Tim Rogers
We continue our annual truths series (see post-2023 version) as we look at what the Dodgers will look like after the World Series win of 2024. Following up their second championship in five years the team has a chance to look pretty similar to 2024’s team.
This will be the seventh season I have written a “Dodgers Truths” article. Just compare it to last season’s article and you will be blown away by the changes over the last twelve months. The 2023-2024 off-season saw players like JD Martinez, Ryan Pepiot, Jonny DeLuca, David Peralta, Shelby Miller, Julio Urias, Victor Gonzalez, Bryan Hudson, Michael Busch, Yencey Almonte, Caleb Ferguson and Lance Lynn.
They were replaced by players that missed 2023 like Gavin Lux, Walker Buehler and Blake Treinen. Players acquired were headlined by some big names including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Teoscar Hernandez. Others included James Paxton and prospects Jackson Ferris, Zyhir Hope and Justin Chambers. Mid season acquisitions included Tommy Edman, Jack Flaherty, Michael Kopeck and Kevin Kiermeier.
2025 Truths
They Figured Out The Long Layoff Problem
For both 2022 and 2023 the Dodgers had systematic failures on dealing with the post-season layoffs. Max Muncy explained how it all came together:
What the Dodgers did was to commit to those three weeks of the playoffs. They spent all day at the stadium together, they had a separate plane from management and their families and they were committed to each other. This was 100% player driven.
Too Many Major Pitching Injuries
Over the season, the Dodgers lost top young pitchers to season ending injuring; Emmet Sheehan, Kyle Hurt, River Ryan and Nick Frasso. Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto missed significant time. This feels like an epidemic. The Dodgers are not sure what to do and that is a major item to address over the next few years.
Dave Roberts Will Be Manager For As Long As He Wants
Dave Roberts said he was feeling like he might not survive a first round loss to the Padres. What happened after the Dodgers fell behind two games to one changed everything. The management staff, lead by Doc, was masterful over the rest of the series as they managed to deal with just three starting pitchers. When those pitchers faltered, it all fell onto the bullpen.
The was Dave managed the bullpen was masterful. Bullpen games were a necessity and sometimes were unplanned due to a starter getting removed early. Things were so bad that there were two games in the NLCS and one in the WS where the Dodgers held back on some of their pitching.
Well done Dave Roberts!
Freddie Freeman Is The Model Of A Player You Want On Your Roster
Freddie Freeman became a legend with his grand slam in game one of the WS. Freeman endured one of the roughest seasons a player could have. His son, Maximus, was stricken with Guillain-Barre syndrome soon after the All-Star break. Once he came back he suffered from a finger fracture, a rib muscle tear and a severely sprained ankle. Yes, he fought through it all to become The World Series MVP and a Dodgers’ legend.
There Are Some Key Dodgers’ Free Agents
Walker Buehler, Teoscar Hernandez, Enrique Hernandez, Blake Treinen, Jack Flaherty and Joe Kelly! Those are some valuable pieces to the team with most of them being very key players in the post-season. Who will they re-sign?
Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts Changed Their Post-Season Narrative
Mookie Betts was one of the top Dodgers hitters throughout the post-season. A session of Brent Honeywell throwing fastballs down the middle seemed to do the trick. This happened after Betts seemed to really be feeling the pressure after the first three games against the Padres.
We already spoke about Freddie Freeman above.
The Dodgers Need Healthy Pitching
As stated above the Dodgers have some major pitching health issues. They were somehow able to navigate the huge problem to a division and World Series championship in 2024. In 2025, my bet is they don’t want to have to go down that path again. “You can never have enough pitching” and “Pitchers break”.
There Could Be A World Series Hangover
Playing late into October gives the team a shorter break between the end one season and the beginning of a new one. Remember, the Dodgers open in Japan and it is earlier than normal (again). I am concerned about extra toll on the pitching.
Shohei Ohtani Will Most Likely Pitch In 2025
Shohei Ohtani has been getting close to being ready to face batters at the end of the 2024 season. The only question will be, will he be a starter or reliever. Expect him to steal a lot less bases in 2025.
The Farm System Is Still Strong
Catcher Dalton Rushing is knocking at the door as he is learning to play left field. The Dodgers are looking for a place to play home. Edgardo Henriquez climbed from Low-A all the way to the big leagues and even made two of the playoff rosters. He should be a big part of the 2025 bullpen. Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris were acquired in the Michael Busch trade and are lighting up the farm system. It could go down as an all-time great trade. There are prospects at the lower parts of the farm system that are exciting. We will cover them during the next few months.
2025 Payroll
According to Sportrac, the Dodgers already have a luxury tax payroll of over $250 million, which is already $9M into the penalty area. Their numbers include estimates for arbitration awards so it is a pretty good estimate. It also DOES NOT include any of the free agents like Teoscar Hernandez. The good news is, the Dodgers are printing money.
2025 Questions
Where Does Mookie Betts Play?
Mookie Betts will play either right field or second base. Where he plays will impact other players such as Gavin Lux, Andy Pages and Tommy Edman.
Will Gavin Lux Get Another Chance At Shortstop?
If Betts plays at second base then what happens to Lux. Will he get a chance to play shortstop or will they trade him?
The Outfield
With Teoscar Hernandez a free agent, the outfield is wide open. Candidates on the roster for outfield spots include Andy Pages, Tommy Edman (right now starting SS), Mookie Betts and James Outman.
What Significant Free Agents Might The Dodgers Try And Acquire
I believe that all the current Dodgers’ free agents are good candidates to return.
Pitchers: Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Yusei Kikuchi, Max Fried, Nick Martinez, Tanner Scott, Jeff Hoffman, Luis Severino
Infielders: Willy Adamas, Ha-Seong Kim
Outfielders: Juan Soto, Anthony Santander
Of course, the Dodgers will be looking into many lower cost free agents. They like the cheaper high risk, high reward pitchers and are always looking to find a bargain.
Outlook For 2025
The defending champions are well positioned to try and repeat. The Dodgers are now a team that players want to play for. Look how they helped raise the visibility and profile of Teoscar Hernandez. If they can acquire some healthy pitching and get a bit of luck with returning pitchers like Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and the great Clayton Kershaw.
Is this just the beginning?
