The Los Angeles Dodgers went into free agency last offseason facing the potential of significant roster turnover. While they did lose the likes of Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly and Corey Seager, among others, the Dodgers notably re-signed Clayton Kershaw and added Freddie Freeman.
Signing Freeman to a six-year contract was a significant boon for the Dodgers as his left-handed bat helped replace the loss of Seager. Freeman joined a star-studded group of position players and further heightened lofty expectations for the Dodgers.
It’s a position the organization has been in over the past handful of years, one of which included winning a World Series amid one of the most unique seasons in MLB history.
When recently discussing projections and expectations the Dodgers face, Kershaw said the team welcomes those and understands they can’t solely rely on the names throughout their talented roster, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“You can’t just assume that because we have nine of the best players in the game out there every day,” three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw said, “that we’re going to win. We’ve got to come together as a team. … “Obviously, the expectations are even higher now, but that’s what we want.”
Projection models heading into the 2022 regular season had the Dodgers winning over 100 games and producing the highest run total of any team. Even with some players getting off to slow starts, the lineup has shown it’s capability over various stretches.
Kershaw also did his part before going on the 10-day injured list last month due to right SI joint inflammation as he went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA through five starts.
Dodgers make MLB history
By signing Freeman, the Dodgers have four former MVPs on their roster. They are just the fifth team in MLB history to boast such talent at one time.
Freeman, the 2020 National League MVP, joins Cody Bellinger (2019 NL MVP), Mookie Betts (2018 American League MVP), and Kershaw (2014 NL MVP) as the Dodgers who have previously won the award.
The Dodgers also achieved the feat last season when they signed future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols once he was released by the L.A. Angels. No team has ever had five or more former MVPs on their roster.
The Dodgers can lay claim to being the only team with four MVP winners on their roster in back-to-back seasons.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
