The 2025 Tokyo Series finally wrapped up with the Los Angeles Dodgers emerging victorious against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers continued to dominate as they always have done. And just as one would expect it, the Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the debutant, Roki Sasaki, showed their mettle, leading the Dodgers to a 6-3 win against the opponent. But, despite this win, the 60-year-old has revealed something that may pose challenges for the Dodgers. So what is it?
Well, it seems like the Philadelphia Phillies are looking to make it big this season. And the former Mets Coach believes that although the Dodgers have a lot of potential, the Phillies are strong contenders too. They have good players, who can give tough competition to the Dodgers. Think that will work?
Maybe! Despite the Dodgers winning the Tokyo Series against the Cubs, the Phillies probably have one of the best rotations. On March 19, during The Bret Boone podcast, Ruben Amaro Jr. reviewed the Phillies, citing that the Dodgers have had some health-related issues in their rotation over the past few years. There have been inconsistencies while picking up the innings as well. Amaro Jr. continued saying, “I know they have a great rotation. I know they’ve got great arms. They’ve got, you know, All-Stars throughout. But you know, those guys don’t log the innings that some of the guys, I think in the rotation with the Phillies, can log.”
And it’s quite true, as the Los Angeles Dodgers have struggled before in keeping their pitchers healthy. It’s not just Shohei Ohtani (shoulder), but also Roki Sasaki, who had some injury concerns (elbow and shoulder issues) prior to making his debut with the Dodgers. Then there’s Mookie Betts, who was also ruled out of the Tokyo Series, owing to an illness. This surely is a matter of concern, as the Dodgers had to navigate the challenges without some star players. But that’s not all!
Ruben Amaro Jr. also cited another key factor that makes the Philadelphia Phillies a strong contender. The key factor is that the Phillies log innings, which the Dodgers do not do. Due to this, it becomes easier for the Phillies to track the number of innings that a pitcher pitches or even when a player plays defensively, each representing one-third of the inning. And that’s what sets them apart. Meanwhile, let’s have a look at the Dodgers’ players who enter their final season.
The 2025 season might be the last season for some Dodgers players
Amid the Dodgers victory, there’s something that may make the fanbase sad. That’s true, as this 2025 season might be the end of some players like Austin Burnes, Dustin May, and Michael Kopech. Barnes has been a major contributor to the Dodgers in his tenure, as he played every game with the team, and posted a .264/.331/.307 slash line in the last year itself. But, the 35-year-old player is in his final year of the contract, so, it may be his last season. On the other hand, Michael Kopech also had a good 2024 season, but given his contract is expiring soon, it’s unlikely for him to be back with the Dodgers. But that’s not all!
Another player making it to the list is Dodgers pitcher Dustin May. Although age is not a problem for him, as he is just 27 years of age, it may be his last, unless the Dodgers move him to the bullpen. The reason is that the Dodgers boast of a good number of pitchers, be it Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, or Roki Sasaki. They have enough depth, and that’s likely to be the end of his tenure with the Dodgers soon.
However, May’s got a lot of talent, and he surely will remain productive enough in the upcoming times, wherever he goes. Do you think that these players might not be with the Dodgers for the next season? Let us know in the comments.
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