2021 MLB Team Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers finally did it. After years of falling short, they finally won the World Series. After a huge offseason, they’re again a contender. They somehow landed Trevor Bauer in free agency and again are seen as the team to beat. Can they deliver and become the first back-to-back World Series winner since the New York Yankees in 2000? Let’s take a closer look at their season.

What Happened Last Year

The Dodgers had finished the regular season with a 43-17 record and an eighth consecutive division title. That record was also locked in as the best win percentage since the Cleveland Indians back in 1954. Los Angeles didn’t just stop in the regular season though, they cruised their way through the postseason by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0, the San Diego Padres 3-0, the Atlanta Braves 4-3 and finally the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2. Claiming their first World Series since the 1988 MLB season. 2020 was also the first year that Mookie Betts was on the Dodgers roster after a blockbuster trade in the offseason prior. He played in 55 games this past season and impressed, becoming a large factor in their success as the year had went on.

Offseason Changes

The Dodgers were able to make a number of moves after winning it all last season. They started their offseason be renouncing their rights on pitcher Jimmy Nelson, making him a free agent. Then they signed pitcher Tommy Kahnle to a two-year, $4.75 million contract and resigned another pitcher in Blake Treinen to a two-year, $17.5 million deal. Cody Bellinger will also be a member of the Dodgers next year on a one-year, $16.1 million contract. The Dodgers were also able to swoop up catcher Austin Barnes on a two-year, $4.3 million deal. Lastly, they resigned third baseman Justin Turner to a two-year, $34 million deal after he entered free agency.

2021 Outlook

As of right now the Dodgers are the early favorites to repeat at Word Series Champions in 2021. They still have shortstop Corey Seager who was able to win multiple awards last season, if he can stay healthy, he can provide an extra boost to this team. Los Angeles also was able to snag Zach McKinstry, a player who can play a variety of positions including second, shortstop and third base. He is currently in the minor league, but his potential has a lot of Dodger fans excited about the future. Not to mention the fact that this team has two excellent pitchers in Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. With most of their talent returning in 2021, there is no reason to believe that this team will not be able to make another strong run. They will have some things to figure out as the season progresses but with the amount of talented depth that they have on their current roster, it shouldn’t be that much of an issue for them.

Pick: 1^st In National League West