Eric Stephen is the managing editor of True Blue LA, where he's covered the Dodgers since 2009, providing comprehensive analysis of and commentary on the team, their performance, player payroll, old friend alerts, spring training ties, three-inning saves, and even the minutiae of every single roster transaction.
In addition to writing about the Dodgers, Eric is the host of two podcasts on the True Blue LA feed. Leading Off is the weekly podcast co-hosted by Jacob Burch that has delved into the ins and outs of the team since 2013. The Lineup is a daily morning podcast in season that reacts to the news and notes of each day.
Growing up in Palm Springs, Eric watched the Dodgers thanks to the guidance of his two older brothers, and has watched baseball intently (some would rightfully say obsessively) since 1985, when his first favorite player, Pedro Guerrero, tied a record by hitting 15 home runs that June.
Eric’s favorite player of all-time is Eddie Murray, who hit .330/.414/.520 for the Dodgers in 1990. He led the majors in batting average that season but did not win a batting title because Willie McGee’s .335 batting average with St. Louis stood after the outfielder was traded to Oakland in late August, a fact that Eric is still sore about over three decades later.
Eric has worked in a variety of roles for SB Nation and Vox Media. He ran SB Nation Los Angeles, was an assignment editor and copy editor for SB Nation, and wrote about all sports nationally for SB Nation. He has been a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America since 2016, and has covered 10 postseasons and three World Series.
Mookie Betts & Freddie Freeman, a Dodgers duo
It’s rare that the Dodgers have had two position players as good as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman at the same time. Both will finish in the top three in NL MVP voting. Here’s a look at their seasons plus context in franchise history.
2023 review: Dustin May
Dustin May looked very promising to begin the 2023 season, looking like he was fully back after Tommy John surgery. But after only nine starts his season was over, and another elbow surgery will keep the Dodgers right-hander out until midseason 2024 at the earliest.
Dodgers add Knack, Frasso & Feduccia to 40-man roster
The Dodgers added prospects Landon Knack, Nick Frasso, and Hunter Feduccia to the 40-man roster, protecting them from December’s Rule 5 Draft.
Dave Roberts finishes 5th in MOY vote
Dave Roberts of the Dodgers finished in fifth place in National League Manager of the Year voting in 2023. He was named on 15 ballots, including four first-place votes for the award.
James Outman 3rd in Rookie of the Year vote
Dodgers center fielder James Outman finished third in the vote for National League Rookie of the Year, an award that went to Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll.
2023 review: Luke Williams
Luke Williams was a non-roster invitee who played four games at shortstop for the Dodgers in April, and even pitched a mop-up inning at Wrigley Field. Here’s a look back at the utility man’s 2023 season, which ended playing for Atlanta.
Dodgers final Arizona Fall League stats
A look at the final Arizona Fall League stats for various Dodgers prospects, including standout performances by Ronan Kopp, Ben Casparius, and Yeiner Fernandez. Plus a look at a pair of minor league free agents who excelled for Double-A Tulsa in 2023.
2023 review: Blake Treinen
Blake Treinen did not pitch in the majors in 2023 after recovering from shoulder surgery the previous November. The Dodgers right-hander has been limited to only six major league innings over the last two seasons.
Notes: James Outman, Rule 5 Draft, Corey Seager
Dodgers notes include James Outman finishing third in NL Rookie of the Year voting by Baseball Digest, a look ahead to the Rule 5 Draft, a deep dive into Corey Seager’s approach, and Jon Weisman has a new book.
Thoughts on the Dodgers starting rotation
Some news and thoughts on Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Dustin May, and the Dodgers starting rotation plans for this offseason.