MLB.com’s early Dodgers roster prediction features surprise outfield prospect

Considering that the offseason only just began, it's far too early to know what the Los Angeles Dodgers' Opening Day roster in 2027 will look like. Depending on what they can accomplish before the lockout, there might be a lot of new faces to welcome, or perhaps fears of a salary cap might make continuity the name of the game.

Either way, any roster predictions now are going to feature some surprises, since a lot of players have already reached free agency and no one has brought in yet to replace them. Lo and behold, MLB.com's projected Dodgers roster for next year mostly adheres to expectations, save for one bold guess: Zach Ehrhard will make the team.

Zach Erhard can help Dodgers get younger, faster, and cheaper as part of the bench picture

It's worth noting that the roster MLB.com's forecasting does have top prospect Josue De Paula starting in left field, leaving the door open for a long-rumored trade of Teoscar Hernández. That would leave Alex Call in his fourth outfielder role, which he's proven adept at handling over the past two seasons in L.A.

However, Call isn't fit to be a long-term starter in case one of De Paula, Andy Pages, or Kyle Tucker goes down, which is where Ehrhard fits into the equation. The 23-year-old mashed at Triple-A throughout 2026, hitting .291/.400/.472 (127 wRC+) with 20 home runs and 28 steals. He'd bring some much-needed youth and athleticism to the bench, and his speed would go a long way toward making Dave Roberts' life a little bit easier in late-game situations.

It also helps that Ehrhard started at least 20 games at all three outfield spots and can play each one competently, which mirrors Call's skillset. In that sense, the tandem is versatile enough to cover should a starter go down or need a day off and still leave an option available off the bench.

Of course, Ehrhard isn't the only option for that final bench spot (assuming Hunter Feduccia is the backup catcher and Alex Freeland is the utility infielder). James Tibbs III, who was acquired alongside Ehrhard in that Dustin May trade last year, is a left-handed slugger with enormous power (30 homers in Triple-A) who can play first base and the outfield corners. Mike Sirota is another option for the outfield as well (162 wRC+ in 2026), though he's only played two games above Double-A.

Regardless of which player it ends up being, it's clear that the Dodgers can fill out their needs on the bench with the internal talent they've got.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow