No team epitomizes the "win-now" mentality more than the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since their last World Series title in 2020, the team has continuously positioned itself as a contender, making moves and spending lavishly to keep their championship window wide open. The Dodgers haven't missed the playoffs since 2012, a testament to their sustained excellence, yet their hunger for another pennant persists—they last won it in 2020.
A High-Stakes Offseason
Last offseason, the Dodgers made headlines by opening their wallets wide, acquiring the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Teoscar Hernández. "The Dodgers spent a veritable truckload of cash last offseason to land the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Teoscar Hernández in both free agency and trades," reads a statement reflecting their aggressive strategy.
The team currently sits in first place, living up to their billing as one of baseball's elite squads, despite dealing with a slew of injuries. Mookie Betts and other key figures are sidelined, yet that hasn’t dampened the front office's resolve. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes remarked, "Recent injuries to the team didn't change how they'd operate in front of the trade deadline."
Injury Woes
While the Dodgers have shown resilience, their current roster is a tapestry of injured stars. Yamamoto, Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Walker Buehler are all on the injured list. Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Emmet Sheehan add to the list of key pitchers unavailable. Even Bobby Miller, despite a promising season, was optioned back to the minors. The current rotation now comprises James Paxton, Landon Knack, Gavin Stone, and Justin Wrobleski, a makeshift crew shouldering the burdens of a championship chase.
Yet, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Glasnow is expected to start Wednesday, while Kershaw aims for his 2024 debut on Thursday. Returns from injury of Betts, Max Muncy, and Jason Heyward also help alleviate some concerns about lineup depth.
Trade Deadline Dynamics
Given their predicament, the Dodgers are expected to be active before the trade deadline. Gomes and his team are likely to explore a variety of options to bolster their rotation and bullpen. "Everyone could use bullpen depth, including the Dodgers," underscores their need for reinforcement.
Potential targets include top-tier talents like Mason Miller, who could be on the Dodgers' radar if available. Tarik Skubal, under team control through 2026, represents a highly valuable asset if the Tigers decide to sell. Garrett Crochet, an All-Star with a breakout season, is another attractive option. The Dodgers might also consider veterans like Chris Bassitt or Kevin Gausman, who remains under contract through 2025 and 2026 respectively. Unconventional choices like Erick Fedde, excelling for the White Sox after a stint in Korea, shouldn't be dismissed either.
One name that has already surfaced in trade discussions is Edgardo Henriquez, potentially a key piece in any prospective deal. The Dodgers have shown a willingness to part with prized assets, as evidenced by their trade of Ross Stripling two years after his All-Star season. With prospects Diego Cartaya and Dalton Rushing honing their skills at Triple-A and Double-A, respectively, the Dodgers have the developmental talent required to negotiate significant trades.
The Road Ahead
The Dodgers' unwavering ambition to stay at the top of the baseball world is undeniable. While their roster faces adversity with injuries and uncertainty, particularly concerning the futures of Kershaw and potential retirements, the team's commitment to winning remains steadfast. The impending return of Kershaw and Buehler, both free agents after the current season, could be critical to their immediate and future success. Ohtani's integration into the rotation next season adds another layer of intrigue and potential dominance.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers’ front office will undoubtedly be navigating a complex landscape of options, weighing short-term gains against long-term sustainability. With their rich history and relentless pursuit of victory, the Dodgers remain a formidable force in Major League Baseball.