The Los Angeles Dodgers wasted no time making moves this offseason after capturing another World Series title. However, in their spring training opener on Thursday, they were outmatched by my beloved Cubs, who cruised to a 12-4 victory. It was just the first game of spring, but it was a reminder that no matter how much talent is on the roster, chemistry and execution will take time to develop. The Dodgers enter the season as the defending champions with a different look, and it’s clear that they are once again going all in to chase another title.
One of the most significant storylines of the offseason was the uncertainty surrounding franchise icon Clayton Kershaw. After spending his entire career in Los Angeles, the veteran left-hander entered free agency, leading to speculation about whether he would return or seek a fresh start elsewhere. Ultimately, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $16 million deal, ensuring that he remains a fixture in the only organization he has ever known. It’s a relief for Dodgers fans, who have watched Kershaw dominate for over a decade, collecting Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and finally getting the elusive championship in 2020. While injuries have limited him in recent years, he remains a stabilizing force in the rotation and a key clubhouse leader. Kershaw’s return provides the Dodgers with both familiarity and experience, but he wasn’t the only player who had a decision to make this offseason. The Dodgers saw a couple other key contributors depart in free agency. With a team so loaded with talent, tough decisions had to be made, and some familiar faces found new homes.
The front office wasted no time making moves to ensure there was no drop-off in production. Blake Snell was the first major signing, giving the Dodgers another left-handed ace to bolster the rotation alongside Kershaw. However, Snell has shown he can be dominant but he has a history of injuries himself, making his durability a key concern for the Dodgers. Bringing back Blake Treinen was another critical move, as the hard-throwing reliever provides a veteran presence in the bullpen. Injuries have hampered him in recent years, but when he’s at his best, he’s capable of shutting down opposing lineups late in games.
The offense also received a major boost with the additions of Michael Conforto and Teoscar Hernández. Conforto, after missing time with injuries, looks to bounce back and provide a steady left-handed bat in the outfield. Hernández brings power and versatility, something the Dodgers have always valued in their lineup construction. The infield saw one of the most intriguing acquisitions of the offseason when the team signed Hyeseong Kim from Korea, adding a dynamic middle infielder with speed and elite defensive skills. His presence could shift some pieces around, but he brings an element of athleticism that the team has lacked in recent years.
One of the most electrifying additions was the signing of Roki Sasaki, the Japanese phenom who has been making waves with his triple-digit fastball and devastating off-speed pitches. The Dodgers have had success with international signings in the past, and Sasaki could be the next star to emerge from their system. It won’t be surprising if he follows a similar path to what Shohei Ohtani did in his early years, gradually adjusting to Major League Baseball while flashing moments of dominance. Tanner Scott was another key addition, giving the bullpen another hard-throwing lefty who can handle high-leverage situations.
The Dodgers weren’t just active in free agency; they also made several trades to retool the roster. A deal with the Reds sent Gavin Lux to Cincinnati in exchange for center fielder Mike Sirota and a draft pick, a move that adds outfield depth and flexibility. Another trade with the Reds saw outfield prospect Arnaldo Lantigua moved for future considerations. The trade with the Twins involved the departure of catcher Diego Cartaya in exchange for right-hander Jose Vasquez, bolstering the Dodgers’ pitching depth. These moves reflect a front office that isn’t just focused on the present but also on keeping the farm system strong and ensuring long-term success.
Here’s the thing folks: For all the changes, the expectations remain the same. The Dodgers are built to win now, and anything less than another deep playoff run will be considered a disappointment. The first spring training game was a reminder that there will be growing pains along the way, but with the amount of talent on this roster, it’s hard to imagine them not being in the mix come October.
With that… While Cubs fans like me might have enjoyed watching them stumble out of the gate, the reality is that the Dodgers are still one of the most dangerous teams in baseball. Their offseason moves only reinforced that.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!