Dodgers Embrace Viejitos Identity After Age Criticism
Los Angeles players formed a veteran group dubbed the Viejitos following disparaging comments from Padres owner Jose Feliciano.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Baseball
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Following comments by San Diego Padres owner Jose Feliciano labeling the Los Angeles Dodgers players as dinosaurs, the team has embraced the nickname by forming a veteran group called the Viejitos. Miguel Rojas confirmed the group consists of five veteran Dodgers players.
Why it matters
The formation of the Viejitos highlights how the team internalizes and responds to external criticism regarding their roster age. The group serves as a rallying point for veteran players who hold the highest average age in the league.
In 2026, the Dodgers led Major League Baseball with an average roster age of 30.8. The Viejitos group is composed of five key veteran players.
The players
Miguel Rojas
He is a veteran professional baseball player who recently announced his retirement from the sport.
Jose Feliciano
He is the owner of the San Diego Padres who purchased the franchise in 2026.
Mookie Betts
He is a veteran Los Angeles Dodgers player identified as a member of the Viejitos group.
Freddie Freeman
He is a veteran Los Angeles Dodgers player identified as a member of the Viejitos group.
Max Muncy
He is a veteran Los Angeles Dodgers player identified as a member of the Viejitos group.
The details
The veteran players responded to the dinosaur comments by wearing themed shirts to signal their unity. Miguel Rojas, who announced his retirement, identified Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, and Kike Hernandez as the other members of this internal group.
Timeline
In 2026, Jose Feliciano purchased the San Diego Padres.
During October 2026, Miguel Rojas appeared on MLB Network to discuss the group.
Roster age remains a team talking point throughout 2027.
Season Trajectory
The Dodgers' emphasis on veteran experience marks a departure from typical roster rejuvenation strategies seen across the league. This veteran-heavy construction will dictate the team's off-season pursuit of younger talent as they navigate the 2027 season.
The team's average age of 30.8 suggests that front office decisions regarding contract extensions and free agent signings will be heavily scrutinized by fans. The continued focus on the Viejitos indicates that veteran performance will be the primary barometer for team success in 2027.
The takeaway
Embracing a label used as an insult can foster team unity and strengthen clubhouse chemistry during high-pressure seasons. Veteran players often find motivation by turning external skepticism into a shared internal identity.
Further reading
For more on the current team dynamics, visit the Los Angeles Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dodgers Nation.
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