There’s Been a Massive Change to the Dodgers’ Beat After Unexpected Announcement
In the world of Major League Baseball, “roster turnover” usually refers to the 40-man list of players, the coaching staff, or perhaps the front office executives. However, in a stunning end-of-year development, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat has undergone its most significant transformation in a decade—and it has nothing to do with who is taking the field.
The announcement that has sent shockwaves through the Southern California media landscape involves a mass exodus from the Los Angeles Times, the arrival of a heavy hitter from a National League rival, and the launch of a controversial new publication that aims to change how the “Blue Crew” is covered forever.
The End of an Era at the LA Times
For years, the trio of Jack Harris, Dylan Hernández, and Bill Plaschke served as the authoritative voices of Dodgers coverage for the Los Angeles Times. Whether fans agreed with their takes or not, the “Gray Lady of 1st Street” was the undisputed primary source for timely, comprehensive Dodgers news.
That era came to an abrupt halt this week. Dylan Hernández and Jack Harris both announced they are leaving the LA Times to join the California Post, a new West Coast equivalent of the New York Post [1.1].
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The Departure: Harris, a staple on the beat since 2019, and Hernández, known for his sharp (and often polarizing) columns, are spearheading this new venture.
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The “California Post”: Operating under New York Post editor-in-chief Keith Poole, the publication is expected to launch in early 2026. It promises a more aggressive, tabloid-style approach to MLB coverage—a stark contrast to the traditional broadsheet style of the Times [1.1].
“I really feel like this place is going for it,” Hernández told reporter Tim Kawakami. “For the era we’re in right now, with all the turmoil in our business, this is the move.”
A Major Addition: Katie Woo Joins the Beat
While the LA Times is losing its veterans, The Athletic has countered with a blockbuster acquisition of its own. In an unexpected twist, Katie Woo, the longtime and highly respected St. Louis Cardinals beat writer, announced she is moving to Los Angeles to cover the Dodgers [1.2].
Woo’s arrival is seen as a major win for Dodgers fans. Known for her deep analytical dives and human-interest storytelling in St. Louis, she joins Fabian Ardaya to form what many consider the most formidable reporting duo in baseball journalism [1.2].
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The Homecoming: A California native, Woo’s move to the Dodgers beat is a personal return to her roots.
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The Impact: With the Cardinals entering a “reset” phase under Chaim Bloom, Woo’s move to the “most powerful team in the sport” signals a shift in national media focus toward the Dodgers’ attempt at a historic three-peat in 2026.
Why This Matters for Fans
This isn’t just “inside baseball” media news; it fundamentally changes how fans will consume information about the team during the 2026 season.
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Tabloid Competition: With the California Post entering the fray, expect a surge in “scoop-driven” journalism and potentially more inflammatory headlines designed to mirror the fierce Yankees/Mets media environment in New York.
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Diverse Perspectives: Between Woo’s analytical approach, the Post’s aggressive stance, and the remaining staff at the LA Times, the sheer volume of Dodgers coverage is reaching an all-time high.
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Political and Cultural Shifts: As noted by Dodgers Way, the move is already proving divisive. The LA Times and the Post represent vastly different editorial philosophies, and fans may find themselves choosing their “news source” based as much on tone as on content [1.1].
The 2026 Media Landscape
As the Dodgers prepare for the 2026 season—a year defined by the return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound and the pursuit of a third consecutive title—the stakes for the media have never been higher. The “massive change” to the beat ensures that every move by Andrew Friedman and every decision by Dave Roberts will be scrutinized by more eyes, and more varying viewpoints, than ever before.
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