Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Andy Pages had a breakout 2025 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he established himself as one of the most productive center fielders in baseball.
The 25-year-old hit .272/.313/.461 with 27 doubles, 27 home runs, 86 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 156 games during the regular season. His 4.1 FanGraphs WAR was tied for fourth among all qualified players at his position, and his 113 wRC+ also ranked in the top five.
However, Pages was unable to replicate that success in the postseason as he went just 4-for-51 at the plate. His struggles led to manager Dave Roberts benching him in Game 6 of the World Series, but he still wound up making an impact as a defensive replacement in the winner-take-all matchup.
Robert is hopeful that Pages’ game-saving catch can help him become a more confident player this season, via Doug Padilla of the Southern California News Group:
“I do think (the Game 7 catch) can add that confidence because he was a big part of what we did all year,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I hope that he learned from that last month, month and a half, whatever it was, and know he was still valuable to the end. He’s a confident young player right now.”
Pages credited the Dodgers coaching staff for helping him come out of his shell this spring:
“I think they were the ones that kind of inserted that in me,” Pages said. “I’ve been a little bit more quiet, on the more timid side, and they’ve kind of helped me, kind of guide me to be a little bit more outgoing, to have a little bit more expression. And I think they’re the ones that helped me with that confidence as well.”
Pages’ newfound confidence has translated to excellent results in Cactus League play thus far as he is hitting .350/.364/.600 with three doubles, one triple and four RBI in eight games.
Roberts has noticed a change in Pages’ work ethic and believes he is destined for a career year in 2026:
“Right now, he looks like a veteran ballplayer,” Roberts said. “I could think back to a few years ago when he didn’t really care for the weight room and really wasn’t the best worker. But now you look at him, and he values the weight room, being in shape, scouting and being prepared with the pitchers.
“He has turned himself into a Gold Glove caliber defender by working really hard. He has grown considerably. And he has, fortunately, had the luxury of being around a lot of great baseball players to learn from. I’m really proud of Andy, and I think he is going to have an even better year, I really do.”
Pages is set to return as the Dodgers’ starting center fielder this season, and if his early success is any indication, he may be poised for his first career All-Star selection.
Andy Pages decided against playing in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Pages’ commitment to getting back on track was especially evident when he decided against playing for Team Cuba in the 2026 World Baseball Classic in favor of preparing for the long season ahead with the Dodgers.
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