The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2025 season as the clear favorites to win the World Series, according to MLB betting sites such as Optimobet, a position they’ve earned through bold moves, superstar signings, and a tradition of excellence that stretches back generations. With a roster stacked with talent and the recent addition of Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers are not just chasing another championship; they’re building a foundation for a new era of greatness. As the team’s current core continues to shine, future Dodgers legends are likely being forged right now, ready to join the ranks of the all-time greats. But for now, three names stand above the rest in the pantheon of Dodgers history: Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, and, most recently, Shohei Ohtani.
Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers and Defining Greatness
No discussion of Dodgers greatness can begin anywhere but with Jackie Robinson. In 1947, Robinson shattered baseball’s color barrier, becoming the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. His debut was more than a sporting event- it was a seismic moment in American history, signaling the beginning of the end for segregation in professional sports.
Robinson’s impact wasn’t confined to his social significance. He was a dynamic force on the field, earning six All-Star selections, the 1949 National League MVP award, and helping lead the Dodgers to their first World Series title in 1955. His aggressive base running, clutch hitting, and relentless drive made him a nightmare for opposing teams and a hero to millions. Robinson’s number 42 is now retired across all of baseball, a testament to his enduring legacy and the respect he commands throughout the sport.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Robinson was a tireless advocate for civil rights, using his platform to push for equality and justice. His courage and dignity off the field matched his on-field brilliance, making him not only one of the greatest Dodgers but one of the most important figures in American history.
Sandy Koufax: The Left-Handed Legend
Sandy Koufax’s name is synonymous with pitching excellence. Arriving in Brooklyn in 1955, Koufax’s early career was marked by inconsistency, but by the 1960s, he had transformed into perhaps the most dominant pitcher the game has ever seen. Koufax’s peak was as brilliant as it was brief, as chronic arthritis forced him to retire at just 30 years old. But in that time, he compiled a resume that remains unmatched.
Koufax was a seven-time All-Star, a four-time World Series champion, and the 1963 National League MVP. He won three Cy Young Awards and threw four no-hitters, including a perfect game. Koufax’s postseason performances are the stuff of legend. He was named World Series MVP twice and delivered some of the most memorable October moments in Dodgers history.
His dominance was made all the more remarkable by the physical pain he endured. Despite chronic arm trouble, Koufax’s professionalism and competitive fire never wavered. His number 32 remains one of the most revered in Dodgers lore, and his legacy as a pioneer for Jewish athletes and as a standard-bearer for pitching greatness continues.
Shohei Ohtani: The Two-Way Sensation and the Dodgers’ Future
Replacing Clayton Kershaw on this list is no small task, and it is with genuine respect- and a touch of apology- that Kershaw is omitted here. Kershaw’s career has been extraordinary, and his place among the Dodgers’ all-time greats is secure. However, the arrival and immediate impact of Shohei Ohtani have ushered in a new era, one defined by unprecedented feats and the promise of sustained excellence for years to come.
Ohtani’s Record-Breaking Contract
Shohei Ohtani’s signing with the Dodgers in December 2023 was a watershed moment for the franchise and Major League Baseball. The 10-year, $700 million contract was the largest in sports history, but its structure truly set it apart. Ohtani agreed to defer $68 million of his annual salary, to be paid out from 2034 to 2043, which gave the Dodgers immense payroll flexibility in the short term. This innovative approach allowed the team to continue adding elite talent, including Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Teoscar Hernández, without exceeding luxury tax thresholds or hampering future spending. The contract secured Ohtani’s services for a decade and set the table for the Dodgers to build a dynasty around him.
The Historic 50-50 Season
Ohtani’s first season in Dodger blue was nothing short of historic. Despite not pitching due to recovery from elbow surgery, he delivered one of the greatest offensive seasons in baseball history. Ohtani became the first player to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, a feat that instantly joined the ranks of the sport’s most magical numbers. He finished the year with a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, 134 runs scored, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases, leading the National League in several categories and coming within a hair’s breadth of winning the Triple Crown.
Ohtani’s 50th home run broke the Dodgers’ single-season record and underscored his ability to deliver in clutch moments, including a walk-off grand slam that electrified Chavez Ravine. He repeatedly set new records for home run and stolen base combinations in a single game, and his 400 total bases were the most by any player since 2001. Teammates and opponents alike marveled at his unique blend of power, speed, and baseball IQ, with many calling him a once-in-a-generation talent.
The 2024 World Series: Ohtani’s Impact
Ohtani’s impact extended into October, where he played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run. With injuries depleting the roster and stars like Mookie Betts sidelined for stretches, Ohtani stepped up as the team’s offensive engine, moving into the leadoff spot and delivering when it mattered most. In Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, Ohtani’s eighth-inning double set up the tying run, and his aggressive baserunning helped force the game into extra innings. Though he fouled out in the 10th, his at-bat advanced the runners and set the stage for Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam, igniting a euphoric celebration at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani’s postseason slash line of .286/.434/.500 underscored his ability to perform under the brightest lights.
Setting the Table for a Decade of Dominance
Ohtani’s arrival has fundamentally reshaped the Dodgers’ future. His deferred contract has allowed the team to assemble a juggernaut roster, and his presence in the lineup has elevated the performance of everyone around him. The Dodgers’ World Series odds immediately improved after his signing, reflecting the betting market’s recognition of his game-changing talent. With Ohtani anchoring the team for the next decade, the Dodgers are poised to remain perennial contenders, blending star power with financial flexibility in a way few teams can match.
Ohtani’s influence extends beyond the field. He is a global superstar, drawing fans worldwide and making the Dodgers an international brand. His work ethic, humility, and commitment to excellence set a standard for teammates and future generations of Dodgers.
An Apology to Clayton Kershaw
No list of Dodgers legends feels complete without Clayton Kershaw. His dominance on the mound, leadership in the clubhouse, and role in ending the franchise’s championship drought in 2020 have etched his name into Dodgers history. Kershaw’s accolades-three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, a Triple Crown, and a World Series title-are testament to his greatness. His omission here reflects the impossible task of narrowing down a franchise’s storied history to just three names, not a slight to his legacy. Kershaw remains an all-time great, and Dodgers fans will forever cherish his contributions.
The Dodgers’ Legacy: Past, Present, and Future
Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, and Shohei Ohtani represent the past, present, and future of Dodgers greatness. In his way, each has defined an era and set new standards for excellence. As the Dodgers chase another World Series title and continue to build for the future, the next generation of legends is already taking shape. With Ohtani leading the charge, the Dodgers’ place among baseball’s elite is secure for years to come.
