While the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a strong case to be the latest MLB dynasty by winning back-to-back World Series titles and three in the last six years, their franchise history and success since 2000 is a mixed bag.
Up until the current era, there were middling levels of postseason accomplishments since the turn of the century. But there have also been impressive individual performances and players who carved out a special place in the Dodgers’ franchise history.
The DodgerBlue.com staff has ranked the best Dodgers players in the last 25 years. Among various factors considered, the all-time Dodgers list was compiled by evaluating a player’s contributions and significance to the franchise.
Dodgers quarter-century all-time team
No. 21: Yasiel Puig
As the legend goes, famed Dodgers scout Mike Brito discovered Yasiel Puig during an exhibition game in Canada 2008, when he was a member of Cuban National Series’ Elefantes de Cienfuegos. Brito was immediately impressed by Puig’s athleticism and knew he had a future in the Major Leagues.
The Dodgers ultimately signed Puig on the same 2012 trip to Mexico that produced Julio Urías. Puig went on to make his MLB debut in 2013 as the Dodgers were in mired in a summer swoon.
He famously provided a needed spark that propelled the Dodgers to an eventual National League West title. Puig earned NL Player of the Week honors upon making his debut, and that was followed by being named Player of the Month as well.
Puig became the first player in MLB history to receive that honor for the first month played at the Major League level.
Then-Dodgers broadcaster bestowed a “Wild Horse” nickname on Puig that he perfectly encapsulated and one that further endeared him with fans.
Puig finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and garnered down-ballot votes for NL MVP. He was an All-Star in 2014 but dealt with a hamstring injury the following year and saw a regression in production.
There was improvement in 2016 but that was accompanied by Puig’s name surfacing in trade rumors. The Dodgers kept the Cuban native on their roster amid learning situations and painstaking growth.
Puig then enjoyed a career year in 2017, batting .263/.346/.487 with 24 doubles a and personal-best 28 home runs over 570 plate appearances (152 games). He thrived in the postseason, collecting 16 hits in 56 at-bats (.286), clubbing three homers along the way.
Puig excelled with his glove and arm as well, winning his first career Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award for right field. Puig was also a finalist for the Gold Glove, though Jason Heyward took home the honors.
The 2018 season saw similar levels of success, including Puig hitting a key home run in the NL Championship Series and World Series. But his Dodgers career came to an end that offseason as he was included along with Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer in a trade to the Cincinnati Reds.
No. 22: Chris Taylor
No. 23: Russel Martin
No. 24: Kiké Hernández
No. 25: Miguel Rojas
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