Anthony Arroyo
With Opening Day just around the corner, these key players are expected to significantly impact the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Whether it’s bouncing back from an injury, adjusting to a new role, or proving their worth as a rising star, these players hold the potential to elevate the team’s performance in 2025.
Will Smith
Will Smith enters the season as one of the premier catchers in baseball, boasting multiple All-Star appearances and widespread recognition as an elite backstop. Known for his combination of power, plate discipline, and defensive reliability, Smith has been a key piece of the Dodgers’ success in recent years. However, his production took a noticeable hit last season after suffering an ankle injury while sliding into a base, affecting both his offense and durability behind the plate.
Before the injury, Smith was amid another All-Star-caliber campaign, earning a selection to the Midsummer Classic and securing a 10-year, $140 million contract extension with the Dodgers, a clear indication of the franchise’s faith in him as a long-term cornerstone. In the first half of the season, Smith hit .272 with a .346 OBP, a .838 OPS, and 15 home runs. However, his second-half performance dipped significantly, as he hit just .206 with a .296 OBP and a .626 OPS, managing only five homers after the break.
A healthy and refreshed Smith will be crucial for the Dodgers this year, both behind the plate and in the lineup. His ability to handle a talented pitching staff while providing middle-of-the-order production makes him one of the most valuable catchers in the league. If he can return to his pre-injury form, expect Smith to be an integral piece in the Dodgers’ push for another World Series title.
Tyler Glasnow
After being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays last offseason, Tyler Glasnow arrived in Los Angeles with high expectations. The Dodgers parted ways with Ryan Pepiot and Johnny DeLuca, two promising young players in the trade, banking on Glasnow’s potential to be a frontline starter in their rotation. Despite his well-documented injury history, the Dodgers showed their confidence in him by signing him to a four-year, $115 million contract extension.
Glasnow delivered a strong regular season, earning his first All-Star selection while posting a 9-6 record with a 3.49 ERA, 168 strikeouts, and a 0.95 WHIP. His ability to generate swings and misses with his elite fastball-curveball combination made him one of the most dominant pitchers in the league when healthy. However, an untimely injury late in the year prevented him from contributing in the postseason, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
At his best, Glasnow possesses the stuff of an ace, but his durability remains the most significant question mark. If he can stay on the mound for an entire season, the Cy Young conversation is not out of reach. A healthy Glasnow solidifies the Dodgers’ rotation and gives them a legitimate weapon in October, where dominant starting pitching is essential. With an injury-free season, surpassing 200 strikeouts and anchoring the rotation could become a reality for the towering right-hander.
Tommy Edman
When the Dodgers acquired Tommy Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals, they knew they were getting a Gold Glove-caliber defender capable of playing multiple positions, a true, Swiss Army knife in the field. Edman’s defensive versatility allows him to slot in at shortstop, second base, or even the outfield, providing manager Dave Roberts with flexibility in the lineup.
While Edman’s glove has never been questioned, his offensive production has been inconsistent throughout his career. Over five seasons with the Cardinals, he hit 53 home runs but was often seen as more of a contact hitter with speed rather than an actual offensive threat. However, that perception changed dramatically during the 2024 postseason, when he showcased a new level of offensive ability.
Edman was a key contributor in the Dodgers’ World Series run, earning NLCS MVP honors and hitting .328 with a .354 OBP and a .862 OPS in the Postseason. His ability to put the ball in play, work counts, and come through in clutch moments made him an offensive catalyst during October.
Already off to a hot start in 2025, including a home run in the Tokyo Series against the Cubs, Edman looks poised for a breakout offensive season. If he can maintain the hitting approach he displayed in the postseason, the Dodgers will have found themselves an underrated star who can impact the game on both sides of the ball. His ability to create runs, steal bases, and provide Gold Glove defense makes him a vital piece for the team as they chase another championship.
Andy Pages
Andy Pages is a player to watch this season. After winning the starting outfield job over Hyeseong Kim and James Outman, he has a golden opportunity to prove himself as an everyday player for the Dodgers. Pages showed flashes of stardom during his rookie season but also endured growing pains, making 2025 a crucial year for his development.
Once regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball, Pages generated plenty of excitement when he joined the Dodgers’ roster last season. In his rookie year, he finished with a .248 batting average, a .305 OBP, and a .712 OPS, showing glimpses of his raw power but also struggling with plate discipline.
Pages has shown defensive improvement this Spring Training while continuing to flash his power potential at the plate. If he can make adjustments to big-league pitching, he can hit 20-25 home runs this season. Drawing more walks while refining his approach at the plate could take his game to another level.
For Pages, the key to success will be consistency. If he can limit strikeouts, improve his on-base percentage, and maintain his power numbers, he could quickly establish himself as a key contributor in the Dodgers’ lineup. If everything clicks, Pages could be on his way to becoming a fixture in the outfield for years.
Michael Conforto
One of the more overlooked moves of the offseason was the Dodgers’ acquisition of Michael Conforto. Much like the role Teoscar Hernández filled last season, Conforto has the potential to put up similar numbers and be a key contributor to the lineup.
Conforto has battled injuries throughout his career, making it difficult to consistently stay on the field and carry an offense as he did at times with the Mets and Giants. However, when healthy, his bat remains a legitimate threat. With the added protection in the Dodgers’ lineup, Conforto has a strong opportunity to thrive.
Last season with the Giants, he slashed .237/.307/.759, showing flashes of his offensive potential but struggling with consistency. While his addition may have gone under the radar for some, Conforto’s presence could bring a much-needed power boost to the Dodgers outfield. Defensively, he’s a solid option, and the team will likely give him plenty of opportunities to contribute.
Unlike previous years, Conforto won’t be relied upon to carry the offense, which could work to his advantage. With less pressure, he’ll be able to focus on capitalizing on key situations and helping the team succeed. As the season approaches, I see Conforto as a player poised for a strong year in Dodger Blue.
Final Thoughts
These players represent just a handful of key contributors who could define the Dodgers season 2025. Whether it’s returning to full health, making necessary swing adjustments, or simply gaining more experience, each player has the potential to elevate their game and push the Dodgers toward another championship run.
If Smith, Glasnow, Edman, Conforto, and Pages can fully harness their talents, they will play crucial roles in determining the Dodgers’ success this season. With Opening Day quickly approaching, all eyes will be on these candidates to have big years with the organization.
