Winning is expected of the Los Angeles Dodgers and their supporters, not merely something they hope for. They have continuously been among the best teams in baseball over the past ten years, not only in the National League but throughout the entire sport.

A World Series title without an asterisk

The one World Series title they won throughout their incredible run is marked with an asterisk, even though it wasn’t earned. But that’s not because the Dodgers don’t deserve it; rather, it’s a reflection of the peculiarities surrounding the 2020 World Series. This season took place against the unusual backdrop of a worldwide pandemic for America’s favorite game.

The regular season was whittled down to a mere sixty games, and the strange lack of spectators lingered for the whole of it. This absence was concerning in a sport where home crowd enthusiasm and intensity are frequently critical components. Fans were scarce during the championship series and the World Series itself, and even fewer emerged when the postseason finally arrived—the huge arena where the clamor of the crowd is most palpable. As a result, there is a longing for a more conventional championship—a World Series triumph gained after a complete season of competition, with spectators in the seats and the finest players producing moments that will never be forgotten.

Heartbreak for the Dodgers again and again

As evidence of their unwavering dominance in the division, the Dodgers have won ten of the last eleven NL West titles, which is a remarkable accomplishment. Their three straight seasons with 100 wins have served as more evidence of this incredible accomplishment, solidifying their place among the top regular-season baseball teams of this century.

But there’s always the specter of unmet championship hopes. The Dodgers have experienced heartbreak on the biggest stage multiple times despite their skill in the regular season. Suffering defeats in the 2017 and 2018 World Series are harsh reminders that big payrolls, star-studded lineups, and high hopes are not necessarily enough to assure success in the MLB Playoffs. However, it doesn’t hurt at all.

The Dodgers travel as far as Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts can lead them.

Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, two superstars, have been the Dodgers’ main players all season long. The club has been carried by their overall consistency in the field and at the plate. But, there is also firepower in the form of well-known players like J.D. Martinez, this year’s free agent acquisition, Will Smith, and Max Muncy, who can offer crucial offensive support.

The Dodgers’ offense hasn’t caused them any concern this season. What’s concerning is the pitching. Should the Dodgers move further in the MLB Playoffs, young guns like Bobby Miller will be heavily relied upon to make crucial starts, as veterans like Clayton Kershaw and Lance Lynn are expected to have restricted starts. But how trustworthy are Lynn’s consistency and Kershaw’s health? Miller has shown signs of promise, but October baseball is a very different animal, as we all know. Fortunately, the Dodgers might benefit from a first-round bye and avoiding play until the NLDS.