Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes on Spring Training: Focus on What’s Controllable, Don’t Be Swayed by Outside Opinions

The star-studded roster has set high expectations for the Los Angeles Dodgers entering spring training, a fact known to all. Recently, GM Brandon Gomes expressed optimism about the team’s talent and the camp atmosphere to the media, but his answers consistently centered on one key point: smartly managing energy, staying focused, and preparing the entire squad for the long season ahead.

“There’s a lot to look forward to,” he told reporters. “I feel really good about the team’s makeup this year. We’ve positioned ourselves well to chase another World Series title. The guys have great energy right now, full squad workouts are about to begin, and I’m genuinely excited.”

Even for a seasoned team like the Dodgers, uncertainty always lingers as winter turns to spring. When asked if there were pressing questions needing answers, Gomes declined to engage. “A lot of it is about continuously making sure our players stay healthy,” he cautiously said. “Obviously, it’s fantastic to start as early as possible and finish as late as possible. Now, the focus is on smartly advancing our preparation so the players are ready for another long season.”

Addressing the so-called “World Series hangover,” Gomes acknowledged the possibility but remained optimistic. “We managed it pretty well last year,” he said, then added, “I can’t say we played our best baseball all year, but the key is keeping players focused. It’s everyone’s responsibility to pay attention to details and maintain concentration so the intensity doesn’t drop.”

Gomes noted that the front office and coaching staff’s primary focus will be on the pitching staff. “Making sure our starters build up their energy correctly, progress smoothly, and feel good after every bullpen, live batting practice, and game. This spring training is a bit longer than in previous years, so if needed, we have more flexibility to adjust for the players. Besides the exciting games, the World Baseball Classic has given us a longer spring training window, so we don’t have to start the season so early, which provides a buffer for player readiness.”

Discussing Yoshinobu Yamamoto and other Dodgers players participating in the Classic, Gomes admitted it “adds a bit of uncertainty,” but he doesn’t seem too worried about accelerated preparation. “Yamamoto is a consummate professional and very well prepared. We’ll make sure he’s ready as much as possible before the season. He’s been through this before. As long as we put him in a good position and ensure he feels good throughout, it’s fine. His pace might be a little faster to get into games, but treating those appearances as preseason preparation is very helpful.”

Shohei Ohtani’s situation is more dynamic, Gomes explained. “I think it largely depends on communication and available resources. Ohtani is unique; no one plays like him. We can’t just say ‘we’ll follow a fixed plan.’ It requires communication and seeing what resources are at hand. The good news is, any level of preparation he achieves is beneficial. We won’t overemphasize the early season; the key is ensuring he’s ready for the long haul.”

The third Japanese star, Roki Sasaki, entered spring training focusing on developing a third pitch beyond his fastball and splitter. But Gomes doesn’t see this as a “problem.” “He’s fully capable,” said the GM. “We’ve already seen a lot of good things: his sinker and cutter. In the past, his fastball and splitter were dominant. Last year, I think he wasn’t always at peak health except toward the end of the season. What we see now is that he looks really, really good. His bullpen sessions have been excellent, and his ball movement is strong. He’s adding to his arsenal with the cutter and sinker. If he can execute his fastball and splitter as before, that’s already an incredible foundation. Adding anything on top of that only makes it tougher for hitters.”

Gomes described 2025 as an “adjustment period” for Sasaki but believes all challenges have been met and overcome, adding, “I’m really looking forward to seeing Roki’s performance this year.”

Regarding the two players recently signed this week, Kiké Hernández and Evan Phillips, Gomes remains optimistic but acknowledges both will need time to get going. He said Hernández “is recovering well and should be swinging the bat soon. We’ll proceed very cautiously with his rehab to ensure when he returns, he’s not only healthy but fully ready to play.”

Phillips’ situation is similar. “Probably around midseason,” Gomes said when asked about the reliever’s return timeline. “It depends entirely on his progress and whether there are any setbacks once he begins the full Tommy John rehab process on the mound. He feels great now, his pitching looks solid, and his physical condition is strong. To some extent, we view him as a trade deadline reinforcement.”

When the topic shifted to comments from division rivals Bryce Harper and Manny Machado regarding Dodgers’ spending and operations, Gomes credited the team’s foundation rather than anything else. “The support from ownership has been incredible and consistent,” he said. This enables them to “be in a position to meet needs and help us… try to win championships again.” He acknowledged the Dodgers “signed two truly elite players with big contracts,” but also pointed out “there’s a competitive market,” and these players choosing Los Angeles “reflects the team culture built by the coaching staff and players.”

Gomes made it clear he does not seek external praise. “I don’t care about that at all,” he said when asked if fewer complaints felt good. When follow-up questions tried to frame such compliments as recognition, he redirected to his sole measure of success. “We don’t look for outside validation,” Gomes stated. “Validation is winning championships, assembling the best possible team each year. What we strive for is to improve a little every season… Whatever people say, good or bad, that’s not something we worry about.”