The Los Angeles Dodgers season was a memorable one, as they led the Majors with 104 wins and advanced to their first World Series since 1988. Although they wound up being defeated by the Houston Astros and have had a quiet offseason thus far, there’s reason for optimism.
The Dodgers have won the National League West an unprecedented five straight years and will look to extend that streak with much of the same roster returning. A key piece was lost in reliever Brandon Morrow, who signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs.
But the Dodgers have internal options to fill the void, and reportedly have interest in Japanese righty Yoshihisa Hirano as they scour the free-agent market.
While speaking with reporters at the Winter Meetings, manager Dave Roberts commented on the state of the Dodgers roster going into the 2018 season, and he believes they are in a better position than they were a year ago due to their youth.
“Yeah, you look at on the position player’s side, guys that are young or youthful that have really emerged as impact players that we really didn’t know we had last year,” he said.
“And to see Cory Seager to follow up the rookie campaign with another good one, to know that he’s going into his third year and to see what Cody did and Chris Taylor, getting Toles back, and to Yasiel really assert himself last year. The catching situation, I think you can argue is as productive as any in baseball.”
Not only do the Dodgers have a young core of position players to build around, but also tremendous depth within the pitching staff. “Yeah, I think the pitching side, to see Alex Wood emerge, Kenta do his thing, and obviously the guys we have with Rich and Clayton at the top of the ‘pen,” Roberts added.
“Yeah, I do believe that we’re in a better spot than we were last year. This is a team that won 104 games, and you’re still trying to find a way to get better.”
The Dodgers were involved in discussions for both Shohei Ohtani and Giancarlo Stanton, although they missed out on both. Even without a big addition this offseason, the Dodgers will likely still be considered the favorites in the NL to return to the World Series in 2018.
They’re in that position in large part due to re-signing key contributors Rich Hill, Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner last winter.
