After losing back-to-back World Series (2017 – Houston Astros and 2018 – Red Sox), Dodger fans remain restless as the team continues their pursuit for their first championship since 1988.
This past offseason was supposed to be the Dodgers’ chance to get the pieces they need to put them over the top. However, the moves that the Dodgers’ front office made (and did not make) said otherwise.
According to the LA Times, the Dodgers lost Yasmani Grandal, Brian Dozier and Manny Machado to free agency.
They traded away fan favorite Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer to Cincinnati for Homer Bailey (who was released immediately) and two minor league prospects.
However, they signed free-agents reliever Joe Kelly and outfielder A.J. Pollock. Russell Martin found his way back into Dodger blue, after being traded by the Toronto Blue Jays for two minor league prospects.
Despite clearing up $70 million in salary cap, the Dodgers failed to capitalize on signing the marquee free-agent of the summer. Former 2015 NL MVP outfielder Bryce Harper was linked to the Dodgers in numerous reports, but ended up signing with the Philadelphia Phillies for a record-breaking 13 years, $330 million dollar contract.
In an offseason filled with lackluster moves, the Dodgers did bring back one of their star players, as they re-signed their ace starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw to a 3-year, $93 million extension.
Although he has not been as dominant as he was before with his recent form of play, Kershaw did say in an interview with ESPN that he wants to prove the critics wrong and it starts this upcoming season.
After losing several players that contributed to last season’s championship run, Dodger fans are wondering if they still have enough fire power in their arsenal to return to the Fall Classic.
The Dodger fan base at Cal State LA have differing opinions on the team’s success in this upcoming season after all the trades, acquisitions and departures for the Dodgers in the offseason.
Student Jennifer Villarruel, a huge Dodger supporter, believes they will succeed.
“I think as long as nothing happens to our best players on the team, The Dodgers are willing to fight for their position on winning back the NL.”
Student Jose Delgado on the other hand, remains doubtful.
“I feel like we let go of many key pieces of this team that helped us win. I do think we will make the playoffs, but to win a championship this year? I just don’t see it.”
Opening Day for the Dodgers will be on March 28, as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.
