Dodgers' Hope hammers pair of homers, delivers mantra: 'Be you. Be free.'
This browser does not support the video element.
With the calendar turned to July, Zyhir Hope is enjoying a remarkable power stretch.
The Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect continued his hot hitting Wednesday night with his third multihomer outing of the season in Double-A Tulsa’s 7-3 win over Springfield at ONEOK Field. Following the performance, Hope is now up to 18 long balls in 2026, including five in his past six games. A five-RBI performance extended his lead across Double-A in that category with 76 on the season.
MLB’s No. 19 prospect smashed a two-run shot into the right-field bullpen in the third against Springfield righty Blake Aita (Cardinals). He won a left-on-left matchup with reliever Jack Findlay in the eighth with a three-run blast – landing in nearly the same spot as the first homer -- that gave Tulsa valuable insurance in the win.
Hope is a consistent presence in the lineup, hitting .289 with an .883 OPS so far this season. He did dip down, relatively struggling in June when he hit .218 with a .739 OPS. That’s made his July start of 15-for-30 (.500) all the more impressive.
Despite the recent turnaround, Hope says there's been no change in approach.
“I don't think anything has really changed,” Hope told MLB.com. “It's just a game, you know what I'm saying? I got a great group around me. We just play ball, not think about anything -- just play ball.”
Tulsa’s lineup looks borderline unstoppable at times when Hope follows fellow elite prospects in Josue De Paula (LAD No. 1/MLB No. 4) and Mike Sirota (LAD No. 2/MLB No. 11), who will represent the Dodgers in the All-Star Futures Game on Sunday. Operating with those types of hitters setting the table creates nightly opportunities to produce.
“I'm grateful, man,” Hope said. “To be around this team and the group of guys around me, we all push each other. We all push each other to become better every single day. It's fun. We don't think about anything but just playing ball, just having a good time.”
“It's talent, man,” Hope added on De Paula and Sirota. “It's everywhere. Like baseball is baseball, talent is everywhere in my opinion. It's just who they are. Good people, just go out and get a win. That's what it’s about. Just win.”
Hope continues to stand out among a loaded Double-A unit. His ability to impact the baseball pushes his development in the right direction -- as does a healthy environment of competition.
“Just being simple,” Hope explained. “Not thinking about the outcome, just being in the moment. Be in the moment in that moment. Hitting in the moment is something I can control and not the results, that type stuff. But that's about it right there. Don't think a lot. Be you. Be free.”