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Chicago Cubs must differentiate themselves in Shohei Ohtani talks
By Jake Misener
Los Angeles Dodgers inch closer to an elusive championship
2015 – 2017 Record: 287-199 (.590 winning percentage)
Short-Term Outlook:
The Dodgers represent one of the strongest top-to-bottom organizations in all of Major League Baseball. Even if they made no significant moves this offseason, they would likely still represent one of the top two or three teams in the NL.
Clayton Kershaw anchors the rotation with Kenley Jansen waiting in the ninth on a nightly basis. They, similar to the Cubs, will add bullpen pieces this winter, but their young core is enviable, to say the least.
Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger teamed up to win back-to-back Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 and 2017. Justin Turner decimated Chicago pitching in the NLCS and the lineup showed what they’re capable of in both the regular season and postseason.
Long-Term Outlook:
Unlike the Cubs, the Dodgers have a very strong farm system – despite their recent run of success. Los Angeles boasts a Top 10 minor league system with names like Willie Calhoun and Alex Verdugo headlining the list.
Biggest Differentiator:
This team is flat-out good. They’ve won the National League West every year since 2013 and were just one win away from winning it all last season. Dave Roberts is the man for the job in Southern California and 2018 will likely be more of the same for the Dodgers.