Dodgers bolster pitching depth for 2025 season

The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for the 2025 baseball season with high hopes and strong talent. They boast a deep pitching rotation and a roster filled with skilled players ready to contend. The starting rotation is a highlight. After facing injuries in previous seasons, the team invested significantly in pitching. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell will lead this group, which includes talented pitchers like Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and rookie Roki Sasaki. Dustin May is making a comeback, while veterans Clayton Kershaw and Tony Gonsolin add further depth. Shohei Ohtani is also expected to start throwing again soon, but the team will not rush him back. The bullpen proved to be crucial to the Dodgers' success last season, and it remains mostly intact. Key players like Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, and Evan Phillips are returning, although Phillips and another pitcher, Michael Kopech, will begin the season on the injured list. The team also signed two top free agent relievers, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, boosting their late-game options. Infield play presents some challenges. Mookie Betts is dealing with an illness that has delayed his return to shortstop. New signing Hyeseong Kim struggled in spring training and will start the season in Triple-A. This situation leads to a mix of players sharing time at second base. First baseman Freddie Freeman looks to bounce back after a disappointing last season. The outfield appears strong, even with Betts playing shortstop. Teoscar Hernandez returns after a successful previous season, and Edman is expected to play center field. The team also added Michael Conforto for added depth. Behind the plate, the Dodgers will have a familiar battery with Will Smith and Austin Barnes. Smith had a rough offensive season last year, but he showed signs of improvement during spring training. Manager Dave Roberts has faced pressure due to past playoff disappointments but earned a new contract after guiding the team to last year’s championship. He remains focused on leading the Dodgers amid high expectations for the upcoming season.