Becoming Andy: How Andy Pages Transformed His Game, His Mindset, and His Path to Potential MLB All-Star Stardom

Becoming Andy: How Andy Pages Transformed His Game, His Mindset, and His Path to Potential MLB All-Star Stardom

In April, Andy Pages was at a crossroads. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ promising sophomore was stuck in neutral, struggling to find his footing both at the plate and in the outfield. After an exciting rookie debut that teased his immense power and athletic potential, Pages entered his second season with high expectations—but the results weren’t coming.

He wasn’t just chasing pitches; he was chasing answers.

The Cuban-born outfielder, signed by the Dodgers as a teenager, had always been known for his raw tools: a lightning-quick bat, a cannon for an arm, and the ability to launch baseballs into orbit when everything clicked. But the start of the 2025 season was humbling. The long home runs were scarce. His timing felt off. Defensively, routine plays seemed to require extra effort. Pages found himself pressing, trying to do too much. Each misstep compounded the pressure.

“I was trying to be perfect at everything,” Pages admitted to Dodger Insider in a recent feature. “When you do that, sometimes you forget how to just play.”

That’s when a conversation with a pair of Dodgers coaches changed everything. The message was simple yet transformative: Separate your game. Attack hitting and defense with different mindsets. Be present, focused, and aggressive at the plate. But when you’re in the field, shift your brain—play free, trust your instincts, and let the game come to you.

It sounds basic, but for a young player in the glare of Los Angeles under constant scrutiny, compartmentalization can be the difference between spiraling and soaring.

“I was carrying a bad at-bat with me to the outfield, and if I made a mistake on defense, I’d bring that back to the plate,” Pages reflected. “It was all connected in a negative way. But when they told me to separate it, to flip the switch, that’s when everything changed.”

The results spoke for themselves.

After a sluggish April in which Pages batted under .200 with sporadic playing time, May ignited his season. He started seeing the ball better, laying off borderline pitches, and tapping back into the power that made him a top-100 prospect. His defensive confidence followed suit. No longer distracted by offensive struggles, he took better routes, made quicker reads, and showcased the arm strength that had scouts raving during his rise through the Dodgers’ system.

By mid-June, Andy Pages wasn’t just holding down a spot on the roster—he was one of the Dodgers’ most impactful players.

Over a blistering six-week stretch, he slugged .540, launched 12 home runs, and drove in 30 runs, helping stabilize a lineup that had been hit with injuries and inconsistency. His defensive metrics improved significantly, and highlight-reel plays became more frequent. Suddenly, the same fans and analysts who wondered if he belonged were talking about him as a legitimate All-Star candidate.

“He’s evolving right in front of our eyes,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s about maturity, and he’s showing that. Andy’s talent has always been there—it’s the mental side that’s unlocked his full potential.”

Pages’ breakout has also fueled conversations about his long-term future in Los Angeles. With perennial stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman anchoring the team, the Dodgers have always prized young, controllable talent to balance their veteran core. Pages, still only 24, fits that mold perfectly. His combination of age, athleticism, and now demonstrated resilience makes him a critical piece of the franchise’s present and future.

But Pages isn’t getting ahead of himself.

“Right now, I’m just playing baseball, staying in the moment,” he said with a smile. “The All-Star talk is cool, but for me, every day is a chance to get better.”

That mindset reflects the growth Pages has shown off the field as much as on it. Growing up in Cuba, Pages dreamed of playing in the Major Leagues but knew the odds were long. His journey to the United States came with sacrifices, language barriers, and the pressure of being away from family. In the Dodgers’ minor league system, he learned English, adapted to a new culture, and honed his game under the watchful eyes of a demanding organization.

Teammates speak highly of his work ethic and humility. Veteran players like Betts and Max Muncy have mentored him, providing guidance on handling pressure, adjusting to big-league pitching, and embracing the grind of a 162-game season.

“You can tell he listens. He’s not stubborn, he wants to improve,” Betts noted. “He had a rough patch, but he didn’t let it define him. That says a lot.”

The ability to reset mentally, to compartmentalize struggles, is often what separates promising players from true stars. Pages’ early-season slump could have derailed him, especially given the media spotlight and expectations that come with wearing Dodger blue. Instead, he embraced the challenge, made adjustments, and is now seeing the fruits of that work.

Statistically, his growth is undeniable. His on-base percentage has climbed by nearly 70 points since May 1. His isolated power ranks among the league leaders for outfielders under 25. Defensively, his range factor and outfield assists have both improved dramatically. The once-raw prospect is evolving into a well-rounded contributor, earning praise not just for his bat, but for his all-around impact.

As the All-Star break approaches, Pages remains in the conversation—not just among fans but within the clubhouse, where his confidence is palpable.

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know there’s more,” Pages said. “This is just the beginning.”

His transformation has mirrored the Dodgers’ own season trajectory. After a rocky start filled with injuries and inconsistency, L.A. has surged back into contention, powered by both established veterans and emerging stars like Pages. His ability to step up has provided depth, energy, and a glimpse into the franchise’s future.

The idea of Andy Pages representing the Dodgers at the Midsummer Classic would have seemed far-fetched back in April when he was grinding through hitless stretches and defensive miscues. But now? It feels earned, deserved—a testament to perseverance, coaching, and personal growth.

For Dodgers fans, Pages’ rise offers hope that the next wave of homegrown talent is ready to carry the torch. For Pages, it’s validation—and a reminder of the lesson that changed everything:

Separate your game. Free your mind. Play your way.

The results speak loudly.

Becoming Andy, indeed.

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