Before the 2025 season began, pundits and prognosticators were asserting that this year’s version of the Los Angeles Dodgers could win more than 112 games. Those predictions have largely been quelled due to 15 Dodger pitchers on the injured list. In addition, the Dodgers are in the midst of a brutal stretch of 26 games in 28 days, all against teams above .500. For now, they are in first place. However, there are major things that need to be ironed out if they want to make it to October and beyond. Here are three improvements the Dodgers need to make if they want a chance to repeat as World Series champions.
Three Improvements the Dodgers Must Make as Season Continues
Kim Needs More Playing Time
Many wondered why the Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim this winter. After a brief time of seasoning in the minors, Kim is proving himself to be an asset in the majors. The infielder/outfielder has a batting average of .405 in 52 plate appearances. But that isn’t all. He has two home runs along with five stolen bases. Kim has wheels and has multiple infield hits to prove it. He has the ability to provide a spark at the bottom of the lineup that the Dodgers have been looking for this season. Now that Tommy Edman has recovered from the ankle injury, it would be advantageous to let him patrol center field. Kim could play second base where he excels defensively. Miguel Rojas, who has yet to regain his 2024 form, could spell Kim occasionally. However, the Korean star, who is a clubhouse favorite, has proven his time is now.
Have a day, Hyeseong Kim!
He adds to his highlight reel with a cannon of a throw to nail Aaron Judge 💪 pic.twitter.com/QW5Nrf47mI
— MLB (@MLB) June 1, 2025
A Change in Left Field
Michael Conforto was signed to a one-year contract last winter. This is similar to the deal they gave Teoscar Hernández the previous offseason. Unfortunately, Conforto has yet to yield half the fruits that Hernández has given the Dodgers. The veteran left-fielder has struggled mightily. His batting average has yet to reach the Mendoza line. In addition to his high strikeout rate, Conforto has hit into more than his fair share of double plays. He was supposed to add depth to a potent Los Angeles lineup, but he has yet to make the most of his opportunity.
For example, Conforto has one hit with runners in scoring position since April 1st. His only saving grace is that his on-base percentage has risen in recent weeks, and he has played above-average defense. Manager Dave Roberts has given the veteran a lot of runway. But if something doesn’t drastically improve in a couple of weeks, it may be time to explore other options.
Limit the Defensive Mistakes
The Dodgers have been giving good teams extra outs. A tailor-made double-play ball is booted. The outfielder overthrows the cut-off man. A foul pop-up is not caught in the field of play. This means pitchers have to throw extra pitches, increasing the probability of mistakes, which leads to extra runs for the opposing team. Nearly 80 percent of the Dodgers’ recent losses are because of crucial defensive lapses. They need to clean it up.
The road to back-to-back World Championships is hard. It’s harder when you don’t execute. The Dodgers need to make some improvements if they want to play deep into October.
Photo Credit: © Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
