Just as the previous 31 years have ended, this year ended the same, coming up short in the Los Angeles Dodgers quest for a World Series championship. The biggest difference between this year and the previous two is this season ended much sooner than expected.
The Dodgers were expected to cruise into the World Series. They were the deepest team, the team with a potential MVP winner in Cody Bellinger, and a Cy Young finalist in Hyun-Jin Ryu. They had star power and role players. They had a 3-1 lead in a deciding game 5. However, that lead wasn’t enough to keep the Washington Nationals from advancing to the National League Championship Series and eventually up 2-0 in the World Series.
Dodger Nation has been in mourning since former Dodger Howie Kendrick quieted Dodgers Stadium with a series changing grand slam. At some point, though, they are going to have to set their sights on 2020 and what that team is going to look like.
There are some potential free agents leaving Chavez Ravine, and David Freese has already announced his retirement. Justin Turner has verbally confirmed he would be open to a position change if it helped the team, and Kenley Jansen is faced with a decision to make on opting in or out of his remaining contract.
There are plenty of decisions to be made, free agents to chase, and roles to evaluate for next season. The one positive Dodger fans can be assured of is that their window of opportunity has not closed in the slightest.
With the creativity of the front office, the well-stocked farm system, and the resources to spend on areas of need, this team looks to be an October staple for years to come.
Featured Photo: Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers
