Los Angeles Dodgers — Favorites Again, But With New Questions

L.A. enters 2026 as favorites thanks to consistent excellence and major additions like Kyle Tucker — a bat with MVP-caliber production. Bolstering their bullpen with a franchise-record deal for Edwin Díaz adds late-inning rock-solid certainty. With Clayton Kershaw retired, the Dodgers’ next era blends veteran savvy and sustained superstar output.

There are very few questions for the two-time defending champs, but the addition of Tucker, did bring questions of a salary cap in baseball ROARING to the forefront.

The offense was one of the top units in baseball, but a lineup full of former MVPs tends to put up numbers. The Dodgers led the National League in runs, homers, and total bases, and Shohei Ohtani nabbed yet another MVP. All is sunny in Los Angeles.

If the Dodgers have a need, it’s on the mound. They ranked in the bottom half of the league in ERA, quality starts, and walks among other categories, but did lead the Majors in strikeouts. Most of their issues were due to their extensive injuries, so time has fixed that.

Biggest Needs
Rotation durability and internal depth. The bullpen ranked 21st, but acquiring Edwin Diaz and re-signing Evan Phillips is sure to help. They might look to add more depth as well.

Our Take
When you’re last two championship trophies haven’t even begun collecting dust yet, and all of your star offensive players return, you will continue to be a contender. The Dodgers have taken the role of the league’s “villain”, and they will remain the favorites until someone else knocks them off.