LOS ANGELES – It’s about that time of year again! You can almost feel spring around the corner. Saturday was a warm and sunny day in Los Angeles. Another perfect day for Dodger fans to make their way to Chavez Ravine in support of the Blue Crew. As the Dodgers begin their journey towards their third World Series titles in a row, a feat that has not been accomplished since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees,

There were two special broadcasts that we were following along with today since we were not able to make out to Dodger Stadium. SportsNet LA and AM570LA both had very interesting interviews and perspectives from every player. Most notably, Manager Dave Roberts dropped big news today regarding the World Baseball Classic and later confirmed by Shohei Ohtani that he would not be pitching in the WBC. Rōki Sasaki would also confirm that he would not be pitching in the World Baseball Classic following a team decision.

Blake Snell confirmed to Dodgers and AM570 reporter David Vassegh that even though his shoulder did bother him after the season, it was nothing to worry about and that his goal was to still be ready by Opening Day. He also filled everyone in on his streaming plans for Spring Training. Not to worry if you follow Snellzilla’s streams, he will still be going strong with them but made it clear that when it is time to lock in, he’ll be locked in. Snell also spent the offseason coaching and mentoring his 12U youth baseball team based in his hometown of Seattle, Washington. The rotation will heavily depend on Blake and his leadership this season if they wish to get to their third straight championship.

One of the many heroes from last season Will Klein was very excited to get the season underway as he looks to take on a bigger role in the bullpen this season. This season, the bullpen looks to make a significant leap forward with the addition of closer Edwin Diaz and the return of big arms like Brusdar Graterol, River Ryan and Gavin Stone who are all coming back post surgeries. A few other arms to keep an eye on this season are Ben Casparius, Justin Wrobleski and Jack Dreyer as well. They made a real impact and solidified themselves are true relievers last season when called upon. We can also look forward to seeing fan favorites, Anthony Banda and Alex Vesia this season as they return to take on much bigger veteran roles in the bullpen.

Dalton Rushing was another name that we saw last season as he filled in for catcher Will Smith during a period of time he spent out recovering from injury. Rushing enters his second season in the big leagues and emphasized that he wants to stay ready for any moment this year. He admitted that last year, there were a few instances that caught him off guard and that now he is looking to take on any opportunity that is thrown at him. He is willing to get out there and play any position that he needs to play for the team but understands that the bulk of his time on the field will be spent at the plate and first base.

Dodger fans also got an update from Tommy Edman on the progress of his ankle which required surgery during the offseason. The issue stemmed from ligament damage and bone spurs. Although he mentioned that his goal is to be ready by opening day, Edman was adamant that he was not going to push things and just take it day by day. He will get his work in during Spring Training and go from there. Tommy is expected to take on most of the duties at second base when he returns but as one of the many multi-position players on the rosters, don’t be surprised if we see him playing second one night and then third or center the next night.

Freddie Freeman is someone that we can count on. He has proven to be the ultimate team guy and someone who takes care of himself all year round. He explained today that his goal is to play all 162 games as it is every season. Freddie even joked that Dave Roberts better not think about giving him any days off because he would not be taking them.

A DodgerFest would not be complete without some time with Mookie Betts. He was in great spirits as always and revealed that he had been putting work all off season doing meet and greets and signing for his new tequila brand, Tequila Providencia. Mookie has solidified himself as the Dodgers everyday shortstop and during his interview with Doug McKain from Dodgers Nation, he made it clear that he intends to remain the Dodgers’ shortstop for the rest of his career. Mookie looks to kick off his seventh season with the Dodgers healthy and ready to take on this challenge and help his team reach the three-peat promised land.

Finally, Shohei Ohtani, closed the show by making his rounds and answering questions. He spent the offseason working out and preparing to pick up where he left off last season. He confirmed that he will be a member of team Japan for the 2026 World Baseball Classic but he will not be pitching for the team this March. Dave Roberts did confirm that is was Shohei’s decision to not pitch in the WBC and that the Dodgers would have allowed him to do so had he decided to take the mound for his country. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was not available at DodgerFest today but it is confirmed that he will also join Ohtani and Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic this upcoming March.

All in all, it was another successful DodgerFest. The crowd came out as always and the players looked excited and ready to get this season started. Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Friday February 13th with the rest of the team joining on Tuesday, February 17th.

The Dodgers will play their first Spring Training game on February 21,2026 at 12:10pm vs the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.