MLB
LA Dodgers make their to-do list ahead of 2025 World Series
The Dodgers have a huge card to play: the return of Shohei Ohtani as pitcher.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were crowned World Series champions in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, defeating the New York Yankees 7–6 at Yankee Stadium to secure the coveted Commissioner’s Trophy.
This victory marked the Dodgers' eighth MLB title and the twelfth time the Dodgers and Yankees faced off in a World Series matchup. The Dodgers had last appeared in the World Series in October 2020, a season overshadowed by the global COVID-19 pandemic. On that occasion, they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in six games to claim their seventh title.
The Road to the 2024 World Series
It took four years for the Dodgers to return to postseason prominence. During the 2024 playoffs, the team’s performance surged, led by key players like World Series MVP Freddie Freeman, Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts.
From the outset, the Dodgers had a clear objective: to reach the World Series. To that end, they made bold moves in the offseason, including unprecedented investments in new talent that transformed their performance.
One of the standout acquisitions was Shohei Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers after concluding his contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a historic 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023. The deal, which is deferred, commits $2 million annually for the first 10 years, with $68 million annually from 2034 to 2043.
Other key signings included pitcher Tyler Glasnow, who joined from the Tampa Bay Rays on a five-year, $136.5 million deal, though his impact was limited by injury, and Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who debuted in MLB after a successful career with the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball. Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million contract. These three acquisitions alone represented a staggering $1.161 billion investment, underscoring the Dodgers’ determination to reclaim the MLB crown.
What’s Next for the Dodgers in 2025?
Winning a title is a monumental achievement, but defending it is even more challenging. The Dodgers are looking to replicate their successful strategy from 2024, including deferred contracts, while remaining aggressive in pursuing top-tier talent to stay competitive for the upcoming season.
One major addition is experienced pitcher Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner. Snell signed a five-year, $182 million deal, with $60 million deferred. Additionally, the Dodgers extended Tommy Edman’s contract for five years at $74 million, with a club option for a sixth year and a $17 million signing bonus. Edman was crucial in their postseason success, earning NLCS MVP honours with a .407/.393/.630 batting line and 11 RBIs against the Mets. Against the Yankees, he scored six runs and recorded a .988 OPS.
Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki is also on the Dodgers’ radar. Sasaki, a rising star in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Chiba Lotte Marines, is reportedly considering the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees as potential MLB destinations.
Departures and Future Outlook
On the other hand, the Dodgers faced notable departures in free agency. Pitchers JP Feyereisen and Nick Ramírez were among the first to leave, along with Teoscar Hernández, Kiké Hernández, starting pitchers Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty, and relievers Blake Treinen and Joe Kelly. Additionally, Daniel Hudson and Kevin Kiermaier announced their retirements. Walker Buehler signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Despite these losses, the Dodgers are well-positioned to remain contenders in the upcoming season. One of their key assets will be Shohei Ohtani’s anticipated return to pitching following elbow surgery, adding another dimension to their already formidable roster.
With their star-studded lineup and strategic acquisitions, the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to defend their title and remain at the forefront of Major League Baseball.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.