**”Dodgers’ Championship Euphoria Meets Reality: Still Eyeing Another Arm for October”**
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2023 season has been nothing short of a triumph. From setting franchise records to an outstanding regular-season finish, the team is riding high on the euphoria of yet another National League West title. Yet, even amidst the excitement of what promises to be a deep postseason run, the Dodgers are not sitting back and resting on their laurels. As they continue to bask in the glory of their success, their front office remains laser-focused on one key goal: adding another arm to the rotation.
For a team with a rich postseason pedigree, where expectations are always set sky-high, it’s easy to forget the nature of the beast. The Dodgers have often been a playoff juggernaut, consistently reaching the NLCS and World Series in recent years, but in 2023, there’s an underlying awareness that postseason success hinges on more than just the glitzy lineup of stars. It’s a matter of finding that additional spark in the rotation, particularly when the stakes are highest.
### The Dodgers’ Current Pitching Situation
At first glance, the Dodgers’ pitching staff appears formidable. With a roster that includes ace Clayton Kershaw, the seasoned leadership of Julio Urías, and the reliable Tony Gonsolin, the team has a solid starting rotation. Then there’s the electric duo of Bobby Miller, who emerged as a key contributor in his rookie season, and Dustin May, who, when healthy, can be a game-changer. Together, these arms form a strong foundation for a postseason run.
However, for a team as ambitious as the Dodgers, strength in numbers is crucial, especially in the postseason where pitching depth is often tested. While Kershaw remains a future Hall-of-Famer and Urías has proven himself on the biggest stages, both players have question marks surrounding them as October looms. Kershaw, despite his greatness, has faced his fair share of postseason struggles in the past, while Urías has dealt with inconsistency at times in 2023. Additionally, the unpredictability of younger pitchers like Miller and May means there are questions about whether they can carry the team during the high-pressure moments of a deep playoff run.
As such, the Dodgers’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, has openly acknowledged their interest in adding another starting pitcher before the trade deadline. While other teams are busy reinforcing their rosters with hitters or bullpen arms, the Dodgers’ focus has been clear: their championship aspirations could hinge on the acquisition of a high-caliber starting pitcher.
### Why Another Arm?
The reasoning behind the Dodgers’ pursuit of additional pitching is not hard to grasp. While their offense is among the best in baseball, with superstars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith leading the charge, the postseason is often won by teams with elite pitching depth. Look no further than the 2021 World Series champion Atlanta Braves or the Houston Astros’ run of dominance in recent years. Both teams boasted not only elite starting pitching but also a deep bullpen to back it up.
The Dodgers’ current staff, despite its potential, has experienced its share of struggles. Kershaw, for all his brilliance, has been more vulnerable as the years go on, especially in high-leverage games. His injury history has caused concern about whether he can remain at the top of his game over the course of a full postseason. Urías, who has been a rock for the Dodgers since 2019, has had ups and downs in 2023, including a few outings where he couldn’t find his rhythm. Gonsolin, while effective, is still returning to form after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and his consistency in the postseason will be something to watch.
The Dodgers’ rotation, while talented, also lacks a true frontline ace behind Kershaw. Having a second pitcher who can shoulder the load and dominate on the mound in October would not only alleviate the pressure on Kershaw and Urías but also add a layer of security to the pitching staff. In short, the Dodgers need an arm capable of making a difference when it matters most—whether as a Game 1 starter or a potential long-relief weapon in a tight series.
### Potential Trade Targets
With the trade deadline approaching, the Dodgers’ front office has been keeping an eye on several potential trade targets, each of whom could provide an upgrade to the rotation. While names change from week to week, some key pitchers have consistently come up in rumors.
**1. Lucas Giolito (Chicago White Sox)**
Giolito, an All-Star in 2019, has long been a fixture in trade rumors due to the White Sox’s rebuilding efforts. As an experienced, high-upside starter, Giolito could be a great fit for the Dodgers, particularly given his track record in the American League. His ability to strike out batters and limit damage could play well in a playoff series where every out counts.
**2. Justin Verlander (New York Mets)**
Verlander, a future Hall-of-Famer, was traded to the Houston Astros midseason in 2023 after a brief stint with the Mets. His postseason pedigree is unmatched, and the thought of adding a pitcher with his experience, especially one who has already proven capable of thriving in the postseason, is a tantalizing prospect. While the Mets may demand a high price for Verlander, the Dodgers could find the return worthwhile if they believe he can offer the kind of dominance they need in October.
**3. Marcus Stroman (Chicago Cubs)**
Stroman is another pitcher who could help the Dodgers with his ability to keep games close. A groundball specialist with a strong track record, Stroman would provide a reliable arm for the Dodgers to slot into their rotation in a postseason series. His playoff experience, though limited, makes him an intriguing option for a team looking for stability and depth.
**4. Jack Flaherty (St. Louis Cardinals)**
Flaherty’s struggles in recent seasons have lowered his stock somewhat, but he still has the potential to be a difference-maker. A dominant performance in the 2019 postseason and his pedigree as a former ace make Flaherty an appealing low-risk, high-reward option for the Dodgers.
### Adding Depth Without Disrupting Chemistry
One of the keys to the Dodgers’ success over the years has been their chemistry. They have built a culture of collaboration and mutual support, where veterans like Kershaw, Freeman, and Betts work alongside a dynamic group of younger players, such as Miller and Smith. The Dodgers are careful not to upset this balance when adding new players, particularly pitchers who might need to adjust to a new team midseason.
Friedman and the front office will undoubtedly take this into account as they evaluate potential trade targets. They won’t just be looking for a pitcher who can throw strikes and miss bats—they’ll be seeking a player who can seamlessly integrate into the clubhouse and perform under the intense pressure of the postseason. This delicate balancing act will be key to any trade discussions they have, ensuring that any new addition complements the team’s culture while contributing on the mound.
### Conclusion
While the Dodgers are undoubtedly celebrating their impressive regular season and their spot in the playoffs, they remain vigilant, knowing that to achieve their ultimate goal—a World Series championship—will require more than just a potent lineup. The addition of a proven, high-caliber arm to their rotation could be the key to turning their championship hopes into reality. The Dodgers have the pieces in place, but with a few tweaks to their pitching staff, they could finally break through and claim their long-awaited title.
As the playoffs approach, it’s clear the Dodgers aren’t content to simply ride their success—they’re actively working to fortify their roster and position themselves as true title contenders. That means staying focused on one final, critical addition to the team, ensuring their rotation is equipped to handle the demands of October. The Dodgers’ pursuit of another arm reflects their unwavering
commitment to not just participating in the postseason, but to winning it all. And for the fans in Los Angeles, that’s exactly the kind of mindset they want to see from their team as they chase another championship.
