Top 5 players who made the difference in the Dodgers World Series title win ft. Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman
Even after a blockbuster offseason, the Dodgers were shortstaffed most of the season dealing with major injuries, especially the starting pitching department. But their offense never let off while ably being supported by the bullpen, leading to their eighth World Series.
Here's looking at the top five contributors:
#5 Teoscar Hernandez
When one is hitting behind three former MVPs, it's quite easy to get overlooked. But no one will doubt that Teoscar Hernandez did more than just a 'good job' in the cleanup spot.
He hit 32 doubles and 33 home runs in the regular season, with 137 OPS+. Not just offensively but even in left field, he made some crucial plays. It remains to be seen if LA sign him to an extension, as his one-year $23.5 million contract expires.
#4 Blake Treinen
After playing just five games in the last two seasons, it was unlikely that Blake Treinen would be a central figure in the Dodgers bullpen.
It came as a surprise that the LA management decided to extend him for a year. That plan seemed to work, as, in 50 appearances in relief in the regular season, Treinen earned just 10 runs with a 1.93 ERA.
He was even more impressive in the postseason in the closer role, where he managed three saves for the Dodgers.
#3 Freddie Freeman
Freddie Freeman had a down regular season, hitting just .282 in 147 games when he's a career .300 hitter. The Dodgers 1B missed games due to lingering injuries and a serious family situation as his son Max had to be hospitalised.
Even though his overall postseason stats aren't anything noteworthy, there's no winning the World Series without Freddie Freeman. He drove in 12 of the 25 runs LA scored in the five games, including four home runs, and was rightfully adjudged the World Series MVP.
#2 Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts missed two months of action due to a wrist injury after being hit by a pitch against the Kansas City Royals. But even after playing just 116 games, Betts had a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 4.8.
He drove in 75 RBIs, including 19 home runs, with a .289 average. He was influential even in the postseason, going yard four times, the most for Los Angeles.
#1 Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani showed the baseball world in 2024 that he can do enough with just one of his two abilities to be still regarded as one of the best players in the sport.
In the regular season, he inaugurated the 50-50 club, becoming the first player, registering 54 long balls and 59 stolen bases. He started off the postseason in solid fashion and despite a quiet World Series, his contributions from the leadoff spot were crucial in the Dodgers' overall success.