Full Breakdown
Dodgers Aim for Historic MLB Recognition
2/23/2026, 9:45:02 PM
Dodgers' Ambitious Goals for 2026 Season
As the Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2026 MLB season, manager Dave Roberts has expressed confidence that the team has the potential to become one of the greatest in baseball history. During the early weeks of spring training, Roberts highlighted several players he believes will contend for major awards, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto as candidates for the Cy Young Award. He also mentioned Tyler Glasnow as a strong contender if he maintains his health. Ohtani, a four-time MVP, is favored to win the National League MVP again, but Roberts believes he will face competition from teammates Mookie Betts and newcomer Kyle Tucker.
Historical Context of Award Winners
The Dodgers have a storied history with award winners, having last swept the MVP and Cy Young awards in 2014 with Clayton Kershaw. The last instance of separate players from the Dodgers winning these awards occurred in 1988, when Kirk Gibson and Orel Hershiser took home the honors. Historically, teams that have had multiple players finish in the top spots of MVP voting include the 1941 Brooklyn Dodgers and the 1966 Baltimore Orioles. The 2023 Atlanta Braves also showcased a similar achievement with three players finishing in the top seven of MVP voting.
Potential for Multiple Award Contenders
The Dodgers' current roster may allow them to replicate or even surpass these historical feats. With Betts and Freddie Freeman already positioned as top MVP candidates, the team could potentially have multiple players in contention for both the MVP and Cy Young awards. This scenario mirrors the Braves' success in 2023, where they had three players among the top seven in MVP voting. However, not all championship teams have been laden with MVP candidates; for example, the San Francisco Giants' championship teams from 2010 to 2014 did not have more than one player finish in the top 10 for MVP.
Pitching Excellence and Cy Young Contenders
The Dodgers also boast a strong pitching staff, with the potential for multiple pitchers to be in the running for the Cy Young Award. While it is uncommon for a team to have three pitchers finish in the top five for this award, Roberts' staff includes several strong candidates. Notably, the 2019 season saw Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole finish first and second in the Cy Young voting, showcasing the rarity of such achievements. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior acknowledged the impressive talent on the team, stating, “Being around these guys on a daily basis, as a fan and as a coach, it’s pretty incredible.”
Conclusion: Aiming for Greatness
As the Dodgers prepare for the upcoming season, they are not only aiming for individual accolades but also for collective success that could solidify their legacy in MLB history. With a roster filled with talent and a strong coaching staff, the Dodgers are poised to make a significant impact in the 2026 season, potentially achieving unprecedented recognition in the league.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I expect a lot for myself, and everyone should expect that of themselves.” — Dave Roberts, Manager
- “Obviously, you have to take a step back and try to get some perspective,” — Mark Prior, Dodgers Pitching Coach
