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The Los Angeles Dodgers have a vast array of pitching depth heading into 2026, and one name within the organization is standing out as a breakout player.
Right-hander Emmet Sheehan played a key role in the 2025 season after battling injuries, and he ended up being a major help to a rotation that was missing key players throughout the year.
In the postseason, he moved to the bullpen out of necessity, and while he was not as effective, Sheehan was at least an option that did not instill fear in fans or manager Dave Roberts.
His play has him pencilled in for a spot in the rotation to open up the season, especially with Blake Snell easing his way back onto the mound and Shohei Ohtani getting a bit of extra rest.
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Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning during game one of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
With the platform to take on a bigger role, Eno Sarris of The Athletic named Sheehan in his list of breakout pitchers heading into the year, citing that pitch models are big fans of his work.
“The 26-year-old righty checks all of the boxes we set up top, though. He has an out-pitch in the changeup that is also a great weapon against lefties. He commands his fastball well, and he has a decently wide arsenal,” Sarris wrote.
“There’s one unanswered question, and he shares it with the next pitcher on this list: How good is his slider? The Stuff+ model says it’s below average, but his results on the pitch were great last year (.162 BA, .212 SLG) and not propped up by luck (.230 xSLG).
“The prospect grades on the slider were average to below-average, and things like batting average and slugging against aren’t predictive.
“So, does he have the tools to get righties out? Turns out, yeah, even if the slider takes a step backwards, he probably does. The Stuff+ model says his changeup is nasty against same-handed hitters. Probably true.”
Emmet Sheehan’s slow start to Spring Training
While Sheehan has the organization’s trust, he is facing a setback: an illness that has prevented him from participating in Spring Training, putting his availability for the opening of the season in question.
According to The Athletic’s Katie Woo, the team is not concerned about his preparation as of late February.
“One of the pitchers penciled in for a starting role was Emmet Sheehan. That remains the plan, but Sheehan’s spring has been set back after the right-hander missed multiple days with an illness,” Woo wrote.
“Sheehan has yet to appear in a Cactus League game, but the Dodgers believe he still has time to ramp up to their targeted pitch count.”
Dodgers fans should be excited about Sheehan’s emergence and what he can offer an already deep rotation.
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