Last October, the Los Angeles Dodgers etched their name in history by becoming the eighth team to repeat as World Series champions. They clinched their ninth franchise title after a thrilling seven-game showdown with the Toronto Blue Jays, marking their third championship in six years.
Despite this impressive streak, manager Dave Roberts is buzzing with excitement about the future rather than dwelling on past triumphs. "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," Roberts remarked.
If Roberts' words hold true, the rest of Major League Baseball should be on high alert. Maintaining such a high level of hunger and drive after consistent success is no small feat. Yet, the Dodgers continue to bolster their roster each offseason, proving their competitive fire remains undiminished.
Last season, the Dodgers made a splash by signing long-time Chicago Cub Kyle Tucker to a four-year deal. Tucker, known for his power with 20+ home runs, joins a roster already brimming with talent, including MVP candidates and future Hall of Famers like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts.
A third consecutive World Series victory would elevate the Dodgers into an elite group, making them only the third team ever to achieve a three-peat, following the iconic New York Yankees from 1998-2000.
The challenge to dethrone the Dodgers was already formidable, but with Roberts' confident proclamation, it seems the team is embracing a mindset as if they still have something to prove. This championship squad continues to play with the intensity and hunger of underdogs, making them an even tougher opponent for anyone aiming to take their crown.