Do the Dodgers have two playoff teams? To learn more, we divided them in half.

As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their dominance in Major League Baseball (MLB), their status as a powerhouse franchise has been questioned by very few. Over the past decade, the team has seen unparalleled success, routinely making the postseason and capturing divisional titles. However, as the 2025 season rolls forward, a new question has emerged that even the most die-hard Dodger fans have started to ask: Do the Dodgers have two playoff teams?

At first glance, it may seem like an outlandish idea, especially considering that the Dodgers have historically been a team stacked with elite talent. With MVP candidates like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and dynamic pitchers like Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urías, the Dodgers appear poised for another playoff appearance. But as we start to break down their roster, both in terms of their overall depth and specific strengths and weaknesses, it becomes clear that the Dodgers’ 2025 squad might be strong enough to field two separate playoff-caliber teams—if they were to be divided down the middle.

To explore this fascinating question, we’ve broken the Dodgers’ roster into two halves—an offense-heavy team and a pitching-focused team—to determine if either side could stand on its own as a contender. By analyzing both of these hypothetical squads, we’ll take a closer look at whether the Dodgers have the talent to truly boast two playoff teams and, if so, what that means for their overall success.

Dividing the Roster: The Offense-Focused Team vs. The Pitching-Focused Team

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s break down the two teams we’re going to analyze. The first team will consist primarily of the Dodgers’ offensive players—position players who are known for their ability to produce runs, whether through power or contact. The second team will be centered around the pitching staff, featuring the team’s starting rotation and bullpen options, which have been critical to the Dodgers’ success in recent years.

Team 1: Offense-Focused Dodgers

The offense-focused team will rely on the Dodgers’ formidable batting lineup. These players are known for their ability to hit for average, power, and generate runs through their plate discipline and offensive consistency. The lineup will include some of the team’s most dangerous hitters, and we’ll focus on how their ability to perform in a variety of situations could make them postseason contenders.

Lineup and Key Contributors:

• Mookie Betts – Mookie Betts is one of the best all-around players in the game, and he anchors this offense. As the leadoff hitter, he provides both speed and power, making him an ideal table-setter. His combination of power, plate discipline, and Gold Glove-level defense makes him a key player for this team.
• Freddie Freeman – The 2021 NL MVP runner-up is one of the most consistent hitters in the game. Known for his ability to drive in runs, Freeman brings both power and the ability to hit for a high average. As the heart of the lineup, Freeman would be crucial in driving in runs and creating scoring opportunities.
• Max Muncy – Max Muncy is the quintessential power bat who has the potential to hit 30 or more home runs in a season. His ability to get on base via walks and his power to hit for extra bases adds another layer of depth to the team’s offense.
• Will Smith – As one of the top catchers in the league, Will Smith has established himself as a reliable hitter and an even better backstop behind the plate. His consistency at the plate and clutch performances make him a key contributor to this offense.
• J.D. Martinez – J.D. Martinez is a proven slugger with the ability to hit for significant power. Having him in the middle of the lineup gives the Dodgers an experienced hitter with a history of driving in runs and producing at a high level.
• Chris Taylor – Taylor’s versatility makes him a valuable asset. Not only can he hit for power, but he also brings a solid defensive presence at multiple positions. His ability to step in and contribute anywhere on the field strengthens this offense.

Bench and Depth:

• David Peralta – Peralta, while primarily known for his defense, can still provide timely hits off the bench. As a veteran hitter with experience, his presence can help stabilize this lineup.
• James Outman – Outman has shown flashes of brilliance as a dynamic young player with power potential and defensive ability. As a utility piece, he provides the team with much-needed depth in case of injuries or slumps.

With this core of players, the Dodgers’ offense would be a formidable force against most pitching staffs in the league. The lineup is capable of producing runs in a variety of ways, from power hitting to generating opportunities on the base paths.

Team 2: Pitching-Focused Dodgers

The second team will focus on the Dodgers’ deep pitching staff, featuring their starting rotation and bullpen. With veteran pitchers, rising stars, and solid bullpen options, this team could still compete at the highest levels, even without the offensive firepower that the first team possesses.

Starting Rotation:

• Clayton Kershaw – Kershaw remains one of the most accomplished pitchers in MLB history, even as he gets older. He’s had his postseason struggles, but his ability to dominate during the regular season and pitch in high-leverage moments still makes him a crucial piece of this rotation.
• Julio Urías – Urías has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the league. His ability to be a workhorse and perform at an elite level makes him a valuable asset for this rotation. If he can maintain consistency in the postseason, he could be a key piece in pushing this team to a playoff berth.
• Tony Gonsolin – Gonsolin is a promising pitcher who has shown flashes of brilliance. His ability to generate strikeouts and limit hard contact makes him an intriguing option as part of this pitching-focused team.
• Bobby Miller – As one of the Dodgers’ top prospects, Bobby Miller has the potential to be a future ace. His electric stuff, including a fastball that touches triple digits, gives him the potential to dominate opposing lineups.
• Dustin May – May has had some injury concerns but has also shown that he can be an ace when healthy. With a blazing fastball and a deep repertoire, he could become a key contributor to this pitching-heavy team.

Bullpen:

• Evan Phillips – Phillips emerged as a reliable option out of the bullpen, with his ability to get key outs in high-leverage situations. His performance in the postseason could be crucial in getting through tight games.
• Alex Vesia – Vesia has established himself as a trusted lefty in the bullpen, with the ability to generate strikeouts and get big outs in key moments.
• Bruce Darnaud-Graterol – Graterol’s electric fastball and ability to close out games when needed make him a key piece of this bullpen.
• Ryan Pepiot – Pepiot could serve as a multi-inning reliever or a spot starter, providing additional depth to this pitching-heavy team.

This pitching-focused team would boast a dominant starting rotation and a high-leverage bullpen that could win games on its own. With pitchers like Kershaw and Urías leading the charge, and young arms like Miller and May offering potential upside, this squad could be a serious contender despite the lack of offensive firepower.

Can the Dodgers Field Two Playoff Teams?

After analyzing both teams, it becomes clear that the Los Angeles Dodgers have the roster depth and talent to theoretically field two playoff-caliber squads. The offense-focused team would certainly generate enough runs to contend in a postseason series, and the pitching-focused team, while potentially lacking offensive punch, could rely on dominant pitching performances to carry them deep into October.

That being said, it’s important to note that no team would ever intentionally divide their roster into two separate units for a season. However, this exercise shows just how loaded the Dodgers are and the depth they have on both sides of the ball. It also highlights that even if one aspect of their game (such as pitching or offense) struggles, they have the talent to rely on the other to step up and keep them competitive.