The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of Major League Baseball’s most successful and iconic franchises, with a rich history of championship wins, star players, and innovative management. Over the past decade, they have been perennial contenders, boasting a loaded roster, a strong farm system, and an elite front office. However, as the team looks ahead, the Dodgers face an increasingly competitive landscape in both their division and the broader baseball world. With the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and other emerging teams posing new challenges, the Dodgers need to make strategic moves to stay ahead of the pack.
While the big trades and headline signings are always in the spotlight, it’s often the more subtle, lesser-discussed moves that end up shaping a team’s long-term trajectory. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the “dark horse” moves—those under-the-radar decisions, trades, or strategies—that could play a crucial role in determining the Dodgers’ future success. From undervalued players to savvy trades, these moves could end up being the difference-makers that keep the Dodgers competitive and in the mix for World Series titles for years to come.
- The Potential for a Breakout Star in the Farm System
The Dodgers have long been known for their ability to develop talent, producing stars like Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, and Gavin Lux through their farm system. However, in recent years, the pipeline has faced challenges with top prospects being traded for immediate impact players or facing injuries. Despite this, the Dodgers’ farm system still has a few players who could potentially become the next breakout stars, and their development could be the difference in maintaining a high level of competitiveness.
One name that stands out is Diego Cartaya, the 22-year-old catcher who has steadily been climbing the prospect rankings. Known for his raw power and advanced defensive skills behind the plate, Cartaya has the potential to become one of the league’s top catchers. With the Dodgers’ current catching tandem of Will Smith and Austin Barnes, Cartaya’s rise could either lead to an upgrade at the position or an enticing trade piece for the future. If Cartaya’s development continues on its current trajectory, he could give the Dodgers a true power bat and elite defensive catcher, bolstering their roster without breaking the bank.
Additionally, Miguel Vargas, an infielder who made his MLB debut in 2022, has shown a lot of promise in his early career. While he has yet to fully establish himself, Vargas’ combination of solid hitting ability, plate discipline, and versatility could make him a key player for the Dodgers in the coming years. His development as a top-tier hitter—perhaps in a second-base or utility role—could provide much-needed depth, particularly as the team faces an aging core and possible free-agent losses.
Why It Matters: The Dodgers’ ability to develop these prospects will ensure they continue to reload their roster with top-tier talent. If Cartaya and Vargas emerge as everyday players, they could significantly bolster the Dodgers’ roster, providing long-term value and flexibility. These homegrown players could give the team an edge over competitors who rely more on free-agent signings and trades.
- The Power of a Smart Trade for Pitching Depth
The Dodgers have long been known for their deep pitching staff, and while they currently feature a formidable rotation, there are always opportunities to improve. The team has a strong top-end with Clayton Kershaw, Gerrit Cole, and Julio Urías (when healthy), but their success in the postseason often hinges on depth. Over the past few years, injuries have affected the pitching staff, and despite acquiring stars like Max Scherzer and Trevor Bauer in recent seasons, the Dodgers still face the reality of needing more consistent arms.
A dark horse move could be the acquisition of a starting pitcher who might not be a household name but has the potential to thrive in the Dodgers’ high-performance environment. Consider a trade for a pitcher who’s underperforming on a non-contending team but has elite tools that could be unlocked by the Dodgers’ world-class coaching staff. For instance, Kyle Hendricks of the Chicago Cubs, once considered one of the most reliable pitchers
