When looking at the Los Angeles Dodgers, there are a number of players who can be pinpointed as leaders both on and off the field.

But, what does it look like to be a leader for the Dodgers, a team and organization going for its third straight World Series title in 2026?

Obviously, it includes being involved in the day-to-day activities of the ballclub. It also probably means speaking up when things are not going well. Or, even offering words of encouragement when things are going great.

There's a fine balance between what does and does not work as a leader. Part of being a leader is also knowing the fine nuance of the mental aspects of whatever sport a leader is playing in as part of a team.

The Athletic, thanks to its team at Peak, put together a list of the 40 most admired sports athletes from 2025. In putting together this list, Peak interviewed a wide variety of coaches and players from around the world.

Their results were not just baseball-specific. People like LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, women's basketball coaches Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma, and NFL head coaches Andy Reid and Dan Campbell also made the list.

As for the Dodgers, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts were mentioned in the story. But also getting kudos from Peak were Dodgers players Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.

Regarding Ohtani, the article stated: "Ohtani does not speak loudly. However, his professionalism and respect for the sport speak volumes. In addition to the championships with the Dodgers, he led Japan to a World Baseball Classic championship in 2023."

On Ohtani, former UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field, a voter in the poll, said, "Not only is Shohei Ohtani the greatest baseball player in history, his servant’s heart, respect and gratitude are on display in everything he does."

What about Betts? The article stated: "Betts has won four World Series -- one with the Boston Red Sox and three with the Dodgers -- all while playing all over the field: right field, shortstop and second base."

Additionally, Travis Ishikawa, former MLB outfielder and voter in this poll, said, "His willingness to play multiple positions where the team needs him to go. He plays loose and looks to enjoy himself out on the field. No matter how good or how bad he is playing, he plays the game hard and the right way with respect."

Dignity, respect, hard work, and a willingness to lead both on and off the field apparently received high marks from those who voted in the Peak poll.

Look for Ohtani and Betts to keep providing their leadership skills to the ballclub. Don't be surprised if Friedman keeps making tweaks to the Dodgers' roster, while Roberts brings it all together on the baseball diamond this season.

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