Dodgers' "Win-Now" Mentality Faces the Ultimate Test
Few teams in Major League Baseball have exemplified the "win-now" mentality more than the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since their last World Series triumph in 2020, the Dodgers have consistently positioned themselves as perennial contenders. Their playoff streak, which has remained unbroken since 2012, underscores their commitment to maintaining an elite roster. However, the 2023 season presents them with formidable challenges.
During the offseason, the Dodgers made headlines with a series of bold acquisitions. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Teoscar Hernández were brought in via free agency and trades, highlighting the team’s aggressive strategy. As Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes remarked, "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." This barrage of signings was seen not just as an enhancement of their lineup but a declaration of their intent and ambition.
Despite their robust start to the season, injuries have recently plagued the team. Key players including Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Jason Heyward have been sidelined. The pitching department has been particularly hard-hit, with Yamamoto, Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Walker Buehler all on the injured list. Further compounding their woes, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Emmet Sheehan are also unavailable, while Bobby Miller has been optioned back to the minors.
In the midst of these setbacks, the Dodgers have had to reshuffle their rotation substantially. The current lineup includes James Paxton, Landon Knack, Gavin Stone, and Justin Wrobleski. Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Tyler Glasnow is expected to start on Wednesday, with Kershaw aiming for his 2024 debut on Thursday. Their returns, coupled with the anticipated recoveries of Betts, Muncy, and Heyward, could provide the Dodgers with a much-needed boost.
The Dodgers' resilience has been on full display as they continue to lead their division despite these adversities. However, Gomes emphasized that the team’s strategy remains unchanged in light of recent injuries. "Recent injuries to the team didn't change how they'd operate in front of the trade deadline," he said, reaffirming their resolve to make impactful moves.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers are expected to be active participants. Reinforcements are essential to fortify their bullpen, an area of concern even in healthier times. "Everyone could use bullpen depth, including the Dodgers," an insider noted, spotlighting the universal need for reliable relief pitching.
Among the potential trade targets floated are Mason Miller, Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, Chris Bassitt, and Kevin Gausman. Meanwhile, Erick Fedde, currently excelling with the White Sox after a stint in Korea, and Edgardo Henriquez, a name that has surfaced in trade discussions, remain under scrutiny.
In addition, the Dodgers still hold valuable assets in their minor league system. Prospects like Diego Cartaya and Dalton Rushing are honing their skills in Triple-A and Double-A, respectively. The team’s future looks bright, with these young talents forming the backbone of the next generation.
In the long term, the Dodgers face critical decisions regarding their star pitchers. Both Kershaw and Buehler will be free agents at the end of the current season. The integration of Ohtani into the rotation next season also adds an intriguing dynamic to their future roster configuration.
The Dodgers' ability to navigate through their current injury crisis, make strategic moves before the trade deadline, and secure key wins will determine how well they live up to their "win-now" philosophy. For now, the team and its fans remain hopeful that with their big hitters and star pitchers returning, the Dodgers can continue to defy the odds and maintain their status as one of MLB's elite teams.