Despite setting a Major League record for most players — 28 — put on the disabled list in a single season, the Los Angeles Dodgers were two wins away from reaching their first World Series since 1988.
The club faced some questions this offseason, as Rich Hill, Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner were among key contributors to reach free agency. In somewhat of a mild surprise, the Dodgers retained the trio, committing a combined $192 million to re-sign them.
Los Angeles most recently addressed their biggest need — second base — by acquiring Logan Forsythe in exchange for Jose De Leon in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. To Yasmani Grandal, the Dodgers are primed to build on last season’s accomplishments.
“Baseball at times doesn’t work out the way you want it. We know we can compete. I’m very excited to see what this year has to bring,” he said during Dodgers FanFest. “I’m very excited to compete. I feel like the National League has gotten strong, and I like competition. So let’s go at it and see what happens.”
Grandal’s confidence in the team is hardly a revelation. He voiced confidence throughout last season that the Dodgers would win the NL West, even as the San Francisco Giants maintained a comfortable lead in the standings.
“We had a lot of injuries. It goes to show that you have to stay with the process and if you believe in it, you know you’re going to be there at the end of the day,” Grandal said. “We know our talent, we know what kind of guys we have on this team, and we’ve been there now.”
“It’s just a matter of getting that extra step. I felt like last year we took a step toward progression, and it’s just a matter of taking that extra step to see if we can win a World Series.”
The 28-year-old Grandal is heading into his third season with the Dodgers after being acquired from the San diego Padres. Last year he led all Major League catchers with 27 home runs to go along with 72 RBIs and a .228/.339/.477 batting line.
Grandal began last season on the disabled list and once again suffered multiple injuries throughout the year. While he’s enjoyed a healthy offseason, Grandal has some concerns over his plant-based diet and potentially losing too much muscle mass.
Dodgers pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch for Spring Training on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
