Shohei Ohtani’s Plan, Chris Taylor’s Future, Spring Training & More – Los Angeles Dodgers Mailbag

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a perennial powerhouse in Major League Baseball, continue to capture the imagination of fans and analysts alike. As the 2025 season looms, questions swirl around the future of key players, the state of the team, and how they plan to build a championship contender. In this Los Angeles Dodgers mailbag, we’ll dive deep into some of the most pressing questions facing the team, including the potential acquisition of Shohei Ohtani, the future of Chris Taylor, and what we can expect from Spring Training.

1. Will the Dodgers land Shohei Ohtani in 2025?

One of the biggest questions surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers in recent seasons has been whether they will be able to sign the two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani. The 2025 free-agent class includes the biggest name in baseball, and Ohtani is set to command a massive contract, especially after the spectacular seasons he had as both a pitcher and hitter. Ohtani’s skill set makes him an attractive option for nearly every MLB team, but the Dodgers, with their massive financial resources and historical success, are frequently linked to him.

Why the Dodgers are a strong contender for Ohtani:

• Financial Power: The Dodgers have one of the richest owners in MLB with Magic Johnson and the Guggenheim Baseball Management group. Their financial strength allows them to compete for any star player on the market. Ohtani will likely command a contract worth $500 million or more, and the Dodgers can comfortably fit that into their payroll structure.
• Proven Track Record: The Dodgers have a rich history of success and have built a winning culture. Since 2013, the team has consistently been in contention for the postseason, and with Ohtani’s unique two-way skills, he could be the piece that pushes the Dodgers over the top in the postseason. Ohtani’s addition could fill multiple roles, giving the Dodgers an even greater advantage in both their rotation and lineup.
• West Coast Ties: Ohtani has already established a home in Southern California, playing for the Los Angeles Angels. The Dodgers, located in the same market, could offer a more appealing environment both in terms of team success and a lifestyle he’s already familiar with.

However, there are a few challenges:

• Competition: The Dodgers will face stiff competition from teams like the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and other top-tier franchises. Ohtani will have his choice of teams, and his decision may come down to whether he values being part of a winning franchise or whether he wants a different challenge. The Dodgers will need to prove that they can offer him the best combination of success, compensation, and opportunity.
• Health: Ohtani’s two-way role, as both a pitcher and hitter, presents inherent risks. Teams, including the Dodgers, will have to weigh how much they are willing to invest in a player with such a unique workload. Given Ohtani’s incredible talents, however, it’s likely that the Dodgers would be willing to bet on his ability to remain healthy for years to come.

What to expect:

While there’s no guarantee, it’s clear that the Dodgers will be players in the Ohtani sweepstakes. Their financial resources, strong organizational structure, and recent success make them an appealing option. However, it will be a fierce battle, and Ohtani’s decision could come down to personal factors that are difficult to predict. Fans should be prepared for the possibility but also understand that many factors will influence this monumental decision.

2. What’s the future of Chris Taylor with the Dodgers?

Chris Taylor has been a key player for the Dodgers for several seasons, offering versatility in the outfield and infield. He has been a fan favorite due to his clutch performances, especially in the postseason, and his ability to contribute in various roles. However, as the Dodgers continue to reshape their roster, the future of Taylor has come into question.

Why there’s uncertainty around Chris Taylor’s future:

• Decline in Performance: Over the past few seasons, Taylor has shown signs of regression. After a career year in 2021, where he made the All-Star team and played a significant role in the Dodgers’ success, his production has dipped. Injuries and inconsistency at the plate have contributed to this decline. In 2024, his numbers were underwhelming, with a batting average hovering around .220, a far cry from his career norms.
• Roster Depth: The Dodgers have built a deep roster, especially in the outfield and infield. Players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and younger stars like James Outman and Miguel Vargas are becoming fixtures in the lineup. This leaves less room for Taylor to get regular playing time, especially if he’s not producing at the level the team expects.
• Contract Status: Taylor is signed to a significant contract that runs through the 2025 season. If his performance does not improve, the Dodgers might consider moving on from him, either by trading him or releasing him. However, his contract is somewhat expensive, and the team would need to find a trade partner who values his versatility and potential bounce-back.

What the Dodgers might do:

• Give him another chance: The Dodgers have shown a willingness to give players who have been integral to their success a chance to rebound. Taylor’s versatility and his proven ability to step up in big moments could keep him on the roster for at least another season.
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• Potential Trade: If Taylor continues to struggle, the Dodgers could explore trading him to a team in need of a utility player who can cover multiple positions. This would clear up space on the roster for younger, more productive players.
• Role Player: It’s also possible that Taylor becomes a bench player, where he could come in as a defensive replacement or a pinch hitter. While his role would be less prominent, he could still contribute in certain situations, particularly in the postseason.

Ultimately, Chris Taylor’s future will depend on his ability to bounce back in 2025. If he can return to his previous form, the Dodgers will likely keep him as a valuable contributor. If his struggles continue, however, the team may look to move on.

3. What can we expect from Spring Training?

Spring Training is always an exciting time for fans as teams prepare for the upcoming season. For the Dodgers, Spring Training in 2025 will be especially important as they continue to fine-tune their roster and make decisions about key positions.

Key storylines to watch in 2025 Dodgers Spring Training:

• Position Battles: There will likely be some fierce competition for positions in the lineup. The Dodgers have several promising young players, including prospects like Diego Cartaya and Andy Pages, who could push for spots on the roster. Additionally, the team will have to figure out who will take over as the primary second baseman with the departure of veteran players or the shift of others to different positions.
• Pitching Staff: With Clayton Kershaw nearing the end of his career, the Dodgers will be looking to ensure they have a strong pitching rotation in place. Julio Urías and Dustin May are expected to be central figures, but the team will also need to see how some of their younger arms like Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone perform in camp.
• Injury Updates: As always, health will be a major theme in Spring Training. The Dodgers will be monitoring the health of key players like Max Muncy, J.D. Martinez, and others to ensure they’re ready for the season. Injuries can often be the deciding factor in how a team’s season plays out, so keeping key players healthy will be a priority.
• Shohei Ohtani Watch: While Ohtani won’t be part of Spring Training unless he is signed by the Dodgers, his potential signing is something that fans will keep an eye on. If the Dodgers are able to land him, Spring Training would likely be a key moment in integrating him into the roster.

What to expect from the 2025 season:

Overall, Spring Training for the Dodgers will be a time to fine-tune their roster and make decisions on who will fill important roles for the season. They’ll also look to develop younger players and ensure their veterans are in top shape. While some of these decisions may be difficult, the Dodgers are in a good position to remain one of the top contenders in MLB in 2025.

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2025 season with more questions than answers in some areas, but they are still one of the most well-rounded and talented teams in the league. Whether they land Shohei Ohtani, find a way to keep Chris Taylor productive, or solidify their roster during Spring Training, they have the resources and talent to compete for a World Series title. Dodgers fans should stay excited, as this team is built to contend for years to come, with the possibility of a few key decisions making the difference between another successful season and a championship run.