Dodgers Embrace "Win-Now" Mentality, Eye Trade Deadline Amid Injury Woes
No team epitomizes the "win-now" mentality more than the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since securing their last World Series title in 2020, the team has consistently positioned itself as a perennial contender. With an unbroken playoff streak dating back to 2012, the Dodgers are no strangers to high stakes, high rewards. The team's aggressive approach in the offseason further underscores their commitment to winning now.
"The Dodgers spent a veritable truckload of cash last offseason to land the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Teoscar Hernández in both free agency and trades," highlights their aggressive strategy.
A Season Marred by Injuries
Currently sitting in first place, the Dodgers' journey has not been without its challenges. Key figures like Mookie Betts are sidelined due to injuries, and the injury list doesn't stop there. Yamamoto, Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Walker Buehler are also on the injured list, alongside Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Emmet Sheehan. Additionally, Bobby Miller was recently optioned back to the minors.
The team is scraping the barrel for rotation options, now comprising James Paxton, Landon Knack, Gavin Stone, and Justin Wrobleski. Adding salt to the wound, more injuries were expected to impact the lineup shortly. However, the situation isn't entirely bleak. Betts, Max Muncy, and Jason Heyward are all expected to return from injury soon.
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers' front office remains resolute. "Recent injuries to the team didn't change how they'd operate in front of the trade deadline," comments Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes, emphasizing the club's readiness to bolster its roster.
Game Plan: Trade Deadline
With the trade deadline approaching, expectations are high that the Dodgers will make significant moves. "Everyone could use bullpen depth, including the Dodgers," further underscores their need for reinforcement. The club is honing in on several potential targets, including Mason Miller, Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, Chris Bassitt, and Kevin Gausman. Mention of Erick Fedde, excelling for the White Sox after a stint in Korea, also stirs interest. Additionally, Edgardo Henriquez has come up in trade discussions.
The Dodgers' willingness to dive deep into their prospects pool remains unwavering. Diego Cartaya and Dalton Rushing are sharpening their skills at Triple-A and Double-A, respectively, leaving the door open for future contributions.
The Road Ahead
The near future holds key milestones: Glasnow is expected to start on Wednesday, and Kershaw aims for his 2024 debut on Thursday. These returns will be critical as the Dodgers strategize how best to utilize the talent pool available while managing ongoing injuries.
Kershaw and Buehler will be free agents after the current season, adding another layer of urgency to the Dodgers' "win-now" approach. The 2023 season also serves as a transition, with Shohei Ohtani expected to integrate into the rotation next season. The Dodgers' front office recognizes the importance of capitalizing on their current window.
Indeed, the Dodgers have every intention of remaining aggressive. "Recent injuries to the team didn't change how they'd operate in front of the trade deadline," Gomes reiterates, a clear indication that their quest for another World Series title is far from over. The franchise's well-established culture of winning, combined with their willingness to invest resources, places them in an enviable yet challenging position. Dodgers fans can take solace in knowing that their team is committed to overcoming any hurdles in pursuit of glory.