Dodgers’ Best Players of 2026: 3 Surprising Stars Fueling Early Success

3 min read
Dodgers’ Best Players of 2026: 3 Surprising Stars Fueling Early Success

Dodgers’ Best Players of 2026: 3 Surprising Stars Fueling Early Success

Through the first 31 games of the 2026 season, three unexpected Dodgers are outshining the superstars. From Andy Pages’ bounce-back to Dalton Rushing’s elite hitting and Justin Wrobleski’s 1.50 ERA, see who is fueling LA's early success.

Dodgers’ Best Players of 2026: 3 Surprising Stars Fueling Early Success

Through the first 31 games of the 2026 season, three unexpected Dodgers are outshining the superstars. From Andy Pages’ bounce-back to Dalton Rushing’s elite hitting and Justin Wrobleski’s 1.50 ERA, see who is fueling LA's early success.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a blistering start in 2026, and while superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman grab the headlines, it's three unexpected names who are quietly fueling the team's early success. Through the first 31 games, these players are not just holding their own—they're outshining the big names.

First up is Andy Pages, who entered the season with questions about his postseason offense. But the outfielder has answered emphatically. After a scorching start that even earned him early MVP whispers, Pages has settled into a rhythm that still places him among the National League's elite. His .321 batting average ranks fifth in the NL, and he's top ten in hits (36) and RBIs (25). What's more, his hard-hit percentage of 53.5% beats 92% of MLB players, while his arm strength and fielding run value rank in the 97th and 89th percentiles, respectively. Pages is proving he's not just a flash in the pan—he's a complete player.

Then there's Dalton Rushing, the backup catcher who also sees time at first base and designated hitter. Though he hasn't logged enough at-bats to qualify for league leaders, Rushing is making every plate appearance count. According to FanGraphs, his wRC+ of 244 is a staggering 78 points higher than the next-best Dodger, Max Muncy (166). In 52 plate appearances, Rushing is slashing .348/.423/.848 with 16 hits and 17 RBIs. But it's not just his bat that's turning heads—Rushing has developed a reputation for getting under opponents' skin. After a play at the plate left Giants' Jung Hoo Lee shaken, Rushing was caught on camera appearing to say "f— 'em." He later took a fastball to the ribs and responded by sliding hard into second base. This kind of edge is exactly what a championship team needs.

Finally, left-hander Justin Wrobleski is making a case for the rotation's most reliable arm. With a sparkling 1.50 ERA through his first few starts, Wrobleski is giving the Dodgers length and stability when they need it most. His ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off-balance has been a revelation, and he's quickly becoming a fan favorite for his gritty performances on the mound.

As the Dodgers continue their march toward October, it's clear that depth is their greatest weapon. While the stars will always shine, it's players like Pages, Rushing, and Wrobleski who provide the foundation for sustained success. For fans looking to rep their favorite under-the-radar stars, now's the time to grab that jersey—because these names won't stay under the radar for long.

Like this article?

Order custom jerseys for your team with free design

Related Topics

Related News

Back to All News