The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2025 MLB season as World Series favorites with FanDuel sportsbook odds near +350, coming off a championship run in 2024. Expectations were high, and their first 25 games featured international spectacle, early dominance, and some notable setbacks. As April closes, the Dodgers hold a 16-9 record, trailing the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres in the National League West, with all three teams off to strong starts.
2-0 Start in Tokyo, Japan
Opening in Tokyo, the Dodgers faced the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series at the Tokyo Dome that celebrated baseball’s global reach and starred Japanese icons Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers won both games. In the season opener, Los Angeles beat the Cubs 4-1. Ohtani contributed with a single, a double, and two runs scored, while Yamamoto earned the win by pitching five innings and allowing just one run with four strikeouts. The Dodgers broke the game open in the fifth inning with three runs, including RBI singles from Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández. In the second game, the Dodgers defeated the Cubs 6-3. Ohtani hit a solo home run in his return to the Tokyo Dome, Tommy Edman also homered, and Kiké Hernández added a two-run shot. Landon Knack won in relief, and the Dodgers completed the sweep, making a strong statement to open the season.
8-0 Start to the Season
Building on their Tokyo victories, the Dodgers extended their hot start to an eight-game win streak. A balanced offense and a deep pitching staff fueled this run. Ohtani, Teoscar Hernández, and Michael Conforto led the lineup, while Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow anchored the rotation. The Dodgers quickly climbed to the top of the standings, reinforcing their status as championship contenders.
Yamamoto Dazzles
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the prized offseason signing, has lived up to expectations. Through his first five starts in 2025, Yamamoto has a 3-1 record with a 0.93 ERA over 29 innings pitched. He has struck out 38 batters, walked 7, and posted a WHIP of 0.86. His strikeout rate is 11.79 per nine innings. Yamamoto’s transition from NPB to MLB has been seamless, and his outings have often set the tone for the Dodgers’ pitching staff. His elite command and ability to miss bats have made him a foundational piece of the rotation and ranked him as the top MLB pitcher over the last 12 months, according to FanDuel MLB player performance reviews.
Edman Power Surge
Tommy Edman, acquired from the Cardinals, has emerged as a key contributor. Known for his defensive versatility, Edman has provided exceptional value at second base and center field. Offensively, after 23 games, Edman is batting .261 with an on-base percentage of .283 and a slugging percentage of .545. He has hit seven home runs, driven in 15 runs, scored 15 times, and collected 23 hits in 88 at-bats. Edman’s underlying metrics suggest his production could rise further, and his ability to get on base has added a new dimension to the Dodgers’ lineup.
Season Lowlight
The Dodgers’ early momentum was halted by a 16-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs, marking their most lopsided shutout defeat in six decades. The bullpen struggled late, and the Cubs’ offense capitalized. This loss served as a reminder of the challenges ahead and marked a turning point, as the Dodgers briefly lost their grip on first place.
National League West
The NL West is among baseball’s most competitive divisions. The San Francisco Giants are 16-9 after 25 games, matching the Dodgers’ record. The Giants have combined timely hitting with a deep pitching staff and have edged ahead of the Dodgers in the standings. The San Diego Padres are 16-9 after 25 games and have also started strong, keeping pace with the Dodgers and Giants and ensuring a tight division race.
The Dodgers’ first 25 games have showcased their potential and the challenges of defending a championship. The early win streak demonstrated their ceiling, while the 16-0 loss to the Cubs revealed vulnerabilities. Los Angeles remains a strong World Series contender, with standout performances from Yamamoto and Edman and a roster loaded with talent. However, with the Giants and Padres off to hot starts, the Dodgers must maintain focus and consistency to reclaim the top spot in the division and pursue another deep postseason run.
