Will the Dodgers Go Back to Back?

In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers finally won their first World Series title since 1988. Clayton Kershaw finally won his World Series ring after 13 seasons wearing Dodger blue. Can the Los Angeles Dodgers go back to back?

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost Joc Pederson, Enrique Hernandez, Alex Wood, Jake McGee, and Pedro Baez in free agency this year, but re-signed their star third basemen, Justin Turner, and reliever, Blake Treinen. Chavez Ravine is also adding free agents, with 2020 Cy Young Award winner, Trevor Bauer, former Yankees reliever, Tommy Kahnle— who had Tommy John surgery— and reliever, Brandon Morrow; they also traded for a reliever, Corey Knebel. L.A also made smaller trades to improve their farm system which is already quite talented, producing many current outstanding players the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Kenley Jansen, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Austin Barnes and Will Smith, to name a few farm system studs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have an abundance of starters heading into spring training. They have Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Trevor Bauer, David Price, Julio Urias, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin… anyone’s pitcher “God-squad” to say the least. It is unsure if the Los Angeles Dodgers will try to trade David Price and his massive contract at the moment, but with this talented pitching staff, the Dodgers easily have a better rotation than the San Diego Padres and have the best rotation in baseball, without a doubt. Their bullpen has improved significantly over the past few years as well. With Kenley Jansen headlining, Brusdar Graterol, Victor Gonzalez, Corey Knebel, Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen, and Brandon Morrow, L.A has many weapons to showcase after their starters pitch. With seven starters, two can be added to the bullpen and be available to spot start. Just a quick stat, but don’t forget that the Los Angeles Dodgers has the best ERA of 2020, with a 3.02. They also had the most wins for pitching and lowest WHIP in baseball. If 2020 isn’t enough for you because it was only 60 games, here is 2019. Their staff had the best ERA at 3.37, the second most wins, seventh most strikeouts, and the best WHIP in baseball at 1.10. With the addition of Trevor Bauer, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a very good shot at winning the World Series back-to-back with this phenomenal pitching rotation.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have many veteran and talented hitters. Mookie Betts can pretty much do everything when it comes to hitting, fielding and running the bases. They also have Corey Seager, who won the 2020 World Series MVP, Justin Turner— the heart and soul of the Los Angeles Dodgers— and bats for average, Cody Bellinger— 2019 National League MVP and amazing defender/power hitter— who can play all over the outfield and first base. The Los Angeles Dodgers also have Will Smith, who is regarded as one of the best catchers in baseball. Not for nothing, but they also have Austin Barnes— a great defender behind the plate who many pitchers feel very comfortable with. Max Muncy— a power hitter— can play first, second, and third base while A.J. Pollock— who is a solid hitter when healthy— showed that 2020 was his year to hit. Chavez Ravine also has Chris Taylor who can play almost every position and Gavin Lux— who was recently the number two prospect in Major League Baseball— and has a lot of potential while also having solid bench bats in Edwin Rios and Matt Beaty. Another player who is looking to make the big league roster is Zach McKinistry. In 2019, McKinstry broke out in the minors posting 129 hits with 19 home runs and 78 RBIs. He slashed .300/.366/.516. In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a league leading 118 home runs and the second most RBIs in the MLB, tying for the highest slugging percentage in the league with a .483. The Dodgers also had the most runs with 349, the fifth highest slugging percentage at .338, the seventh most hits, and the fourth lowest strikeout total in the league, showing they are very patient hitters. If 2020 is not enough for you because it was only 60 games, here is 2019. The Los Angeles Dodgers were fourth in most home runs with 279— without a DH. They led the National League in homers, had the fifth most runs in the league with 886, had the fourth highest slugging percentage at .483, had the fourth highest slugging percentage at .472, and had the fourth most OPS with .810. These stats are with a pitcher hitting in mostly every game in 2019, so the Los Angeles Dodgers stats would have ranked even higher with a DH! With this hitting core, the Los Angeles Dodgers are set for another World Series matchup in 2021.

In my opinion, the Dodgers have the highest chance at winning the World Series in 2021. With proven hitting, amazing pitching, a decent bullpen, and so much depth in the majors that tout the likes of many young developing stars in the minors such as Josiah Gray, Keibert Ruiz, Zach McKinistry, Kody Hoese, Michael Busch, Bobby Miller, Luis Rodriguez, Garrett Cleavinger, and Wilman Diaz, the Los Angeles Dodgers will go back to the World Series and take home the Commissioner's Trophy. The energy in the clubhouse is always brilliant, so expect to see a lot of Dodgers highlights everywhere. 2021 will be another exciting year for the Los Angeles Dodgers… so stay tuned!