In 2022, the Los Angeles Dodgers had one of the greatest regular seasons ever with 111 victories and an incredible plus-334 run differential. The Dodgers were the overwhelming favourites to win the National League, but after defeating the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the NLDS, they shockingly dropped three straight games to be eliminated from the postseason early.
One may counter that this was merely one of those rare, fluky MLB playoff series. Especially when it comes to best-of-five series, a historically strong club can falter at the wrong time and be eliminated. It would be simple for the Dodgers to decide to run it back this offseason and win the World Series the following year.
There are some modifications, nevertheless, that merit investigation. What should be done with the roster since it doesn’t appear like manager Dave Rodgers will be one of them? The Dodgers have the resources to add players to their roster in the winter, but if they want to win the World Series again in 2020, their planning and execution will need to improve.
Where was the Dodgers’ offense?
A team with many of powerful hitters found it challenging to take advantage of scoring opportunities when runners were on base. Numerous high-stakes situations were presented to Padres pitchers, but Los Angeles was unable to take advantage of its opportunities when there were many runners on base. The Dodgers went 0-for-20 with runners in scoring position from Games 1-3, for example.
For a team that wants to win the World Series, the performance is historically appalling. Was this just a fluke, once more? Candidates for the MVP were stacked throughout this lineup, and they simply couldn’t get enough timely big hits. Do they really need to make any changes at this point?
The Dodgers, though, won’t be content to sit on their success; they constantly seek to improve. There are rumours about letting Trea Turner walk so that Aaron Judge can sign with another team even if he is a free agent. Expect this front management to exert every effort to improve a dangerous lineup.
Acquire a proven closer
Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers’ premier closer for more than a decade, was traded to the Atlanta Braves past summer. Los Angeles attempted to replace Jansen with Craig Kimbrel, but Kimbrel failed miserably and was not included on the team for the NLDS.
Even though the Dodgers’ bullpen was still loaded with talented pitchers, they lacked a reliable closer. Jansen will once again be a free agent, but Edwin Diaz, the ace closer for the New York Mets, might become a target.
Have a more stable starting rotation
Clayton Kershaw, who is approaching free agency at the age of 34, had another strong season despite struggling in his first start against the Padres. Walker Buehler made the decision to have Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow in August, which may result in him missing the 2023 season. Although Julio Urias is a star and Tony Gonsolin and Tyler Anderson were surprises this season, the Dodgers should aim to acquire another seasoned starting pitcher to this group given that Trevor Bauer is still out for the upcoming campaign.
There are several well-known starting pitchers in the 2023 free agent class. Will the Dodgers try to sign either Justin Verlander or Jacob deGrom from the Houston Astros? Carlos Rodon and Aaron Nola are two names that come to mind while considering “younger” options. We’ll see what Los Angeles decides to do following this playoff fiasco as there will be options available.
The article 3 significant adjustments Dodgers must make following postseason defeat by Padres originally published on ClutchPoints.
