The Los Angeles Dodgers roster underwent significant turnover during the offseason as multiple longtime contributors signed elsewhere in free agency, including Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner and Trea Turner.
The Dodgers did not make a splashy acquisition to replace any of the aforementioned names but nevertheless added a handful of players to improve their roster. Among the newcomers are Jason Heyward, J.D. Martinez, David Peralta, Miguel Rojas and Noah Syndergaard.
Despite losing several big names, L.A. still projects to be one of the better teams in baseball this season as PECOTA and ZiPS have them either winning or tying for first place in the National League West.
As full-squad Spring Training workouts got underway, manager Dave Roberts believes there is a different vibe to the Dodgers and said his group of players look sharp out of the gate, per Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times:
“Our guys, even early on — I mean, it’s been less than a week — but there’s a different edge. There’s an edge to this group.”
Roberts has fully embraced the new wave of players in camp this year, which he conveyed in his first message to the team at Camelback Ranch. “This is a hungry group, a focused group,” Roberts said.
“Like I said, I love this group. I love this team. It’s going to be fun to watch you guys come together.”
Roberts also emphasized a need for his players to individually and collectively maintain a daily focus throughout the regular season.
Dave Roberts believes Dodgers prospects & youth will provide energy
In addition to the new faces on the roster, the Dodgers are expected to receive contributions from a slew of prospects and young players this season. The group includes Michael Busch, Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, James Outman, Gavin Stone and Miguel Vargas, among others.
Roberts believes this type of infusion in the Dodgers clubhouse will provide a different feel that could be needed.
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