Young Dodgers Shine in Opening Series

LOS ANGELES — Last season, the Dodgers received significant support from rookies and younger players, a trend that continued in the opening series of 2026 at Dodger Stadium.

Alex Freeland, who debuted in the majors last season, secured a spot on the opening day roster, edging out Hyeseong Kim for the role. He made an impactful start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, hitting a home run, a double that contributed to the winning run, and participated in two relay plays, successfully throwing out runners at home plate and third base.

Freeland sports number 76, a common sight among young Dodgers wearing higher uniform numbers. Fans often wonder when these players will adopt more traditional numbers.

In response to this inquiry, Freeland expressed a desire to switch numbers but noted that he’s uncertain how to go about it, indicating, “I’d like to change it, but maybe when I get a little more service time.”

Back in May 2024, three young Dodgers changed their numbers, moving from initial assignments to more conventional ones. Andy Pages shifted from 84 to 44, Gavin Stone transitioned from 71 to 35, and Michael Grove changed from 78 to 29. However, current players seem content with their assigned numbers.

Ben Casparius, wearing number 78 since 2024, stated, “I haven’t really thought about it at all,” noting the sentimental value behind his number. Grove has also embraced his number, saying, “To be honest, I haven’t given too much thought into it. It does feel like my number.”

A notable high number phenomenon has emerged in baseball; previously, no Dodger wore above number 77 until Manny Ramirez took number 99 in 2008. Emmet Sheehan is the only Dodger ever to don number 80, and many current players, like Justin Wrobleski in number 70, see their high numbers as a badge of honor, choosing to remain with them due to superstitions or personal significance.