investigating Ohtani’s 102-mph pitch.
So Barnes signs with hated SF. I guess they feel they can milk his knowledge of our guys to their advantage
For those commenters (Mark) who are already anointing Will Smith the starting 3rd baseman position and Rushing as the starting catcher (because he’s already “better” than Smith after 18 games), and want to jettison Muncy and his team friendly option, here are some interesting stats to consider:
Muncy currently has a WAR of 2.2, a wRC+ of 137 (100 is league average), a .255 BA, a BB% of 16.2 (4th in baseball).
You know who has similar stats?
Juan Soto has a WAR of 2.3, a wRC+ of 153, a .258 batting average, and an 18.3% – a little better than Muncy, but not by much.
If the Dodgers exercise the option for Muncy, they will pay him 10 million next year.
Next year Soto will make $61,875,000.
You’d have to be a moron not to exercise that club option.
And besides, now that Justin Turner is gone, Max is kind of the grinder, blue collar heart and soul of the club. I’ve loved Max ever since he went deep on Mad Bum and told him to go fish the ball out of the water. That was so fucking great!
Sunday scores
Sacramento 6, Oklahoma City 2
Tulsa 8, Frisco 7
Fort Wayne 8, Great Lakes 7
San Jose 20, Rancho Cucamonga 2
The week ahead
Oklahoma City at Las Vegas (A’s)
Tulsa vs. Wichita (Twins)
Great Lakes at Midwest League (Tigers)
Rancho Cucamonga vs. Visalia (D-backs)
For more detailed recaps,stats,schedules, daily standings and box scores for Dodger minor league teams go to the top of this page and cIick on MINOR LEAGUE AFFLIATES.
River Ryan, Wrobo, Sheehan, Sasaki, Jackson Ferris, Nick Frasso, Miller.
I would anticipate Dustin May to get better next year. It takes a couple of years post surgery to really gain pitching feel, but I’m sort of over Code Red. His velo and spin aren’t really back.
The Dodgers have a lot of pitching talent in the pipeline. Still, he might be the last of the vaunted 2016 draft class. …correction…Will Smith was drafted in 16.
Speaking of Smith, I predict the discussion about him at 3rd is going to be repeated on a loop: Mark will advocate for the switch, dodgerrick will correctly point out his solitary game there in 2021, Bluto will be offended and curse the gods for making him endure a world of stupid people and their silly baseball opinions.
I doubt he gets moved to 3rd unless the Dodgers really think Rushing is the real deal. Still, though, it’s not the craziest thing ever. It’s not like the Dodgers aren’t used to below average defense at 3rd with Muncy currently there.
Either that, or Rushing plays left or is trade bait. I think to get maximum return on his trade value, he needs more time in the big to showcase his talent. Too soon right now.
Muncy, with his current performance since getting glasses, has earned the team option for next year. … and who here was saying he needed to be platooned? He’s crushing lefties.
SS wasn’t Kim’s best position in the Korean league. I don’t know that it’s an imperative that Mookie move off SS. He’s doing fine there. His arm strength isn’t the best, but I don’t think Kim has a cannon, either. This is all assuming Betts will somehow hit better at 2nd because the position is easier or something. No. Just have Kim gain experience in CF and SS so Roberts can move his chess pieces around.
I think Kike is back next year. He can play 3rd and 1rst, in addition to his outfield positions. Rojas is probably gone, but his defense and clubhouse presence will be missed.
the opener thing? it’s ok if the “opener” doesn’t give up runs. if i’m not mistaken that’s what has happened last couple of games. … For the most part, Garcia played a part. he took the ball every time he was called on. seems like a nice guy. probably signs with the giants!…. good for barnes! but he was done . Dalton has the arm,the bat, the attitude. The catcher of the future! …. moving mookie to second base? will that really help him? playing shortstop doesn’t seem to be causing any stress for him. but maybe he could be happier at 2nd. Don’t believe he wants that move. but only mookie knows that. …. After all freddie has been through in the last few months, a family trip to the all star game is good medicine! Atlanta? Freddie? All star? nough said! Mookie? it’s up to him. eventually he’ll be fine! . but i like the ifea of calling up Alex f. for a breather for mookie! lets see the kid! …. any news on rojas this morning? can’t wait for Clayton on wednesday! the 3000 club awaits! may never see another one. Although if Skubal pitches 12 more seasons? probably not!
Wrobleski WILL be a starter, and again, a lot of Dodger fans are cursing the use of an opener… like they know more than the Dodger brass. Why have they used an opener for Wrobleski? I don’t know for sure, but maybe they feel he is too amped up as a starter. There’s some reason and I am sure he will evolve into the role of a starter.
That said, “it worked.” Duh…
Wrobo is a STUD
Dalton Rushing MUST PLAY!
My two cents… Max will be back on such a team friendly contract. I agree that Smith will eventually be the third basemen, but probably not until ‘27.
Love getting another series win and would love even more for the seven game division lead to be pushed to nine or ten games by the ASG!
What I cannot understand is that so many Dodger fans are up in arms that the Dodgers DFA’ed Luis Garcia!
I mean, the guy has been great… well, except for his 5.27 ERA, but his WHIP is 1.83 and the league is hitting .312 against him.
It’s time for some dumbass vaccine!
Yet, they hate Knack, and his stats are significantly better!
I feel really bad about this comment but I’m hoping Betts and Freeman don’t make the all star team. I’m sure Freeman wants to go because it’s in LA but I think both of those players could use those four days with their feet up and just chilling. I do feel bad writing this post. Both players are deserving especially Freddie. And I’m pretty sure Freddie will be selected.
Yikes!!
JUST read this:
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/06/giants-sign-austin-barnes-to-minor-league-deal.html
It’s not unprecedented since Orel pitched for them, Karros played for them. Piazza finished up with the Madres. But still it’s shocking to hear Barnesy’s name associated with them.
Max isn’t going anywhere if he continues to hit the way he has. I can’t see them just handing Smith 3B. I could see them giving him some AB’s against righties next year so he can transition to the position and get Rushing more AB’s at catcher.
I agree Pages could be an elite RF. That move needs to happen THIS year.
one year contract for max? max loves being a dodger! i can see him somehow being a dodger for life , unless he’s not ready for retirement after next season. never thought i’d say this, but i really hope he’s back next year! …. caan we just scrap the opener. when justin wrobleski is scheduled to pitch? Damn , let him start the game! … the best i’ve seen yates all year! .. Dryer looked very incontroll today. flirted with a base on balls but came back and got the hitter. … rojas is hopefully ok. other than JW, he was player of the game! … Why doesn’t Doc just give mookie a couple of days off? he doesn’t look mookie like right now……. kike? i shut my mouth! big home run today! …… top 3 batters for the dodgers, 0. for ever! BUT, they still win with a good day from batters 4-9! … Hope they don’t take the white sox lightly. they just whooped up on the Devers led giants!!!
I think the Dodgers will go for the Japanese 3B next year, so it would be very logical and appropriate to keep Muncy. Moving Smith to 3B could be an option only if they can’t get the Japanese 3B.
I read about signing Kelly before the SD series to destroy Machado’s head, and while I loved the idea, I’d rather have Tatis for that.
I believe:
Max back
Kike plays on another team
Smith still catching
Agree with most of that Mark, but I also believe that Muncy will be brought back for one more year at that price. He can DH and give Ohtani a breather now and then, and he could also spell Freddie at first. I like him better there than Kike. The deadline is going to be very interesting. I think LA makes at least 2 trades, a bullpen arm being one.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals will be delayed on Sunday for their series finale.
The start time is still TBD for the rubber match, but the tarp is out and the field won’t be ready for the 11:10 a.m P.T scheduled time for first pitch.
After the All Star Break,there will be 65 games remaining in the regular season. Assuming Ohtoni has built up to 5 innings by then, a six man rotation will be fully functional. If all ptchers go at least 5 innings in the remaining schedule,Snell and Glasnow will only have pitched approximately 75 innings or less before the playoffs start IF they can remain healthy and injury free,a BIG IF. May should be removed from the starting rotation when both Snell and Glasnow return. Yamamota should take a trip to the IL for some R&R for some undisclosed injury after the Break to get ready for October baseball. Sheehan should definitely be part of the six man rotation.
Noah Davis Recalled, Luis García Designated For Assignment. Opens up a spot on the 40 man roster for Edgardo Henriquez This was the fifth consecutive scoreless outing for the flame-throwing Henriquez, who has pitched in eleven games in June, indicating that he is healthy.
Saturday scores
Oklahoma 7, Sacramento 4
Tulsa 6, Frisco 1
Fort Wayne 2, Great Lakes 1
San Jose 12, Rancho Cucamonga
ACL Dodgers 16, ACL Athletics 9
Sunday schedule
Great Lakes (Brooks Auger) at Fort Wayne (Luis Gutierrez), 10:05 AM PST
Oklahoma City (Matt Sauer) at Sacramento (Carson Whisenhunt), 1:05 PM PST
Tulsa (Patrick Copen) at Frisco (Trey Supak), 4:05 PM, PST
Rancho Cucamonga (Logan Tabeling) at San Jose (Drake George), 5:00 PM, PST
2:10 PM ET
Dodgers (52-32)
Royals (39-44)
SP Lou Trevino (opener)
3-0 4.06 ERA
SP Kris Bubic L
6-5 2.18 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
RF T. Hernandez R
C Will Smith R
CF Tommy Edman S
LF Andy Pages R
3B Max Muncy L
1B E. Hernandez R
2B Miguel Rojas R
Justin Wrobleski L 3-2 4.91 ERA will pitch after the opener
Max has a team friendly option next year for $10MM as I recall. I think he stays one more year. I don’t know why people talk of Will playing 3B. He last played 3B in 2021 (2 innings). He last saw significant time (80 innings) in AAA in 2018. After years of catching every day, moving to 3B is a tough transition and it’s not like he was ever very good there