The Los Angeles Dodgers dove into the last two MLB offseasons determined to build a powerhouse roster. They poured about $1.5 billion into free-agent deals and contract extensions.
But as the 2025 season rolls on, that huge investment hasn’t exactly translated to dominance. Struggling pitchers, inconsistent hitters, and a wave of injuries have left fans—and rival owners—wondering if this is the start of a new dynasty or proof that money can’t always buy success.
Big Spending, Small Returns
Over the last two winters, the Dodgers signed or extended 11 key players. They hoped to blend superstar firepower with veteran depth.
None of these big-name additions has posted a WAR above 2. That’s pretty wild for a team that spent whatever it took to land elite talent.
The plan was to create an unstoppable machine. Instead, the results have been uneven, and the team’s playoff outlook feels shaky.
Pitching Additions Struggle to Deliver
The Dodgers’ biggest weakness this year has shown up right where they tried to improve most: the pitching staff. Closer Tanner Scott, who signed for $72 million, has disappointed with a 5.01 ERA and a knack for late-game meltdowns that have cost the team some crucial wins.
Other high-profile arms—Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Blake Treinen, and Kirby Yates—have fought through injuries, inconsistency, or both. Each was supposed to be a pillar for a deep October run.
Now, their shaky health and form make the bullpen and rotation look a lot less certain for the playoffs.
Offensive Inconsistencies and Injury Woes
The Dodgers also spent big on position players who, on paper, looked like they’d take the offense to another level. Reality, though, has been much less kind.
Underperforming Bats
Hyeseong Kim hasn’t found a steady role. Teoscar Hernández’s numbers have dropped sharply from last season.
Veteran Michael Conforto sits at the bottom in WAR among everyday players. Even with all that depth, the lineup has often lacked clutch hitting and reliable production in the heart of the order.
Impact of Injuries
Injuries have hit hard, making the Dodgers’ spending spree look even less effective. Key utility guys Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernández have missed big chunks of time.
Power hitter Max Muncy has landed on the injured list more than once. When Muncy’s out, the offense seems to collapse—there were stretches where they ranked dead last in runs scored.
Friedman’s Defense of the Roster
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman still sounds confident in public. He says the roster’s depth, especially on the mound, could produce “the most talented postseason group” he’s ever put together in Los Angeles.
His track record is tough to argue with, considering the Dodgers have made 13 straight playoff appearances under his watch. Still, critics note that all those trips have only brought home one World Series title.
Key Questions Heading into the Playoffs
October’s coming, and the Dodgers have some big questions hanging over them:
- Will Tanner Scott bounce back and lock down the bullpen, or will the late-game struggles keep haunting them?
- Can Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and the other injured pitchers get right in time for the postseason?
- Will the struggling hitters actually find their groove when the pressure’s on?
- And can Friedman’s bet on depth survive another round of badly-timed injuries?
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers have the resources. They’ve got the history and the talent to chase a deep playoff run.
But baseball history is full of teams that looked unbeatable on paper, only to fall short when it mattered. This October’s outcome won’t just define the team’s billion-dollar gamble—it might even shape the next decade of Dodgers baseball.
For now, one thing’s clear: the scrutiny isn’t letting up until their season’s last out. That’s just how it goes in LA.
—
Would you like me to also provide **SEO-optimized meta title and meta description** to help this post rank higher in search results? That would complement the blog content perfectly.
Here is the source article for this story: Commentary: Why Andrew Friedman’s October test is looming with Dodgers
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s