NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2023 season with expectations of competing for a World Series championship. The sting of the disappointing end to the 2022 season is still fresh in the minds of Dodgers fans. After setting a club record with 111 wins, the Dodgers were eliminated in the 4 games by the San Diego Padres in the Divisional round of the playoffs. The Padres went all in during free agency signing a number of free agents to build their roster. The Dodgers were not as active during free agency as most anticipated.
The 2023 Dodgers roster will look different this season, as a fan favorite and clubhouse leader, Justin Turner signed with the Boston Red Sox during free agency. Trea Turner and Codey Bellinger also signed with new teams respectively. Most experts believed the Dodgers would be active during free agency, having been linked to multiple big-name free agents. The Dodgers were relatively quiet, not making a big splash signing. The Dodgers are looking to get below the luxury tax threshold. With Trea Turner signing with the Phillies, Gavin Lux will be the shortstop for the Dodgers. Lux has played mostly at 2nd base and the outfield with the Dodgers, but his natural position is shortstop. With Lux moving to shortstop, rookie Miguel Vargas is projected to be the starting 2nd baseman for the Dodgers. The primary DH in the Dodgers lineup will be free agent JD Martinez. The projected lineup for the Dodgers in 2023:
- Mookie Betts
- Freddie Freeman
- Will Smith
- Max Muncy
- J.D. Martinez
- Gavin Lux
- Trayce Thompson/Chris Taylor
- David Peralta
- Miguel Vargas
Trayce Thompson and Chris Taylor will compete during spring training to see who will replace Cody Bellinger in center field. The Dodgers signed Peralta prior to the beginning of spring training and he will be looked to be the starter in left field. With Justin Turner now in Boston, Muncy is expected to be the everyday 3rd baseman.
The Dodgers saw both Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney sign with new teams during free agency. Anderson finished the year with a 15-5 record with the Dodgers. To help replace the production of Anderson and Heaney, the Dodgers signed Noah Syndergaard to a one-year deal. Syndergaard is entering his 2nd-year post-Tommy John surgery. All last season, Syndergaard stated he felt like he was pitching in a straightjacket, dealing with Tommy John hangover. Syndergaard will be looking for the same type of success the Dodgers have had with previous free-agent pitchers. The projected rotation:
Julio Urias
Clayton Kershaw
Noah Syndergaard
Tony Gonsolin
Dustin May
Like Syndergaard, Dustin May is entering his 2nd season post-Tommy John surgery and will look to a force in the starting rotation. Gonsolin was having a Cy Young worthy season in 2022 until he was forced to shut down for a few weeks toward the end of the season due to an arm injury. Julio Urias has begun to emerge as the ace of the Dodgers staff, having won 37 games over the past 2 seasons. Clayton Kershaw has returned for at least one more season wearing Dodger blue, as he said there is unfinished business following last season’s disappointment. The Dodgers will be without Walker Buehler for the year, as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers also have young, talented arms in the minor league system that are expected to contribute this season. Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone are 2 of the young arms expected to be used in spot starts during the season.
In the bullpen, the Dodgers will be without Blake Treinen, as he deals with a shoulder injury. Craig Kimbrel did not pan out as the closers for the Dodgers as the team hoped. Alex Reyes was signed prior to spring training. Reyes is expected to be out until prior to the All-Star break as he recovers from a shoulder issue. When he returns, Reyes is expected to be the closer for the Dodgers. Until he does return, the Dodgers should be expected to use multiple pitchers to fill the closer role.
The Dodgers enter the 2023 season with expectations of winning the NL West and advancing to the World Series. With the additions the Padres have made to their roster, some experts have them as favorites to win the division. This season promises to be an exciting season as the Dodgers and Padres will battle it out the whole season to see who will come out on top. Look for the Dodgers to win at least 95 games this season. Will that be enough to win the division? Time will tell, but look for the Dodgers to be in the playoffs come October and be a serious contender to win the 2023 World Series.
