The Los Angeles Dodgers unofficially kicked off the 2026 season Saturday with DodgerFest and the number of fans in attendance was revealed.
Dodgers part-owner Magic Johnson thanked the 30,000 fans that attended the highly-touted event on social media.
The event, held at Dodger Stadium, is the team’s fan festival that launches the new season. DodgerFest 2026 featured several activities from player interviews to meet-and-greets to interactive games.
Dodgers stars including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman were all in attendance for DodgerFest. All three former MVPs spoke about the previous season and what they’re looking forward to in 2026.
Shohei Ohtani Won’t Pitch in WBC
Ohtani spoke to reporters about his upcoming participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. While he didn’t completely shut down the idea of pitching for Team Japan, manager Dave Roberts revealed the two-way star will not take the mound in the tournament.
“Well, he’s not gonna pitch in the WBC, but he will be ramping up his arm to get ready for this season and I think for me is I don’t know how many innings he threw last year, but obviously with the full offseason going north of what he did last year,” Roberts said.
“I wasn’t surprised, so I can’t even say I was relieved. I think that he wants to, understanding what he did last year, what he had to go through to then, how best to prepare himself for 26 to do both, it just seemed like the right decision, so I wasn’t surprised and feel really good about it.”
Mookie Betts Wants to Play Shortstop For Dodgers Until He Retires
Betts, as always has lofty ambitions for the 2026 season and beyond. While he was a Gold Glove finalist in his first full season as the Dodgers shortstop, he told reporters that he wants to play the position for the remainder of his career.
“I’m a hundred percent sure I’ll be able to. I keep my body in really good shape, and so, at that age, you know, the argument is, ‘Yeah, you’ll slow down’ or whatever, but nah, I’ll be fine,” Betts said at DodgerFest Saturday. “I work out and do everything it takes to be successful to be able to move. And I understand that’s what I got, you know? I have to be able to move and stay agile. I’ll be able to play.”
Freddie Freeman Revealed Why He Won’t Play in WBC
Freeman won’t represent Team Canada in the WBC after withdrawing from the tournament. He provided a cryptic reason for his absence.
“I feel great. Body feels great. Canada knows. It’s a personal reason. You guys will probably hear about it in a month or two. But they’re very supportive,” Freeman said.
“I told them why I wasn’t able to go out there to Puerto Rico and be that far from my family, I needed to be close to California. That’s all I’ll say, but it’s personal, and I’m sure you guys will hear about it in a month.”
