GLENDALE, Ariz. -- When the Dodgers departed Camelback Ranch, they essentially had only one roster decision remaining: Hyeseong Kim or Alex Freeland.
In somewhat of a surprise move, the Dodgers opted to carry Freeland, their No. 8 prospect per MLB Pipeline, on the Opening Day roster and have Kim begin the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Kim (11-for-27, .967 OPS) outperformed Freeland (5-for-43, .519 OPS) at the plate this spring, but questions remain about Kim's swing. He would likely benefit from playing every day, which he's unlikely to do at the Major League level. This also allows the Dodgers to see what they have in Freeland, who spent a month with the big league club last year and impressed with a disciplined approach at the plate this spring.
Throughout their time in Arizona, the Dodgers gained roster clarity as they learned who would and would not be available for Opening Day. They will have to tap into their depth early to account for an already-robust injured list featuring starters Blake Snell and Gavin Stone; relievers Brock Stewart, Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol; and utility men Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernández.
The team could still make changes in the days leading up to the regular season, but here's how the Dodgers' 26-man roster should look come Opening Day:
Catchers (2): Will Smith, Dalton Rushing
With Rushing backing him up about two days a week last year, Smith put together the best offensive season of his big league career. This year should bring a similar timeshare behind the dish, although the Dodgers may look for ways to get Rushing, their former top prospect, more playing time in order to unlock his bat.
First baseman (1): Freddie Freeman
While first base is one spot where Rushing could get more opportunities, Freeman tends to have the same goal every season: Play 162 games. Freeman has been a pillar of consistency in his four years as a Dodger, and the team expects nothing less from him in his age-36 season.
Second baseman (1): Miguel Rojas
This was the Dodgers' primary position battle with Edman out. Rojas, Freeland and Santiago Espinal should all see time at the keystone, and the team may very well not have a true everyday second baseman until Edman is healthy. Rojas is playing in his final big league season and will remain with the Dodgers in player development after retirement.
Shortstop (1): Mookie Betts
All of Betts' hard work in the previous offseason paid off when he was a Gold Glove finalist at shortstop in his first full season at the position. Now the question is whether he can get his bat back on track after a down year at the plate.
Third baseman (1): Max Muncy
Though there were times last year when Muncy's defense was called into question, his presence in the Dodgers' lineup was irreplaceable. That was apparent when the team's offense scuffled when Muncy had to miss a large chunk of the year due to a bone bruise in his left knee and a strained right oblique.
Utility/bench (2): Santiago Espinal, Alex Freeland
Espinal was signed to a Minor League deal at the beginning of Spring Training and wasted no time making a good impression. He is primarily an infielder, but he has some experience at the corner-outfield spots. The switch-hitting Freeland was mostly used from the left-hand side in his first stint with the Dodgers. In addition to playing second, he could also spell Betts at shortstop and Muncy at third.
Outfielders (4): Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, Kyle Tucker, Alex Call
The Dodgers addressed one of last year's weaknesses -- the outfield -- by going out and getting Tucker, the consensus top free agent. Their main question at this position group is who can back up Pages in center field, where the depth is lacking without Edman. Call has some experience in center and would appear to be Pages' main backup without Kim on the roster.
Two-way player (1): Shohei Ohtani
The four-time unanimous MVP will reprise his role as the Dodgers' leadoff hitter. After returning to pitching last June, Ohtani will begin this season as a member of the rotation as well. Because he has two-way status, he does not count toward the team's 13-pitcher roster limit.
Starting pitchers (4): Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Emmet Sheehan, Roki Sasaki
Given their early off-days, the Dodgers can get through the first couple weeks of the season with a five-man rotation, but they are still carrying a sixth-starter option on the Opening Day roster, Justin Wrobleski. Wrobleski will be a long reliever the first two or so turns through the rotation, after which he will likely shift to starting.
Relief pitchers (9): Edwin Díaz (closer), Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, Jack Dreyer, Justin Wrobleski, Will Klein, Ben Casparius, Edgardo Henriquez
The Dodgers are counting on Díaz to lock down the ninth inning and Scott and Treinen to rebound from a tough 2025 season. The bullpen as a whole is looking to bounce back from last year, when it was one of L.A.'s greatest weaknesses.