‘The Los Angeles Dodgers should never be counted out’

Junior Alan Ruiz believes the Los Angeles Dodgers still have what it takes to win the World Series despite losing key pieces from last season’s roster.

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Adriana Chavira

The Los Angeles Dodgers will begin their season on March 29 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

Alan Ruiz

As a proud fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, I am always optimistic at the start of every season. Some seasons elicit more confidence than others and this one already has me on a rollercoaster of emotions. 

Although I only started watching the Dodgers in 2019, I have become very invested in the team and its players. I was devastated last year when the 111-win team that I had watched play every day encountered the San Diego Padres in the 2022 National League Division Series and took an early exit from the postseason. 

Almost six months later, the first game of the 2023 regular season will be on March 28 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. 

Coming into the 2023 season, the team lost many star players over the offseason. Key performers such as shortstop Trea Turner, center fielder Cody Bellinger, third baseman Justin Turner, starting pitcher Tyler Anderson and relief pitchers Chris Martin and Craig Kimbrel all departed for other teams, leaving massive holes in the Dodgers roster. To remedy the mass exodus, the team will be relying on younger talent this year. Rookies such as second baseman Miguel Vargas, outfielder James Outman and starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot will be relied upon to step up if the Dodgers are going to win their National League West division over the competitive San Diego Padres. 

Although I was really looking forward to watching 25-year-old Gavin Lux take over the everyday shortstop position before he suffered season-ending ACL and LCL injuries in spring training, I still believe the Dodgers have undeniable talent across the roster that will make them a sneakily consistent team despite the doubts of many analysts and fans.

The Dodgers still have many stars and future Hall of Famers on their roster, including six-time Gold Glove Award-winning right fielder Mookie Betts, three-time Silver Slugger Award-winning first baseman Freddie Freeman and former National League Most Valuable Player and three-time National League Cy Young Award-winning starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw. This team has a balanced mix of experienced veterans and eager rookies that will make for an exciting and dynamic season. 

I will root for the Dodgers regardless of how they perform this season. I admire their constant classy style of play and hope they use it to silence the doubters and prove that the Los Angeles Dodgers should never be counted out of winning the World Series.