The Los Angeles Dodgers captured their second straight World Series title last October, downing the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games. It’s their ninth championship in franchise history and third in six years.
But here’s what’s interesting about this run of success.
Manager Dave Roberts says he’s more excited about this season than any of the recent championship years. That’s saying something for a team that’s been in the mix for titles consistently.
“I’m more excited about this year than I was last year or the year prior… Guys are still hungry, and that’s scary for the rest of the league.”
If Roberts is right about his clubhouse, that should terrify the rest of baseball. It’s one thing when a hungry underdog makes a run. It’s another when a championship team that keeps adding talent claims they’re still motivated.
The Dodgers didn’t just run it back with the same roster. They added Kyle Tucker on a four-year deal after he left Chicago. Tucker’s a 20+ home run threat who joins a lineup that already features Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts.
That’s multiple MVP candidates and future Hall of Famers on the same roster.
Now, if Los Angeles wins it all again this season, they’d join truly elite company. Only two teams in baseball history have managed to three-peat. The Dodgers would become the third and the first since the New York Yankees did it from 1998-2000.
The target was already on their back as defending champions. But Roberts’ comments suggest this team isn’t satisfied with back-to-back titles. They’re acting like they have something to prove, which makes them even more dangerous.
It’s hard enough to beat a championship team. It’s nearly impossible when that team still thinks it’s hungry.
