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. 14: Walker Buehler
Injury concern led to a somewhat unexpected development of the Los Angeles Dodgers being in position to draft Walker Buehler with the No. 24 overall pick in 2015.
Unfortunately, worries about his health were warranted as Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after getting drafted. It was a possibility the Dodgers were mindful of and then-general manager Farhan Zaidi said the organization didn’t regret taking Buehler in the first round.
“We’re playing the long game,” Zaidi told media.
Buehler went on to make his MLB debut during the 2017 season, though struggled in a bullpen role and yielded a 7.71 ERA across eight appearances. He received another opportunity the following year and it marked the start of Buehler’s ascension into one of the best young pitchers in baseball.
Buehler’s impressive rookie season garnered trust from the Dodgers to start against the Colorado Rockies in a Game 163 to decide the National League West. He delivered 6.2 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit in the Dodgers’ 5-2 win.
Buehler went 14-4 with a 3.26 ERA over 30 starts in 2019 and in 2020 regularly rose to the occasion as the Dodgers won their first World Series since 1988.
The 2021 was Buehler’s best of his professional career thus far, as he earned a second All-Star Game selection and finished 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA in 33 starts en route to placing fourth in voting for the NL Cy Young Award.
Seemingly pitching through some discomfort, Buehler regressed in 2022 before undergoing a second Tommy John surgery that also included a flexor tendon repair. He missed the entire 2023 season and struggled mightily upon returning last year.
However, the Dodgers maintained their trust in Buehler, and his reputation as a big-game pitcher showed in another October run.
Subpar defense contributed to Buehler allowing six runs in a start during the NL Division Series, but he followed that with 10 scoreless innings over his next three games (two starts).
Buehler’s final time pitching for the Dodgers before becoming a free agent came out of the bullpen to close out the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series on just one day of rest.
No. 15: Andre Ethier
No. 16: Eric Gagné
No. 17: Shawn Green
No. 18: Manny Ramirez
No. 19: Gary Sheffield
No. 20: Adrián González
No. 21: Yasiel Puig
No. 22: Chris Taylor
No. 23: Russell Martin
No. 24: Kiké Hernández
No. 25: Miguel Rojas
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
