In a clubhouse filled with superstars earning nine-figure contracts, the most indispensable player for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season might be the one making close to the league minimum. While Shohei Ohtani commands headlines and Freddie Freeman keeps adding to his offensive legacy, it’s 24-year-old Andy Pages who is quietly shouldering a huge share of the offensive load.
With 52 RBI heading into Sunday’s series finale against Washington, Pages has become the team’s most reliable run producer — a remarkable achievement for a player who was hitting .137 just two months into the season. The 52 RBI lead the team, his 16 home runs rank second and his .292 batting average sits third.
From Struggling Sophomore to All-Star Candidate
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. On April 15, Pages was hitting .137, with defensive miscues and baserunning mistakes that added to his early struggles. For many young players, such a start might have meant a ticket back to the minors. But manager Dave Roberts saw something others missed, continuing to give Pages everyday opportunities even as his batting average sat below the Mendoza Line.
The turning point came during a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates in late April. Pages entered that series batting .183 and managed to raise his average to a healthy .277 by the end of it, collecting 10 hits over the three games. From that moment, the floodgates opened, and Pages never looked back.
The breakthrough wasn’t just about mechanical adjustments or confidence — it was about mentorship. Veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernandez took Pages under his wing during the early season struggles.
“We’re not talking about what he’s doing wrong, or the slump he’s in,” Hernandez explained. “Just trying to tell him: ‘OK, let’s try this. Or that. Whatever it is for you to feel good with what you’re doing on the field.’”
The relationship blossomed into what Roberts describes as “big brother, little brother,” with both players pushing each other to new heights.
Picking Up the Slack When It Mattered Most
Pages’ emergence couldn’t have come at a better time. When Freeman and Teoscar landed on the injured list at various points during the first half, Pages stepped seamlessly into a larger role. Rather than being exposed as a weak link in a championship-caliber lineup, he elevated his game to match the moment.
His recent consistency has been perhaps his most valuable trait. While other young players might show flashes of brilliance followed by extended cold streaks, Pages has maintained a steady production that allows the Dodgers to weather injuries and rest days for their aging superstars. His ability to play all three outfield positions with improved defense has made him an even more valuable asset.
“He has confidence now,” Hernandez said. “Sometimes when you’re not hitting really good, and especially when you’re young, you don’t give that extra focus that you need on defense.”
That defensive improvement has been crucial for a team that prides itself on fundamentals.
All-Star Worthy in a Crowded Field
The numbers speak for themselves when compared to other National League outfielders. Among qualified NL outfielders, Pages is tied for first in batting average, third in RBI, fourth in home runs, fifth in slugging percentage, and sixth in OPS. These aren’t just respectable numbers for a second-year player — they’re All-Star caliber statistics in any season.
Roberts hasn’t been shy about his assessment: “He’s just really swinging the bat well. Confidence is a big thing, and he’s playing with a lot of confidence. He is playing like an All-Star.”
Yet Pages remains grounded about his potential selection to his first Midsummer Classic. “It would be amazing. It would be a great feat,” Pages said through an interpreter. “But it’s out of my hands. If I get in there, it would be awesome. If I don’t, it’s nothing I can control.”
This mature perspective reflects a player who understands that individual accolades are secondary to team success — a mindset perfectly suited for championship baseball.
The X-Factor for October
As the Dodgers navigate a season filled with pitching injuries and lineup shuffles, Pages has provided the one thing championship teams need most — reliable production from unexpected sources. Pages has already surpassed his rookie season totals in home runs and RBI, establishing new career highs in less than half a season. He has homered four times and racked up 10 RBI over his past seven games, showing no signs of slowing down as the season progresses.
Perhaps most importantly, Pages has proven he can handle the pressure of playing meaningful games for a championship contender. In a clubhouse where expectations are always high and the margin for error is slim, he has thrived under the spotlight.
The Missing Piece That Wasn’t Missing
What makes Pages’ story even more remarkable is how perfectly he complements the club’s roster of established stars. While Ohtani showcases unprecedented skills and Mookie Betts, Freeman and Teoscar deliver the veteran leadership, Pages brings the hunger and fearlessness that can only come from a young player with everything to prove.
His production hasn’t just been a pleasant surprise — it’s been essential to the Dodgers maintaining their grip on first place despite a season already filled with adversity. In a game where depth often determines championship success, Pages has provided the kind of impact that can’t be easily replicated through trades or free agency.
But baseball history is littered with players who had breakout first halves only to fade when the pressure mounted or opposing pitchers adjusted. Young players, no matter how talented, can experience sudden cold streaks that derail promising seasons. Pages’ early season struggles serve as a reminder of how quickly things can change for developing players.
The Test Ahead
As the season enters its final stretch and the playoffs loom, the Dodgers will lean on their superstars to carry them to another championship. The question is whether Pages can maintain this torrid pace when every game matters more and the spotlight burns brighter. His maturity and approach suggest he can, but there are no guarantees in a sport where yesterday’s hero can become tomorrow’s question mark.
For the first half of 2025, Pages has provided exactly what the Dodgers needed when they needed it most. Whether his success continues through October remains to be seen, but his current numbers have already exceeded every reasonable expectation and given the organization a glimpse of what their future might look like.