Dodgers projected 26 man roster before free agency

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 09: Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his two run home run with teammate Cody Bellinger #35 during the first inning of game five of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on October 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Projected position players on the Dodgers’ 26 man roster

With the Dodgers able to roster 13 pitchers, they will likely carry that amount and go with eight position players and five bench spots to open the season. Here is who would likely open the season on the roster as of today.

Catchers (2):

Will Smith and Austin Barnes

Will Smith will enter the 2020 season as the Dodgers’ primary catcher. The only question that remains is who will be backing him up? Russell Martin is not going to retire yet so the Dodgers could bring him back but for now, Barnes is locked in as the backup. Keibert Ruiz will spend a full season in Triple-A OKC for more development.

Infielders (7):

Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Corey Seager, Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor, Kiké Hernandez, Matt Beaty

The infield has most of the Dodgers that are locks to start on a daily basis. Gavin Lux gets his first opening day start next year and Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez count as infielders although they can play anywhere. The one interesting thing to watch is if the Dodgers want to give the slimmed-down Tyler White a chance to prove himself. White is out of options while Matt Beaty is not.

Outfielders (4):

Cody Bellinger, Joc Pederson, Alex Verdugo, A.J. Pollock

Cody Bellinger and Alex Verdugo should be mainstays in the Dodger outfield next season starting against both left and right-handed starting pitchers. A.J. Pollock was very good when he returned in the second half of the season but overall he was much better against southpaws. Joc and Pollock could form a very pricey but effective platoon in the outfield.