Shohei Ohtani didn’t just give his Dodgers teammates new Seiko watches before they took the field on Opening Day this season, he sent a crystal clear message with them: “Let’s three-peat.” That’s the audacious goal hanging over Dodger Stadium as they head into October, a challenge no National League team has ever pulled off, and something only the 1998-2000 New York Yankees have done in over two decades. This isn’t just about winning another championship, it’s about making history, and this veteran Dodgers squad knows exactly what’s at stake.
Roberts Keeps ‘Em Focused, But The Clock Is Ticking
Manager Dave Roberts might not scream “three-peat” from the rooftops, but the message is loud and clear. When they clinched their fifth straight division title on September 17, Roberts kept it real, talking about the “toughness and hunger” it takes, and the “sacrifices” every single guy has to make, including time away from their families. He told them, “You never know who is going to be the guy, who that moment is going to fall to. Many people have lived it in this clubhouse. My ask is, be ready to be that guy.” It’s a smart move to keep them locked on the present, especially with an aging core getting another year older and some labor strife clouds hanging over the future. This window, this chance at history, it’s not going to be open forever. As Roberts put it, “We’re all aware we have a chance to do something that’s never been done in the National League and what it would mean for this franchise, this fanbase. But it just makes life more difficult when you don’t focus on the job, that’s winning this next series. I think our guys are pretty focused on that.”
Pitching Prowess and Skubal’s Dominance Sets Them Apart
What makes this Dodgers team so terrifying isn’t just their big bats; it’s how they piece together their pitching. In 2024, their talented bullpen carried a patchwork rotation through a postseason run. Last year, they had so many starters they could use them as extra relief options to manage a shaky bullpen, even rolling out six guys in Game 7 of the World Series who all started the year as starters. This year? They’re anticipating a much more reliable mix of arms. They are, simply put, the least-flawed team in the entire playoff field. Seriously, do the Brewers have enough power? Do the Braves or Padres have the reliable starting pitching they need? And will any American League team even stand a chance against whoever comes out of the NL? This Dodgers rotation could go down as one of the best October units ever assembled. Kicking things off in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Braves will be none other than Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League back-to-back Cy Young Award winner. Roberts broke the news to Skubal right after his final start in San Francisco, where the star deadline acquisition punched out 10 batters in seven innings on just 75 pitches. Skubal recalled, “I thought in the moment I was going to be able to finish the game. And he’s like, ‘Get ready for Game [1]!’”
This team is stacked, hungry, and has a clear mission. Get ready, National League, because Game 1 is about to kick off against the Braves, and the Dodgers are playing for keeps and a place in baseball history.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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