The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently facing an intriguing scenario with multiple contenders vying for spots on the Opening Day roster. This unexpected situation creates excitement and uncertainty as fans eagerly anticipate the decisions that will shape the team for the upcoming season.

One of the notable players in this mix is Hyeseong Kim, who recently signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers. However, his position on the Opening Day roster is not guaranteed, raising questions about his readiness and performance. The pressure is on as he competes for a crucial spot on the team.

Read more: The potential for Hyeseong Kim to miss the Opening Day roster has sparked a wave of competition among players as they vie for limited opportunities.

General Manager Brandon Gomes expressed the uncertainty surrounding the roster, stating, “There’s so much unknown between now and Opening Day, seeing how the roster plays out and how he looks.” This highlights the dynamic nature of roster decisions as the team prepares for the season.

Manager Dave Roberts added his perspective, emphasizing that Kim is currently in a competitive environment where he must prove himself to earn a place on the team. “Right now, he’s in a competition to earn a job with us. So I would say that’s still all in play, and we don’t need to make a decision right now,” he remarked, indicating that the final decisions may come down to the wire.

In addition to the intense competition among position players, the Dodgers also have significant vacancies in their bullpen. Three essential relievers—Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Michael Grove—are anticipated to miss Opening Day, creating ample opportunities for other pitchers to showcase their talent and secure a spot on the roster.

Furthermore, the race for the final spot in the starting rotation is heating up with three players in contention: Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Bobby Miller. As the season opener in Japan approaches, the pressure mounts, and fans are left speculating about how these competitions will unfold.

As the Dodgers gear up for their season opener in Japan, we explore five bold predictions regarding how these competitions will influence the roster, along with a couple of bonus predictions that fans should keep an eye on.

More news: Stay updated with the latest insights as Dave Roberts shares reports on Roki Sasaki from Dodgers camp, adding another layer of excitement to the team’s preparations.

1. Hyeseong Kim Starts Season in Minor Leagues

This prediction, while perhaps less daring than it would have been just a week ago, still carries weight. The prospect of Kim not making the Opening Day roster would be surprising given his recent contract. However, the Dodgers recognize the need for him to adapt to major league pitching, leading to the decision to start him in the minor leagues to refine his skills. So far, his spring performance has been underwhelming, with just 1-for-12 at the plate, including five strikeouts and one single, indicating that he has work to do to earn a spot.

2. Andy Pages Opens Season on Opening Day Roster

With Kim likely starting the season in the minors, this opens the door for Andy Pages—who recently hit a home run—to secure a position on the Opening Day roster. Pages had a solid rookie season, hitting .248 with 13 home runs, 46 RBIs, and an OPS of .712 across 116 games. His performance in the National League Championship Series included a memorable two-home-run game, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset for the team moving forward.

What to Watch For: While this prediction is tentative, if Eddie Rosario continues his impressive showing, he could emerge as a dark-horse candidate to join the team as a left-handed option, potentially replacing Kim if he remains in the minors.

3. Tommy Edman is the Dodgers’ Starting Second Baseman

With Kim in the minors and Gavin Lux currently with the Cincinnati Reds, the Dodgers find themselves in urgent need of a second baseman. This creates an opportunity for Tommy Edman, who was expected to begin the season as the center fielder. Edman will shift back to the infield while Kim continues to develop in the minors. This transition allows Pages to have ample opportunities in center field, with Edman also filling in and Kiké Hernández and Chris Taylor sharing the duties at second base.

4. Tony Gonsolin Wins No. 5 Starter Competition, Dustin May Opens Season in Bullpen

This prediction marks the first on the pitching side, suggesting that Tony Gonsolin will secure the No. 5 spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation due to his impressive performance in spring training. This leaves Dustin May out of the starting lineup, but the Dodgers plan to utilize him in a relief role at the start of the season. If injuries arise, they could transition him back into a starting position, demonstrating the team’s flexibility in managing their pitching staff.

5. A Non-Roster Invite Makes the Opening Day Bullpen

With three positions opening up in the bullpen, it’s anticipated that at least one of these spots will be filled by a non-roster invite. Emerging right-handed pitchers Luis Garcia and Giovanny Gallegos are both in contention for the bullpen, and one of them is likely to make the roster, allowing them to travel to Japan for the Opening Day festivities.

Bonus prediction: Ben Casparius makes the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster.

Casparius has been impressive during spring training, showcasing his skills and performance in the spotlight. Given the number of injuries within the team, he is expected to secure one of the final spots in the bullpen, a testament to his hard work and potential.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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