Los Angeles Dodgers 2018 Season Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers came close to finishing off a perfect season in 2017. Can they seal the deal and win that final game this year?
2017 was as close to a perfect season as possible for the Los Angeles Dodgers. They finished with the best record in baseball, despite a bizarre cold spell in late August and early September when they lost 16 of 17 games. Yet, even with that stretch, the Dodgers finished with a 104-58 record, and cruised through the National League side of the postseason.
That perfect year fell one game short, as the Dodgers lost the World Series in seven games. However, there were plenty of positives that came from that run. Clayton Kershaw finally got over the playoff bump, and performed well. The young core continued to establish itself, with Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager taking steps towards stardom. With a stellar farm system, the Dodgers appear to be in great shape for a run of sustained success.
This offseason, the Dodgers have been relatively quiet. Known for their high payrolls, Los Angels has been restrained in free agency, as they have attempted to get under the salary tax threshold in time for next year’s free agency class. And yet, with their impressive all around depth, the Dodgers really did not have many holes to fill.
Will this be the year that the Los Angeles Dodgers win their next World Series? Or will they once again taste disappointment in the postseason?
Los Angeles Dodgers additions and subtractions
Key additions: Matt Kemp, Scott Alexander
Newcomer to watch: Scott Alexander. Both of the Los Angeles Dodgers major acquisitions came via trade, but Alexander may be a very underrated part of the future.
Last season, in his first full season in the majors, Alexander proved he was ready. He became a key part of the Kansas City Royals bullpen down the stretch, posting a solid 2.48 ERA and a 1.304 WHiP. There was even some who thought that Alexander could become the Royals next closer, especially if Kelvin Herrera was traded.
Obviously, with the presence of Kenley Jansen in Los Angeles, Alexander would not need to close. However, he could be an important part of the bullpen equation, emerging as an option in the seventh or eighth inning. If nothing else, Alexander could be someone that could come in to kill a rally, given his lifetime 2.55 ground ball to fly ball rate. A pitcher like that can be extremely valuable for a contending team.
Biggest losses: Yu Darvish, Brandon Morrow, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir, Adrian Gonzalez, Curtis Ganderson
Biggest loss: Yu Darvish. Despite losing three starting pitchers, the Dodgers still have impressive depth in the rotation. However, they do not have anyone capable of replicating what Darvish brought to the table.
Darvish was certainly as advertised for Los Angeles during the regular season. In his nine games with the Dodgers, he posted a 3.44 ERA and a 1.148 WHiP, striking out 61 batters in 49.2 innings. Although his tenure ended on a sour note, as he took the loss in Game Seven of the World Series, Darvis performed admirably in the run to the postseason.
There are certainly options to replace Darvish. Rich Hill has been brilliant when he has been able to get on the mound. Hyun-jin Ryu has been a solid starter throughout his career. However, both pitchers have had problems with injuries during their careers. Even with their depth, the Los Angeles Dodgers may find replacing Yu Darvish to be difficult.
What to expect from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018
The Los Angeles Dodgers appear set to pick up where they left off last year. However, they have a difficult road ahead in their quest to return to the World Series.
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Unlike other teams, the Dodgers struggles are not entirely self inflicted. One could certainly make the case that they play in the most difficult division in baseball, as both the Diamondbacks and Rockies made the postseason last year. Meanwhile, the Giants have improved their roster, and let us not forget about their even year magic. 2018 may well be a more difficult season than anticipated.
And yet, the Dodgers are still set up well. They boast enviable pitching depth, with eight viable options for the rotation. The minor leagues are filled with top prospects. The major league roster has a great blend of youth and veterans. And, the Dodgers have the best starting pitcher in baseball in Clayton Kershaw.
While the Dodgers should perform well this year, they are even better positioned for the future. As they get under the luxury tax threshold, allowing them to spend with impunity next offseaon, the Dodgers still boast one of the better farm systems in the game. There is a abundance of riches in Los Angeles, which shows that the Dodgers will be a force for years to come.
Next: Top 150 prospects in baseball
The Los Angeles Dodgers came close to winning their first World Series since 1988. Maybe this year will be different. Prediction: First place in the NL West.