From Disappointment to Dominance: The 10-Step Transformation of the L.A. Dodgers
Just six weeks ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers were labeled as underachievers, their season seemingly slipping away. Fast forward to today, and they’re the toast of the National League, bulldozing their way through the postseason with a staggering one loss. How did a team that struggled for six months suddenly become unstoppable? It’s a story of strategic moves, resilience, and a bit of luck. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it their talent, their spending, or something else entirely that turned their season around? Let’s dive into the 10 steps that transformed the Dodgers from a team of disappointment to a postseason juggernaut.
Step 1: Build on a Championship Foundation
The Dodgers weren’t starting from scratch. They had already won their second World Series in five years in 2023, and 10 of their postseason players were part of that championship run. Despite early-season struggles, their core remained intact. Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and Mookie Betts were already superstars, but their collective potential wasn’t fully realized until the postseason. And this is the part most people miss: their dominance wasn’t just about adding new talent—it was about maximizing what they already had.
Step 2: Overhaul the Pitching Staff
The Dodgers’ pitching staff was their Achilles’ heel in 2023, but they addressed it aggressively. They signed Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates, while re-signing Clayton Kershaw and Blake Treinen. This wasn’t just a spending spree—it was a calculated move to shore up their weakest link. Snell’s playoff performance (21 innings, 28 strikeouts, 0.86 ERA) alone justified the investment. But here’s the question: did they overspend, or was it a necessary evil in today’s MLB?
Step 3: Lock Down Center Field
Andy Pages emerged as the unexpected hero in center field, winning the job in March and posting an .891 OPS in April. His consistency allowed the Dodgers to stabilize their defense and give other players, like Tommy Edman, more defined roles. Pages’s offensive numbers dipped in the second half, but his presence was invaluable. Was he a lucky find, or did the Dodgers see something others missed?
Step 4: Unleash Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani’s return to the mound in June was a game-changer. After Tommy John surgery, he was limited early on, but by the postseason, he was throwing 90-plus pitches and dominating. His Game 4 performance—three home runs, six shutout innings, and 10 strikeouts—was historic. But here’s the debate: is Ohtani the greatest player of his generation, or is he simply the product of a system that maximizes his talents?
Step 5: Keep Yoshinobu Yamamoto Healthy
Yamamoto, the most accomplished Japanese pitcher since Ohtani, struggled with injuries in 2023. This season, he stayed healthy and improved dramatically in the second half, posting a 2.22 ERA from June 25 onward. His postseason performance, including a 111-pitch complete game in the NLCS, proved he’s worth every penny. But was his success due to better health management, or is he just that good?
Step 6: Trust the Process
At the trade deadline, the Dodgers resisted the urge to make splashy moves. Instead, they added role players like Alex Call, Ben Rortvedt, and Brock Stewart. Their most significant improvements came internally, as players like Betts and Hernández found their rhythm. This raises the question: is it better to trust your roster or constantly chase upgrades?
Step 7: Let Mookie Betts Be Mookie Betts
Betts had a down year by his standards, but he turned it around in August, posting a .926 OPS and ranking 10th in the Majors in fWAR. His postseason performance has been equally impressive, showcasing his all-around talent. But here’s the debate: is Betts a Hall of Famer in the making, or is he just benefiting from playing on a stacked team?
Step 8: Get Healthy—and Stay Healthy
The Dodgers’ injury woes were well-documented, but key players like Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Max Muncy, and Will Smith returned to full strength in the final months. Muncy, in particular, was a game-changer, with the Dodgers going 56-34 when he started. But is their success a result of better injury management, or just good luck?
Step 9: Revive the Outfield Corners
Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto were supposed to be offensive anchors, but both struggled during the regular season. Hernández turned it around in September, leading the Dodgers in postseason RBIs, while Kiké Hernández took over left field. Was this a case of players stepping up when it mattered, or did the Dodgers simply get lucky?
Step 10: Discover an Unexpected Closer
Roki Sasaki’s journey from struggling starter to dominant closer is one of the season’s best stories. After mechanical adjustments, he became the Dodgers’ go-to ninth-inning option, solving both his own issues and the team’s bullpen problems. But here’s the question: was this a coaching triumph, or did Sasaki simply figure it out on his own?
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers’ transformation is a testament to their front office’s strategy, their players’ resilience, and a bit of good fortune. But as they march toward another World Series, the debate remains: was this a masterclass in team-building, or just the result of spending more than anyone else? What do you think? Let the discussion begin in the comments!
