Despite being back-to-back World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers somehow managed to improve further this offseason.
The Dodgers were one of just five teams to close out the first weekend of the season undefeated, which is not at all surprising considering they bolstered their roster this offseason by signing four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz.
Despite winning three World Series titles with in Los Angeles and boasting the best winning percentage (.622) of any American League or National League manager in history, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admits that this year’s squad is the best he’s ever coached “on paper.”
“On paper, it’s the best team we’ve had,” Roberts said in a video posted to YouTube by NBC Sports on Monday. “And I think in 2021, we had a very talented roster and came up short. So, I think on paper, the starting pitching, the position player depth, the experience, the youth, best team we’ve had on paper. But again, you’ve got to play the games.”
In addition to securing two of the best free agents available this offseason, the Dodgers’ roster is filled with an absurd amount of talent, including Shohei Ohtani, who is back to making an impact in the lineup and rotation. Los Angeles also has two former MVP’s in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman and one of the most lethal starting rotations in the league.
Though the Dodgers likely have the best roster in baseball, that doesn’t guarantee a World Series victory. Los Angeles narrowly defeated the Toronto Blue Jays to win it all last season, and will still need to take things one game at a time in its pursuit for a three-peat.
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