Thursday, July 17, 2025
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025

The All-Star Game has come and gone. The Los Angeles Dodgers will start their second half of the 2025 season.

At no point this season, the Dodgers played up to their expectations, but they still have the best record in the National League.

Since Max Muncy has been out with a knee bone bruise, the Dodgers have struggled. With the major league trading deadline, the Dodgers need to obtain a left-handed hitter. Though Michael Conforto has improved offensively recently, he can’t provide enough offense.

Tommy Edman and Miguel Rojas can play third base. Since Teoscar Hernández injured his groin, he isn’t the same defensive right fielder. Andy Pages is a phenomenal right fielder, and the Dodgers need a true center fielder, so they can move Hernández to left field.

Hyeseong Kim needs time to play daily because he is a difference maker. He has speed, something that the Dodgers don’t have. Kim is a wonderful defensive second baseman. He has shown an ability to make constant contact.

The offense leading to the All-Star break was pitiful. Shohei Ohtani has been slumping since he became a pitcher, also. However, he has been more productive than Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Mookie Betts, the shortstop, has career lows in many offensive categories. Freddie Freeman has dealt with ankle and quad injuries that have affected his offensive production. Since his return from the IL, Teoscar Hernández hasn’t been an offensive force, and he probably won’t be the same until next spring training.

The Dodgers need another left-handed bat with power.

While I have written a ton about the pitching staff. This past offseason, Andrew Friedman has been focused on upgrading the pitching staff, but the acquisitions haven’t worked out well. The Dodgers need a reliever when Evan Phillips had Tommy John surgery on June 4, Blake Treinen has missed three months, and Brusdar Graterol hasn’t pitched yet after his right shoulder surgery in November. Tanner Scott has been a disappointment, allowing home runs and blowing saves. Kirby Yates has struggled, too.

While the Dodger starting rotation has had injuries, the Dodgers can’t afford to get a starter. Tyler Glasnow has returned from the IL and pitched well against the Milwaukee Brewers. Soon, Blake Snell should return and pitch well. Shohei Ohtani will continue to build up and has looked fantastic. Clayton Kershaw needs to continue what he has been doing. Emmet Sheehan is great and deserves to be a part of the rotation.

Dustin May needs a break from pitching. He has hurled the most innings in the major leagues already. He has been inconsistent to be expected when he missed almost two years with his second elbow surgery and life-saving esophageal repair. The Dodgers will need to give May a break, probably moving him to the bullpen.

The Dodgers will sail to the National League Western Division title unless the San Diego Padres play up to their potential. However, if the Dodgers want to repeat as World Champion, the Dodgers must obtain a left-handed outfielder and a reliever.