The Los Angeles Dodgers, reigning champions of the last two World Series, are currently grappling with significant challenges as they enter September. Despite their impressive track record, including a thrilling victory in 2024 aided by a clutch grand slam from Freddie Freeman and a dramatic win in 2025 thanks to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team is facing a slump that could impact their playoff aspirations.
In the offseason, the Dodgers made headlines by signing outfielder Kyle Tucker to a record four-year, $60 million contract and acquiring closer Edwin Díaz for three years at $69 million. Many analysts viewed these moves as a signal that the Dodgers would dominate the league, especially after trading for two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline. However, as the season progresses, the team’s performance has raised concerns.
As of now, the Dodgers hold a comfortable 9.5-game lead in the National League West and have a 100% chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. Nonetheless, they do not possess the best record in either league, which could prove detrimental in the postseason. If the Dodgers face the Milwaukee Brewers or the Tampa Bay Rays in the playoffs, they would lose home-field advantage. Moreover, they are just half a game ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the second-best record in the National League.
While the Dodgers’ pitching staff has shown resilience despite injuries to key players, their offensive struggles have been alarming. The team has a collective batting average of .258, ranking second in the league, and a .335 on-base percentage, placing them third. However, many players are underperforming compared to their career averages, leading to a lack of offensive firepower. In August, the Dodgers hit just .241, with a disappointing .689 OPS that ranked 22nd in the league for the month.
Key players like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Kyle Tucker have all struggled recently. Ohtani, for instance, has slashed .197/.280/.426 over his last 15 games, while Freeman has not hit a home run since July 4th. Betts has also faced difficulties, managing only three home runs in the last 36 games. Tucker's performance has been particularly concerning, as he is batting .227 for the season and has struggled significantly at Dodger Stadium.
Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope as the Dodgers scored eight runs in their series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, an improvement from their average of 3.85 runs per game in August. However, the team must address their pitching woes, as they allowed 13 runs in that game, a performance they will need to quickly forget. The Dodgers are aware that they must elevate their game significantly if they aim to secure a third consecutive World Series title, a feat that has not been accomplished by a National League team in recent history.
As they navigate through September, the Dodgers will need to find their rhythm both offensively and defensively. With the postseason on the horizon, every game counts, and the team must harness its talent to ensure a successful playoff run.
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