The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2024 season as clear favorites to capture the World Series title, bolstered by their groundbreaking acquisition of Shohei Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking contract.
However, despite their stacked roster, the unpredictability of the MLB playoffs left no guarantee that they would come out on top.
Yet, the Dodgers proved to be the real deal as they clinched the 2024 World Series in a dominant five-game victory over the New York Yankees.
Now, with the new season looming, the Dodgers stand as one of the most well-managed franchises in baseball, primed to defend their crown.
The team’s commitment to success is unwavering, with Max Muncy vocalizing his team’s hunger for more championships after finally winning a World Series in a full season.
“We finally got the team over the hump last year, so it was a little bit of relief on that aspect. I know we won in 2020, but you want to get that full season one,” Muncy admitted.
“And now that we did, we want to win more. We have the team to win more. So, it’s almost like we’re hungrier than ever.”
Even after their triumph, some might wonder if the Dodgers will experience a “championship hangover,” potentially leading to a dip in motivation.
Muncy quickly dispelled any such concerns, reiterating that the team’s desire for success remains as strong as ever – if not stronger.
With their front office facing heat from the outside for being TOO aggressive, the Dodgers have again positioned themselves as legitimate World Series contenders.
This offseason, they were far from complacent, making key additions to further strengthen their roster.
They signed Blake Snell to a major free-agent contract, secured the services of the highly touted Roki Sasaki, and bolstered their bullpen by adding Tanner Scott. To top it all off, they brought back outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.
While health remains the only real concern, the Dodgers have every reason to believe they can achieve back-to-back championships.
If they stay injury-free, there’s no limit to what this team can accomplish in 2025.
Needless to say, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is hoping for a World Series rematch next October.
Interestingly, Boone made it clear he didn’t appreciate the cocky way in which the Dodgers celebrated their victory last season.
“The reality is we didn’t play our best in the series and they won, so they had that right to say whatever,” Boone said. “Hopefully, we’re in that position next year and handle things with a little more class.
“But the reality is it’s a great team, it’s a great organization with a lot of great people that I happen to know and respect, too. So a few people sounding off isn’t necessarily how I would want to draw it up.”
What are your thoughts on the upcoming season?
Do you think we’re headed for yet another Yankees-Dodgers Fall Classic?
Sure, it’s extremely early, but if we do get a rematch, who do you give the edge too???
