Dodgers' 2026 Season: Can They Live Up to the Hype? - A Deep Dive into the Los Angeles Dodgers' Potential
The Dodgers are a force to be reckoned with in Major League Baseball, and their 2026 season is already generating a lot of buzz. But can they match the hype and achieve greatness? Let's take a closer look.
The Early Hype Machine
It's never too early for some good old-fashioned hype. Last spring, before the Dodgers even played an exhibition game, former Times columnist Dylan Hernández boldly declared that they could win 120 games. And just a week into the season, Bill Plaschke was suggesting they could go 162-0! While those predictions didn't come to fruition, the Dodgers still had a remarkable season, winning 93 games and claiming the World Series title.
Spring Training Dominance
Fast forward to spring training, and the Dodgers are still undefeated. But let's be realistic: spring training wins don't always translate to regular-season success. The pressure is on, and everyone expects the Dodgers to win every game. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledges this, saying, 'They do.'
Setting Realistic Expectations
So, what's a realistic number of wins for the Dodgers? Roberts admits, 'I don’t know what’s realistic.' They've shown that the regular season matters, but ultimately, it's about peaking at the right time. During their 13-year playoff run, they've won 100 games five times, and that's when they've made it to the World Series. In 2023, they won 100 regular-season games but none in the playoffs.
The Importance of Depth
While spring training wins aren't predictive, they do matter in terms of team depth. The Dodgers prioritize preparing pitchers for the postseason and managing roster spots to ensure key players like Kiké Hernández are available when it matters most. Andrew Friedman, the team's president of baseball operations, emphasizes the importance of depth, saying, 'After three or four innings, there is a line change, and minor league players are coming in. I think being able to maintain a high level of play in these back-side innings speaks to depth.'
The Business of Spring Training
Despite the focus on depth, spring training also has its downsides. Friedman admits, 'So much of spring training, it feels like, is just downside.' It's all about avoiding the trainer's phone call and keeping players healthy. But there's a bright side: the business side.
Tickets for the exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday are already $97, and the starters are likely to play half the game. With Shohei Ohtani in Japan for the World Baseball Classic, the Dodgers have made some strategic moves to strengthen their lineup.
Strengthening the Lineup
The Dodgers invested $300 million in two All-Stars: outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin Díaz. These additions address their two glaring weaknesses and give them a strong chance to compete for the title.
Projected Wins
Baseball Prospectus predicts the Dodgers will win 104 games, while Fangraphs projects 99 wins. But in the world of baseball, anything can happen.
The Season of Hyperbole
This season, the hype train is in full swing. Some might even dare to suggest the Dodgers could go 194-0 between the Cactus League and the regular season. When asked about their chances if they never lost a game, Roberts laughed and said, 'Pretty good.'
The Dodgers have the talent, the depth, and the determination to live up to the hype. But can they truly match the expectations? Only time will tell. Stay tuned as the 2026 season unfolds, and let the debate continue!
