‘Potential flaw’ identified by rival executive for Dodgers’ hilariously loaded squad
The Los Angeles Dodgers have become synonymous with dominance in Major League Baseball. Year after year, the franchise showcases a roster stacked with some of the best talent the game has to offer. From established stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman to young prospects such as Gavin Lux and Bobby Miller, the Dodgers’ roster has a perfect balance of veteran leadership and youthful energy. With the franchise’s relentless pursuit of championships, the Dodgers have assembled one of the most formidable teams in the league.
But even a squad as deep and talented as the Dodgers’ has its vulnerabilities. Recently, a rival executive from another MLB team revealed what they believe to be a “potential flaw” in the Dodgers’ roster, which could impact their chances of capturing another World Series title. While the Dodgers are undoubtedly loaded with talent in every area of their roster, it seems that even the most dominant teams have weaknesses that, if exploited, could become a stumbling block in the postseason.
In this article, we will delve into the “potential flaw” that has been identified by the rival executive, analyze how it could affect the Dodgers’ championship aspirations, and explore what the team can do to address it moving forward. We’ll also examine how this perceived vulnerability might shape the team’s strategy in the regular season and postseason.
The Dodgers’ Stacked Roster: A Look at the Talent
Before we dive into the potential flaw identified by the rival executive, let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer talent of the Dodgers’ roster. The team has consistently been among the best in Major League Baseball, largely due to their ability to field an elite lineup, a star-studded rotation, and a deep bullpen.
Lineup
The Dodgers’ batting order is one of the most balanced and powerful in baseball. Mookie Betts, one of the best all-around players in the game, provides elite defense and leadoff capabilities, along with the ability to hit for both power and average. Alongside him is Freddie Freeman, a perennial MVP candidate and one of the most consistent hitters in the game. These two set the tone at the top of the order, providing a formidable presence.
In the middle of the lineup, the Dodgers have power hitters like Max Muncy, Will Smith, and J.D. Martinez. Muncy’s ability to get on base and hit for power, combined with Smith’s clutch hitting behind the plate, provides a potent duo that can generate runs in a hurry. Meanwhile, J.D. Martinez, a seasoned veteran with a history of 30-plus home runs seasons, offers the team another big bat.
The team also boasts a solid supporting cast in Chris Taylor, James Outman, and David Peralta. All three players can contribute both offensively and defensively, rounding out a well-balanced lineup capable of causing trouble for pitchers throughout the season.
Starting Rotation
On the mound, the Dodgers have a rotation filled with top-tier talent. Clayton Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer, is still one of the most dominant pitchers in the game despite being in the later stages of his career. Behind him, Julio Urías has blossomed into one of the most reliable and effective pitchers in baseball, and Tony Gonsolin, if healthy, is capable of being a reliable mid-rotation arm.
The addition of rookie sensation Bobby Miller further strengthens the rotation, with Miller bringing an electric fastball and devastating slider that could make him a future ace. If the Dodgers can get solid contributions from their pitchers, their rotation has the potential to dominate any lineup in the postseason.
Bullpen
The bullpen is also a key strength for the Dodgers. They have a mix of established closers and high-leverage relievers, including Evan Phillips, who emerged as a key piece in 2023. With a powerful collection of arms capable of getting key outs late in games, the Dodgers can rely on their bullpen to secure victories in close games.
The Rival Executive’s “Potential Flaw”
Despite all the talent on paper, it’s important to remember that baseball is a game of imperfections, and no roster is without its flaws. That brings us to the recent comments made by a rival executive, who identified what they consider to be a “potential flaw” in the Dodgers’ stacked squad. While the executive did not claim that this flaw would definitively cost the Dodgers a championship, they pointed out that it could become an issue if the team is unable to address it.
According to the rival executive, the Dodgers’ “potential flaw” lies in their starting pitching depth—specifically, their ability to sustain consistent performance in the postseason, especially if any injuries or underperformance hit their key pitchers. While the Dodgers have a formidable rotation on paper, the executive pointed out that the team might struggle if one or two of their pitchers falter in high-leverage situations or if there are injuries to key contributors.
In particular, the executive noted that Clayton Kershaw’s age and injury history make him a potential wildcard. While Kershaw remains one of the greatest pitchers of all time, he has missed time in recent seasons due to injuries and has shown occasional vulnerability in big postseason games. Additionally, while Julio Urías has been a workhorse for the Dodgers, the executive pointed out that he hasn’t always been consistent during the playoffs, and the pressure of pitching in high-stakes situations could weigh heavily on him.
Another concern raised was the uncertainty surrounding Tony Gonsolin and Bobby Miller. Both pitchers have shown flashes of brilliance but have yet to prove themselves over a full season, especially in the postseason. If either of them struggles in a playoff series, the Dodgers’ pitching depth could be severely tested.
Why This Could Be a Legitimate Concern
The idea that starting pitching depth could be a potential flaw for the Dodgers makes sense when we consider the pressures of postseason play. MLB postseason baseball is a different animal altogether, and even the best teams can fall victim to underperformance or injury. Just last season, the Dodgers were eliminated in the Division Series by the San Diego Padres, with their starting pitchers failing to perform up to expectations in the critical games.
The Dodgers’ current rotation is certainly talented, but as we saw with Kershaw in 2021 (when he struggled in the postseason), age and injury concerns cannot be ignored. Kershaw, who has a career-long history of postseason struggles, is still effective during the regular season, but there’s always the chance that he could struggle again when it matters most. This is especially true given his back injury history, which has forced him to miss time in recent years.
As for Julio Urías, while he’s one of the team’s most reliable pitchers, his performance in high-leverage situations has been inconsistent in the past. If Urías doesn’t perform well in October, the Dodgers’ pitching depth could quickly become exposed.
The uncertainty surrounding Gonsolin and Miller only adds to this concern. Both pitchers have been inconsistent at times, and the Dodgers cannot afford any setbacks from these young arms in the postseason. If one or both of them falter in the playoffs, it could leave the Dodgers relying heavily on Kershaw and Urías to carry them—which could be a risky proposition.
Addressing the Concern: What the Dodgers Can Do
Given that the starting pitching depth is the “potential flaw” identified by the rival executive, the Dodgers will need to find ways to address this issue as they move toward the postseason. Fortunately for the Dodgers, there are several ways they can mitigate this concern and ensure they are prepared for the pressures of October baseball.
Strengthening the Bullpen
One possible solution is to bolster the bullpen further. If the Dodgers can rely on a deeper bullpen in high-leverage situations, it could allow them to use their starters in shorter stints during the postseason. This would help preserve their starting pitchers, especially if injuries or performance issues arise.
Rotation Flexibility
The Dodgers could also explore the possibility of adjusting their rotation for the postseason. By adding more flexibility into the mix, they could use a “committee” approach, giving them more options if any starters struggle. For example, they could turn to pitchers like Dustin May or even some of their bullpen arms as potential options for starting games in the postseason.
Resting Veterans
If Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urías can stay healthy through the regular season, the Dodgers could focus on managing their workloads to ensure they are fresh for the postseason. By limiting their innings during the regular season and using the rest of the rotation strategically, the Dodgers can give their aces the best possible chance of success in October.
