The Los Angeles Dodgers were just swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Here were three weaknesses that were exploited, and what the team now faces in an important offseason.
Entering Game 2, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that "I'm going to manage Game 2 like it's Game 7. And I'm going to do the same thing for Game 3."
In Game 3, with the Dodgers on the brink of elimination, Roberts left right-hander Lance Lynn in the third inning while the Diamondbacks pummeled him. He eventually took Lynn out with two outs in the inning, but not before Arizona had scored four runs – all via solo home run – and took a 4-0 lead that the team would hold onto as they advanced to the National League Championship Series.
It marked the end of a third consecutive disappointing postseason exit for the Dodgers, and started an offseason that will be filled with questions. None more pressing than the future of Roberts.
The feeling entering Game 3 was that Roberts was not managing for his job. The team loves Roberts. The players love Roberts. The team has long believed that he is the right person for the job. And despite the Dodgers, the National League's No. 2 seed, not holding a lead for a minute in the NLDS against the Diamondbacks, it's unlikely their thinking has changed internally.
But the biggest change for the Dodgers could come with the longtime face of its franchise, Clayton Kershaw. While he posted a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts, this season took a toll on the pitcher both physically and mentally, with a shoulder injury nagging Kershaw in the latter part of the season. And as he sat at his locker after being swept by the Diamondbacks, he looked defeated. He then was asked about his future in baseball.
"I'm not sure," he said.
He then was asked if there's anything different about that decision this offseason compared to previous offseasons.
"I don't think so."
He stopped.
"Well, yeah. I don't want to get into that. We'll see. I don't know how to answer that right now."
Dodgers lack of offensive production was a problem
What the Dodgers should be more concerned with is the lack of production from their lineup. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, two prominent names in the NL MVP race who make a combined $527 million, were a combined 1-for-21 and essentially non-existent in the series.
After the game, neither player could explain their struggles or the Dodgers' quick exit. Freeman stood with his hands on his hips, disappointment written all over his face, and interrupted a reporter when he mentioned that both he and Betts were among the best duos in team history. "We didn't do it," Freeman said. "Just not good enough."
Freeman added: "It's hard to give you words right now."
Betts said: "I can't speak for all of us, but I know for sure that I did absolutely nothing to help us win."
Said Kershaw: "We had great at-bats. Even in that last inning, (Chris Taylor) hit that ball that would have been a homer in a lot of parks. We were right on the cusp the whole game. We were one swing of the bat away. Sometimes they go over the fence, sometimes they get caught at the wall."
But it wasn't just Betts and Freeman who struggled. The Dodgers as a team scored a combined six runs in three games and saw little production from their young hitters, most notably James Outman, which forced manager Dave Roberts to tweak the lineup before Game 3.
What that offense looks like in 2024 is another prominent question for the Dodgers. While Betts and Freeman will certainly be back next season, the cast of players around them will look a lot different. Among the pending free agents on offense include J.D. Martinez, Enrique Hernandez, Amed Rosario and David Peralta. The team also has a $14 million club option for Max Muncy.
"It sucks, but the relationships you build with these guys are everlasting," Betts said when asked about the expected roster turnover. "I may not be able to take the field with a couple guys next year, but they are always a call, text or dinner away."
Dodgers not adding more starting pitcher depth at trade deadline hurt them
This offseason will be critical for the Dodgers in addressing their rotation. Because in the NLDS, their lack of high-end depth cost them.
In Game 1, Clayton Kershaw allowed six runs and only registered one out. They were down 9-0 after the second inning before the team ultimately lost 11-2. In Game 2, they were down 3-0 after the first inning and starting pitcher Bobby Miller only pitched 1.2 innings. In Game 3, Lance Lynn allowed four runs and pitched only 2.2 innings.
The Dodgers' starting pitchers combined for 4.2 innings pitched in three games, with Lynn's outing being the longest of the three. His outing actually dropped the Dodgers' starting pitching's postseason ERA from 40.50 to 25.07.
"Ultimately, we got beat in most facets of the game, especially starting pitching," Kershaw said. "That was disappointing."
The Dodgers' top target in the offseason will be Shohei Ohtani, but the organization must fix their starting rotation. Clayton Kershaw is uncertain to be back in 2024 as he deals with shoulder issues. Julio Urias' future in baseball is uncertain as he continues to be investigated by authorities and Major League Baseball. Walker Buehler will be ready for the 2024 season, but how effective he will be coming off his second Tommy John surgery remains to be seen. The team also has youngsters Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot and Emmet Sheehan.
But the Dodgers need high-end upgrades, and veteran talent, to pair with the young pitchers. They tried at the deadline, agreeing to a deal to acquire Eduardo Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers, only for the left-hander to invoke his no-trade clause. But if this season taught the Dodgers anything, it's that they can't rely solely on young pitchers and another year of Kershaw.That's why signing a player like Jordan Montgomery and one of Lucas Giolito or Jack Flaherty to a short-term contract would make some sense.
And if the Dodgers do end up signing Ohtani, surely other players will attempt to flock to Los Angeles. Which would only make the quest to replenish the rotation that much easier.