Dodgers: 4 Keys to Unstoppable Success in 2025 MLB Playoffs

Los Angeles Dodgers: From Mediocre to Dominant in the Postseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers, after a regular season with ups and downs, have resurfaced strongly in the postseason, demonstrating a remarkable transformation. The team, which at times seemed mediocre, now shows itself as a true title contender. After a promising start and a final winning streak, the Dodgers showed an irregular performance during the regular season. However, in the playoffs, they have exhibited remarkable superiority, winning seven out of eight games and especially standing out away from home. After overcoming the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies, the Dodgers have positioned themselves at the top of the National League Championship Series, with consecutive away wins against the Milwaukee Brewers, the number one team in the league.

If they keep their streak, the Dodgers could be the first team since the 2009 Phillies to return to the World Series a year after winning the championship. With six more wins, they would become the first team to win consecutive titles in a quarter of a century.

Despite some challenges, such as Shohei Ohtani’s low offensive performance, the team has shown remarkable resilience.

The Keys to Success: Dominant Pitching and More

The key to the Dodgers’ success lies in several key factors, starting with their solid starting pitching staff.

A Historic Opening Pitch

The Dodgers’ starting rotation has been exceptional, with an ERA of 1.54 in the postseason, the second-lowest in history for teams with at least eight playoff games. This performance surpasses even legendary teams like the 1996 Atlanta Braves and the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks. The quartet of pitchers formed by Ohtani, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow has proven to be superior to many historical rotations.

“I don’t know if there are enough words to describe our openers,” said Freddie Freeman, Dodgers first baseman. “They’ve been incredible, they feed off each other.”

Freddie Freeman

Investment in pitchers, including the signing of Ohtani, Glasnow, and Yamamoto, has been fundamental. Despite some initial setbacks, the rotation has reached an impressive level of dominance, especially in the last month of the regular season and in the playoffs. The Dodgers’ openers have limited opposing hitters to a low batting average and have accumulated a large number of strikeouts.

“It’s incredible,” said Max Muncy, Dodgers third baseman. “We said before the postseason that our starting pitching would carry us, and it has.”

Max Muncy

Roki Sasaki Becomes an Unstoppable Closer

Another key factor has been Roki Sasaki’s transformation into a dominant closer. After overcoming initial difficulties, Sasaki has found his best form, becoming a fundamental piece of the bullpen. The change in Sasaki’s pitching mechanics, along with the work of the coaches and his own dedication, have been crucial to his success. Sasaki has shown a great ability to handle pressure, and his performance has strengthened the Dodgers’ bullpen.

“Since he returned from the bullpen, he’s one of the best pitchers I’ve seen,” Glasnow said. “His stuff is incredible. He’s focused on the strike zone.”

Tyler Glasnow

Confidence in Sasaki is high, and his success is vital to the team’s aspirations. However, manager Dave Roberts is closely monitoring Sasaki’s performance, especially after a game in which he had some difficulties. Regarding the offense, Mookie Betts has stood out, adapting to the shortstop position and regaining his offensive level. Despite a difficult start to the season, Betts has significantly improved his performance in recent months.

“I finally got all that back and was able to fix a couple of mechanics and didn’t have to try to add power anymore,” Betts said. “I was just able to swing and let it do its work.”

Mookie Betts

Betts’ shift in mindset, focused on the team, has been key to his success.

Execution and Winning Culture

The Dodgers have demonstrated an ability to execute key plays in crucial moments, reflecting a strong team culture.

“The talent we have,” said Enrique Hernández, identifying the obvious, but he added a warning. “The talent on paper is one thing, but in reality, that’s not what wins games. What wins games is what happens within the lines. We have created an incredible culture here where we play baseball the right way. We play winning baseball. There are many teams throughout the league that are super talented, but they don’t play the right way. They don’t do the little things.”

Enrique Hernández

The team has demonstrated a great ability to remain calm and execute important plays under pressure. Despite the challenges, the Dodgers have proven to be experts at handling adversity and finding a way to win. The team’s experience and their ability to overcome difficulties have been fundamental.