2022 MLB baseball season preview: Complete coverage

Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Walker Buehler and Shohei Ohtani side by side.

By Los Angeles Times staff

Published April 4, 2022 Updated April 6, 2022 1:57 PM PT

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With baseball’s seemingly traditional offseason lockout in the rear-view mirror for the foreseeable future, it’s time for the Angels, Dodgers and Major League Baseball‘s 28 other teams to “Play Ball!” on the 2022 season.

The Dodgers are widely considered a favorite to win the World Series after falling short of their goal last season. The Angels are considered among many to employ the game’s two best players, but will that be enough to dissolve their seven-year playoff drought?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball heading into the season.

Anaheim, California April 7 2022- Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws a pitch.

Hernández: Shohei Ohtani proves he’s capable of surpassing his MVP season feats

Shohei Ohtani put on an MVP encore in the Angels’ season opening loss to the Astros, showcasing an enduring 99-mph fastball and brimming confidence.

A cartoon drawing depicting a Dodgers player and a Braves player pointing at each other, inspired by the Spiderman meme

Remember the 90s Braves? Dodgers must win World Series to avoid comparison

If the Dodgers are to build a legacy and even start a conversation about a potential dynasty, they need to win more than just division titles.

Anaheim, California April 7 2022- Angels Mike Trout is forced out at second base.

Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout can’t save Angels from season-opening loss to Astros

Even with a healthy Mike Trout in the lineup, the Angels are held to four hits and struggle against Houston’s Framber Valdez in 3-1 loss.

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 05: Los Angeles Dodgers Freddie Freeman scores on a Max Muncy double in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels during a preseason game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. on what he’ll miss about Freddie Freeman: ‘Nothing’

Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman were the best players on the Atlanta Braves, but Acuña says he didn’t have much of a relationship with his teammate.

Collage of Mookie Betts, Walker Buehler, Max Muncy, Trea Turner, Clayton Kershaw and Freddie Freeman.

Guaranteed World Series winners? Dodgers still have plenty of questions to answer

The Dodgers might appear to be frontrunners to win the World Series, but the team has myriad questions about its pitching and hitting.

Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani (17) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, April 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

MLB makes Shohei Ohtani the face — and voice — of opening week

MLB is deploying Angels star Shohei Ohtani as its pitchman in a 30-second ad saluting the start of the new season featuring Dodgers and other players.

Angels’ Shohei Ohtani is ready for the 2022 season: ‘Aim higher and higher’

Shohei Ohtani and many in the Angels organization believe the two-way sensation can improve on his historic 2021 season.

Hernández: Dodgers, Angels shooting for it all this season

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts doubles down on championship guarantee while Angels manager Joe Maddon is hopeful for a World Series run.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Chris Taylor, right, stands with Max Muncy as the two take batting practice.

NL West preview: Can anyone stop the Dodgers from winning the division?

The Dodgers failed to win the NL West for the first time in nine years last season, but they are huge favorites to regain the crown in 2022.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard throws against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of a spring training baseball game, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

AL West preview: Angels hope improved pitching makes them a contender

The Angels made it a point to fortify their pitching staff in an attempt to win the AL West for the first time since 2014. The Astros remain the favorites.

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Will Smith and catcher Travis d'Arnaud celebrate after winning baseball's World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. The Braves won 7-0. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Commentary: Here’s the competitive balance reform MLB barely talks about

It’s all about winning the World Series tournament and Major League Baseball has now provided two more entries.

Clockwise from left: Dodgers pitchers Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías and Walker Buehler pitch during spring training.

Dodgers’ rotation has plenty of talent. But will a lack of depth haunt them in 2022?

The top of the Dodgers’ rotation — Walker Buehler, Julio Urías and Clayton Kershaw — could be among the best in baseball. But depth could be an issue.

Los Angeles Angels' Anthony Rendon (6) celebrates with Mike Trout, center right, after scoring during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, April 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Angels determined to show the skeptics they can compete for AL West title

The Angels think they have the team that can end their postseason drought at seven seasons, but they know their fans have heard that before.

Angels determined to show the skeptics they can compete for AL West title

The Angels think they have the team that can end their postseason drought at seven seasons, but they know their fans have heard that before.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 20: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Victor Gonzalez (81) comes on in relief in the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, May 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Slimmed down Victor González aims to tip the scales in his favor with Dodgers

After helping the Dodgers win the World Series, Victor González put on so much weight that it led to a poor 2021. He’s back in shape and ready to improve.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. --WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25, 2017: Dodgers fans wave souvenir towels.

After 42 years and a COVID delay, Dodger Stadium readies for All-Star moment

The Dodgers were supposed to host the 2020 All-Star game, but that was canceled by the pandemic. They’ll finally get it after waiting 42 years for another shot.

Shohei Ohtani bumps fists with Angels owner Arte Moreno

Hernández: Will Arte Moreno prove to Shohei Ohtani he’s fully invested in winning?

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani can be a free agent in two years, and Angels owner Arte Moreno must show him the organization can build a contender.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, beats the throw to Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy.

Commentary: Is this the end of the National League as we know it?

The designated hitter is now part of both leagues. Each team will play every other team in 2023. The days of the traditional NL and AL are over.

Commentary: It’s time for baseball to realign its divisions. Here’s what it should look like

With the lines between the American and National leagues being blurred, MLB has a great opportunity for division realignment in the future.

Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, runs out an infield grounder during the third inning of the team's spring training baseball game against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, March 24, 2022, in Tempe, Ariz. Ohtani was out. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

What’s the ‘Shohei Ohtani rule?’ A look at MLB rule changes for 2022 and beyond

The ‘Shohei Ohtani rule’ will benefit teams beyond just the Angels and their two-way star. Here’s a look at all the new rules coming to MLB this season.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman is congratulated by teammates in the dugout.

Dodgers betting preview: It’s World Series or bust

Looking for the smart money on the Dodgers? Betting against the Dodgers winning the World Series is an option. Betting on Julio Urías might be more lucrative.