5 Dodgers players to keep an eye on as spring training takes off

The Dodgers’ offseason was almost as electric as their postseason, considering they were still dominating headlines and causing a stir online months after winning the World Series. 

Giants supporters were quick to scold Blake Snell for joining their rival team, baseball fans lost their minds (both positively and negatively) over the Roki Sasaki signing, and LA vets Clayton Kershaw and Kiké Hernández were welcomed back another year. 

Today marks the first spring training game of 2025 and Dodgers fans have a lot of exciting things to look forward to.

5 players to keep an eye on as Dodgers spring training 2025 takes off

Hyeseong Kim

Kim is already wowing his new team, with manager Dave Roberts even stating the South Korea native is "stronger than he expected." While he is primarily a second baseman, the young star has the versatility and experience to play just about anywhere, making him a valuable asset to the Dodgers' lineup - especially after losing Gavin Lux to the Reds this offseason.

Blake Snell

It's no doubt LA's pitching rotation is stacked, and with new addition Blake Snell, they may be bordering on untouchable. The team got the chance to face the two-time Cy Young Award winner during live batting practice, and there was a mixture of excitement and relief amongst the guys to have Snell in Dodger blue this year. His fastball, changeup and curveball impressed and even stunned some of his new teammates. Already, Snell is proving to be hungry for his ring.

Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani is finally returning to the mound in 2025 - and for the first time as a Dodger, after undergoing Tommy John surgery and a shoulder operation. While it is unlikely Ohtani will see many hitters, if any, until further into the regular season, fans will still be able to see how his batting has improved since the World Series, where he only went 2-for-19. Oftentimes, pitchers struggle their first year back after TJ, but Ohtani has proven to be unlike most players.

Roki Sasaki

Keeping with the theme of LA's epic pitching rotation, we finally get to experience the reason for the internet craze surrounding Roki Sasaki. The rookie had a chance to feel things out during camp and get acclimated to professional baseball stateside. His velocity ranged from 96-99 mph, though in the past he has reached the triple digits. Sasaki will have a handful of things to work on this spring training: getting used to a Major League baseball, communicating with his English speaking teammates, and finding his third pitch.

Mookie Betts (in a new spot)

For a second season, Mookie Betts has found himself in the infield, bandaging the Dodgers' situation at shortstop. In 2024, Betts struggled with his new role, and there were some hopes that management wouldn't make this decision a second time around. However, Brandon Gomes appears to be confident in the athleticism of Betts, and believes this is the best option for another successful season.

The Dodgers will face the Cubs at Camelback Ranch to start off the 2025 Cactus League spring training slate. This matchup will serve as a preview of what to expect when the two teams face each other again in March for the Tokyo Series. There's also a chance the Dodgers will be playing against their former teammates Justin Turner and Ryan Brasier in this preseason opener.

The wait is over—it's finally time to see what the 2024 World Series Champions will do with such a thrilling, headline-filled offseason.