Are the L.A. Dodgers on their way to a World Series championship this year?

By Nikolas Araiza

Dodger President, Andrew Friedman, has shown why he builds contenders every year. At this year's Major League Baseball, MLB, trade deadline, Friedman traded for underperforming players and with the help of Dodgers’ coaching, will help improve their play

The Dodgers took a chance on the struggling Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly from the White Sox, in exchange for Outfielder Trayce Thompson and Pitchers Nick Nastrini and Jordan Leasure.

Lynn, at the time of the trade, was one of the league's worst in preventing home runs allowing an average of 2.11 per game, well above the league’s 1.3 average.

Kelly, the other part of the trade, was brought in to help a bullpen that has pitched the 9th most innings this season. The trade for Kelly has been met with praise, as Kelly is a fan favorite.

Another former Dodger, Enrique Hernández was acquired at the deadline. Hernandez had left the Dodgers in 2020 in hopes of more playing time. After a lackluster season in 2022 and 2023, the Red Sox were willing to part with their 2021 playoff hero.

The Dodgers did not stop there though. They also acquired Amed Rosario from the Cleveland Guardian in exchange for Noah Syndergaard. Rosario has dramatically improved his flaws in fielding, taking a below-average Fielding Percentage, FPCT to a perfect 1.4000%.

The last addition for this deadline would be for Royals pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. Yarbrough was having an average year this season by ERA+, Earned Run Average Plus metrics. He was just 5% better than the average pitcher. Since becoming a Dodger it has now risen to an impressive 56% better than the average pitcher.

When Aug. 1 had come and gone, pundits and fans alike ridiculed Friedman for his “lackluster” deadline. But this is why he continues to build great Dodger teams year after year. He does not sacrifice the future for two months.

As of Sep. 6, 2023, the Dodgers stand at first in the National League West, NLW. With their acquisitions, the Dodgers are pushing for their first World Series championship in a full regular season since 1988.

One Team's Trash is a Dodger Standout