The Los Angeles Dodgers breezed to an 8-0 record to start the season, and looked every bit as dominant as they were projected to be. However, they’ve lost three straight series thanks in large part to leaky defense and inconsistent offense. This losing streak has earned them third place in the National League West. Here are three players who need to step up if the Dodgers want to resume their winning ways.
These Three Dodgers Need to Step Up to Get Them Back on Track
Max Muncy
Max Muncy has been the Dodgers’ secret offensive weapon in recent years. The left-handed third baseman lengthens an already dangerous lineup. His plate discipline and powerful stroke often lead to a high on-base percentage and home run totals in the 30s. This puts tremendous pressure on opposing pitchers as they search for outs. It is a given that the third baseman may not hit for a high average, but the slugging percentage makes up for it.
Unfortunately, so far this season, Muncy has struggled offensively. His batting average has sunk to .173. His on-base and slugging percentage hover .300 below their normal level. He has struck out 23 times in his last 49 at-bats. Perhaps more concerning is that he is swinging at pitches that are not in the strike zone. Furthermore, the subpar performance at the plate may be leading to errors in the field as well. If the Dodgers want to maintain offensive lethality, they need Muncy to add to their firepower.
Miguel Rojas
Miguel Rojas had his best year with the bat last season, before injuries slowed him down. However, his .161 average is a far cry from the .27o average he was posting in 2024. He also had a knack for coming through with runners in scoring position last season. That ability has yet to appear in 2025. Instead, the double play ball has been a bugaboo. To add insult to injury, Rojas’s normally steady glove has failed him as well. He has made crucial errors that have cost the Dodgers a couple of games during this below .5oo stretch of baseball. It would be helpful if the veteran and clubhouse favorite could positively contribute on the field. So far, the most notable way he’s done so is on the mound.
entire 8th of Miguel Rojas pitching #Dodgers #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/g9eRKLpKEG
— Lucasparmenter23 (@Lucasparmenter0) April 13, 2025
Andy Pages
Andy Pages won the only position battle up for grabs coming out of spring training. His reputation for pop against left-handed pitchers carried over from 2024. However, this year, that power hasn’t been turned on yet. Aside from a 3-for-7 stretch against the Washington Nationals, including two home runs, Pages is in an extended slump. The newly converted center fielder is hitting just .137 with a high strikeout rate. Manager Dave Roberts says Pages needs 150 at-bats before the young outfielder is judged. Apparently, Pages has more runway to stand or fall, but hopefully it’s not unlimited. Shohei Ohtani needs someone in front of him worth a quality at-bat. This doesn’t even take into account his defensive struggles that have given opponents extra runs.
Andy Pages had a 1-for-25 stretch, followed with a nice 2-hit day in D.C., but is 1-for-14 since
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) April 15, 2025
We are less than 20 games into the season, and it is impossible to win every game. However, good teams are much more than talent alone. If the Dodgers want to be great, everyone, including Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, and Andy Pages, must step up if the Dodgers want a legitimate chance at another ring.
Photo Credit: © Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
