Imagine this: while most Major League Baseball teams are already swinging bats and fielding balls, the Los Angeles Dodgers are just lacing up their cleats. Yes, you read that right—the Dodgers are the last team to kick off Spring Training in 2026. But here's where it gets interesting: this delay isn’t just about a late start. It’s a strategic move that could reshape how we view preseason preparation—and it’s sparking some serious debate among fans and experts alike.
For the first time since 2023, the Dodgers have a domestic Opening Day on their calendar, but their Spring Training schedule is anything but ordinary. While other teams in the Cactus League and Grapefruit League began their camps on Tuesday, the Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers won’t hold their first official workout at Camelback Ranch until Friday. The full squad isn’t expected to assemble until Tuesday, February 17, with a whopping 32 non-roster invitees joining the mix. These invitees aren’t just filler—they’re a blend of promising prospects, seasoned MLB veterans, and players bolstering the team’s depth. Among them are standout names like Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, and James Tibbs III, who could very well be the next big stars to watch.
But here’s the part most people miss: the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is throwing a wrench into the works. Players participating in the WBC had to report to their team camps earlier than everyone else. Pitchers and catchers were required to show up by February 11, while position players had until February 12. The WBC games run from March 5 to March 17, culminating in a championship game at loanDepot Park. The Dodgers have five players in the WBC mix: Edwin Díaz, Hyeseong Kim, Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Díaz, Kim, Ohtani, and Yamamoto have already been spotted at Camelback Ranch, putting in early work as required by their WBC commitments. However, the Dodgers are no strangers to players arriving in Arizona ahead of schedule—it’s practically a tradition.
But this year, things might be different. Max Muncy recently hinted at a shift in the team’s approach. After a grueling workload since 2024, players took a more deliberate, paced approach during the offseason. Muncy predicts that Spring Training 2026 will resemble the old-school model, where camp was a place to get into shape rather than a continuation of weeks of prior conditioning. This change could be particularly noticeable for players like Blake Snell and Tommy Edman. Snell, who battled left shoulder issues in the postseason, started his throwing program later than usual. Edman, meanwhile, is recovering from right ankle surgery and is prioritizing long-term health over immediate availability in Spring Training.
The Dodgers’ first Cactus League game is set for Saturday, February 21, with 29 games scheduled in Arizona before they break camp. They’ll wrap up their Spring Training with the exhibition Freeway Series from March 22 to 24. But the real question is: will this delayed, more measured approach pay off? Or will it leave the team playing catch-up when the regular season begins?
Here’s where the controversy lies: Is the Dodgers’ strategy a forward-thinking move to prevent burnout and injuries, or are they risking a slow start by not hitting the ground running like their competitors? And what does this mean for the future of Spring Training across MLB? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
