As the 125th season of Major League Baseball approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerge as strong contenders for the 2025 World Series title. Coming off their victory in 2024, the team is poised to defend their championship with a formidable roster featuring a robust lineup and one of the most impressive pitching staffs in memory. RocketPlay Casino Australia has Los Angeles as a +175 favorite to win the 2025 National League Championship and +275 to win the 2025 World Series.
Mookie Betts is slated for the shortstop position, while Tommy Edman will cover center field. Will Smith continues his role as catcher, with Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto in right and left field, respectively. Shohei Ohtani, a key addition to the team, will serve as designated hitter. The infield is rounded out with Max Muncy at third base, Hyeseong Kim at second, and Freddie Freeman at first. Newly signed Kike Hernandez will come off the bench along with a mix of Miguel Rojas, Andy Pages, Chris Taylor, and James Outman. Austin Barnes will back up Smith behind the plate.
The pitching rotation will include right-handers Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tony Gonsolin, rookie Roki Sasaki, and the newly signed left-hander Blake Snell. Dustin May, Shohei Ohtani, and Clayton Kershaw also will figure into the mix at some point. The bullpen returns Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, Brusard Graterol, Anthony Banda, and Michael Kopech and adds Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Ben Caspasius.
Dave Roberts returns for his tenth year as manager. He has led the Dodgers to an 851-506 regular-season record. His .627 career-winning percentage is the best among those who have managed at least 1,000 games.
Season Schedule Highlights
The 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers schedule features several notable highlights and interesting quirks.
The 2025 MLB season will begin on March 18-19 with a global audience, with the Dodgers facing the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. Unlike last season, when the Dodgers and San Diego Padres each got one “home game” in Seoul, South Korea, the two games in Tokyo next season will be considered home games for the Cubs, with the Dodgers playing the full 81 home games in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers will open the regular season with a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers in Los Angeles beginning Thursday, March 27. It’s the first time the Dodgers’ home opener is an interleague game. As is tradition, the Dodgers will host the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Jackie Robinson Day, April 15. The team’s longest road trip spans 10 games from May 2-11, including series against the Braves, Marlins, and Diamondbacks. Their longest homestand is also 10 games, from June 13-22, welcoming the Giants, Padres, and Nationals.
Interestingly, the Dodgers won’t face their longtime rivals, the San Francisco Giants, until June 13 at Dodger Stadium, which marks the 70th game of the 2025 season. July will be the busiest month for interleague play, featuring 12 games against American League teams, including a three-game series at Fenway Park from July 25-27. The season will conclude with a six-game road trip, visiting the Diamondbacks in Arizona from September 23-25, followed by the Mariners in Seattle from September 26-28. Additionally, the Dodgers will host the Angels during the MLB’s new “rivalry weekend” from May 16-18, part of a league-wide initiative featuring 11 interleague series.
Key Players to Watch
Shohei Ohtani stands out as a crucial asset for the Dodgers in 2025. His record-breaking $700 million contract over 10 years underscores the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. Ohtani’s versatility as both a pitcher and powerful hitter, coupled with his 2024 National League MVP title, makes him a formidable force on the field.
Despite facing injuries in the previous season, Freddie Freeman remains vital to the Dodgers’ strategy. His exceptional hand-eye coordination and experience as a two-time World Series champion (with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 and the Dodgers in 2024) provide valuable leadership to the team.
Will Smith, another two-time world champion with the Dodgers, is expected to continue his role as catcher. Although his batting average 2024 was .248, he demonstrated power at the plate with 111 home runs, surpassing even Ohtani’s performance in the same season.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2025 MLB season as firm favorites, backed by a talented roster, recent success, and strategic acquisitions. Their performance in the opening games against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo will provide early insights into their form and potential for the season.
While historical precedent and current odds favor the Dodgers, baseball’s unpredictable nature means that success is never guaranteed. The team’s ability to leverage their strengths, manage potential challenges, and maintain consistency throughout the season will ultimately determine their chances of securing a back-to-back World Series title.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if the Dodgers can live up to expectations and potentially set a new record by winning consecutive World Series championships.
