PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Dodgers are positioning themselves for a historic season, with manager Dave Roberts advocating that the team could become one of the most decorated in Major League Baseball history. During the opening weeks of spring training, Roberts expressed optimism about several players contending for prestigious awards, suggesting that their talent could lead to multiple accolades this year.
Roberts has highlighted the potential of star players like Shohei Ohtani, who is expected to be a frontrunner for the National League MVP award. Ohtani, a four-time MVP, previously won the award twice with the Dodgers and once with the Angels. He has already established himself as a dominant force in the league, and Roberts believes he will face stiff competition from within his own team. He confidently stated, “I have no doubt that Mookie Betts will be in the MVP conversation this year,” and also mentioned that newcomer Kyle Tucker could be a serious candidate.
In addition to potential MVP contenders, the Dodgers also boast a roster filled with Cy Young Award candidates. Roberts has identified Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow as players who could be in the running for the prestigious pitching award. Glasnow, standing at 6 feet 8 inches, is poised to compete among the best pitchers in the National League if he remains healthy. Meanwhile, Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner, is recovering from a shoulder injury but is also expected to contend.
The Dodgers last swept both the MVP and Cy Young awards in 2014, when Clayton Kershaw claimed both honors. The most recent instance of separate players from the same team winning these awards occurred in 1988, when Kirk Gibson took home the MVP while Orel Hershiser earned the Cy Young. The 2013 Detroit Tigers are the last team to see two players win their league’s major awards, with Miguel Cabrera as the MVP and Max Scherzer as the Cy Young winner.
The Dodgers are well-positioned to replicate this success due to their impressive roster depth. In 2023, the Atlanta Braves achieved a remarkable feat by having three players finish in the top seven for MVP voting. The Dodgers aim to achieve a similar distinction, with Betts and Freddie Freeman both recognized as top contenders this season. Historically, only three teams have had players occupy the top three spots in MVP voting: the 1941 Brooklyn Dodgers, who finished third in the World Series, and the 1966 Baltimore Orioles.
Roberts’s confidence in his team reflects the high expectations surrounding the Dodgers this season. He stated, “When you have the talent, you should expect that. I expect a lot for myself, and everyone should expect that of themselves.” This mentality of striving for greatness permeates the clubhouse, as players aim for individual accolades while contributing to the team’s overall success.
Pitching coach Mark Prior acknowledged the impressive array of talent in the bullpen, admitting, “Being around these guys on a daily basis, as a fan and as a coach, it’s pretty incredible.” The Dodgers’ pitching staff has the potential to make history, and Roberts’s vision for the team could soon become a reality if they perform to their capabilities.
As spring training unfolds, the Dodgers remain focused on building a championship-caliber team. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, they have set their sights on not only winning their division but also securing their place in baseball history. The upcoming season promises to be a thrilling journey for the Dodgers and their fans as they chase greatness on the diamond.
