Over the past decade, the Los Angeles Dodgers have set the benchmark in roster-building across Major League Baseball. Renowned for sparing no expense in acquiring marquee free agents and unapologetically trading blue-chip prospects for established big-league talent, the Dodgers have consistently produced top-five farm systems year after year. Their formula for success has included drafting brand-name talent from MLB drafts and international classes, along with discovering hidden gems like Chris Taylor and Justin Turner.
This strategy has led the franchise to enjoy remarkable success, experiencing only two losing seasons since 2000. The Dodgers have recorded 90 or more wins every year since 2013 (except for 2020), with three 100-win seasons, nine NL West titles in the past decade, three World Series appearances, and one championship.
However, the 2023 season has a different feel around Chavez Ravine. The team has seen considerable turnover, with Trea Turner now playing in Philadelphia, Justin Turner in Boston, and Cody Bellinger in Chicago. Additionally, starting pitchers Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney have departed for the AL West, while Max Scherzer left after the 2021 season. Complicating matters further, Walker Buehler is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Gavin Lux is out for the year.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers have not made any blockbuster moves in trades or free agency this winter, choosing to rely on their in-house talent. When MLB kicks off, the Dodgers’ first four opening games will be against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team will be able to showcase their skills and prove themselves early in the season.
April and May Schedule
The Dodgers’ season officially begins on March 31st, when they will host the Arizona Diamondbacks, home at Dodger Stadium. They will face the Diamondbacks again on April 1st and travel to Chase Field on April 2nd. Fans can expect an exciting game from both teams.
On April 4th and 5th, the Dodgers will play against the Colorado Rockies at home in both games and then from April 7th to 9th, they will be at home again, this time against the Diamondbacks. The team will look to start strong and maintain its momentum.
The Dodgers’ schedule continues with a game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park from April 11th to 13th, followed by a home game against the Chicago Cubs on April 15th and 16th. The team will then have three consecutive home games against the New York Mets from April 18th to 20th.
From April 21st to 23rd, the Dodgers will travel away to Wrigley Field to play against the Chicago Cubs, followed by three away games against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park from April 25th to 27th. The team will then travel to Busch Stadium to play the St. Louis Cardinals on April 29th and 30th, followed by hosting the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on May 2nd and 3rd.
The Dodgers will play against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park from May 6th to 8th before traveling away to American Family Field to play against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 9th and 10th. As May progresses, the Dodgers will play two consecutive home games against the San Diego Padres on May 13th and 14th, followed by two home games against the Minnesota Twins on May 16th and 17th.
The team will then travel East for a nine-game road trip beginning at Busch Stadium to play the St. Louis Cardinals from May 18th to 21st. It’s straight to Atlanta for a three-game set against the Braves and then a day off before heading down to Tampa for three more games. The Dodgers close out May with a three-game homestand against the Washington Nationals.
World Series Odds and Prices
For the first time in four seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers are not the favorites to win the World Series. Leading online bookmakers, including the official 10CRIC sports betting site, have the Los Angeles Dodgers as the second odds-on favorite team to win the World Series outright, behind the Houston Astros.
A closer look at the odds reveals that the Houston Astros are the current +600 favorites, with the Dodgers currently at +700, followed by the Atlanta Braves at +750. Rounding out the top five for the 2023 MLB season are the New York Yankees +850 and the New York Mets +900. Last season the Dodgers were the +550 favorites to open the season.
For those looking beyond the top five teams, the Dodgers division rival San Diego Padres are +1000, the Toronto Blue Jays are +1200, and the defending National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies are +1500.
