The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to success. As one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, the Dodgers have won seven World Series championships and twenty-four National League pennants. After getting bounced out of the playoffs early in 2022, the team is looking to bounce back in a big way in 2023, and as they have been for the last decade, enter the season as a top contender for the World Series.
One of the main reasons for the Dodgers’ success over the years has been their ability to develop talented players. The team has a deep pool of homegrown talent, including pitchers Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Julio Urias, position players Will Smith and Gavin Lux, and up-and-coming players Brusdar Graterol, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Edwin Rios, and Miguel Vargas.
Los Angeles has also been aggressive in adding to this home-grown core, acquiring Mookie Betts via trade with the Boston Red Sox and Chris Taylor from the Seattle Mariners, picking up a diamond in the rough Max Muncy off waivers, and by signing Freddie Freeman last season, and adding free agents J.D. Martinez and pitcher Noah Syndergaard this past off-season.
General Manager Andrew Friedman hopes these additions offset the losses of Trea Turner and Justin Turner from a team that won 111 games last season.
World Series Favorites
Despite a relatively quiet off-season, the Dodgers remain among the most well-rounded teams in the league, with a potent offense, solid defense, and exceptional pitching staff. As a result, many experts predict that the Dodgers will be one of the top teams to beat in 2023.
According to the latest odds for those who like to gamble online, the Dodgers are among the favorites to win the 2023 World Series, with their odds at +750. That puts them slightly behind the defending champion Houston Astros (+600) and the New York Yankees (+650) and alongside the New York Mets (+750) as the top four teams expected to compete for the title. The San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves round out the top five teams at +1000. This is the first time the team hasn’t been the top favorite heading into the season since 2018.
Anything Can Happen
Of course, as any baseball fan knows, the game is full of surprises, and anything can happen throughout a long season. Injuries, slumps, and unexpected breakout performances can all play a role in determining the outcome of the season.
However, the Dodgers are a team that is built to weather these types of challenges. With a deep and talented roster, a seasoned coaching staff, and a winning culture, the Dodgers have what it takes to compete with the best teams in the league.
One factor that could give the Dodgers an edge in 2023 is their experience. Many of the team’s key players have been to the postseason multiple times and know what it takes to win when the stakes are high. This type of experience can be invaluable when the pressure is on in October.
The Dodgers will also be playing in one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. The National League West features several talented teams, including the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres. The Padres, in particular, will look like a be a thorn in the side of Los Angeles, as they signed all-star free agent Xander Bogaerts, extended pitcher Yu Darvish, and outfielder Juan Soto. However, the Dodgers have shown time and time again that they are up to the challenge of playing against top competition.
Dodgers fans will watch closely as the season gets underway to see how the team performs. With a strong core of talented players, solid pitching, and an experienced coaching staff, the Dodgers are well-positioned to make a serious run at the World Series in 2023.
