Dodgers News: Fangraphs Has LA With Best Chances to Win the World Series
The Dodgers entered 2022 with championship aspirations, and with good reason. Not only were they coming off of a franchise-record 106 wins in 2021, but they were also adding Freddie Freeman to an already star-studded lineup.
On paper, this team looked to be about as well-rounded as possible. Fast forward to the midpoint of the season, however, and numerous injuries and a few curious slumps have kept the Dodgers from truly living up to their expectations. This would be a death sentence for most teams, but the depth that LA owns has allowed them to keep up their winning ways.
As we approach the All-Star break and symbolic midway point of the season, Fangraphs updated their latest projections for the best odds to win the World Series. And despite the up and down year that they’ve had to this point, the Dodgers find themselves leading the way.
The assessment of Fangraphs on best chances for winning the World Series:
Dodgers 15.4%
Braves 15.2%
Astros 14.5%
Mets 12.8%
Yankees 12.3%
Padres 5.5%
Brewers 5.4%
Blue Jays 5.1%
Red Sox 2.6%https://t.co/aW7oAjgFzc— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 7, 2022
Unsurprisingly, the top teams are all either running away with their divisions or are firmly within playoff contention. The level of parity in the league is higher than in recent years, so it isn’t surprising to see this many teams having a realistic shot at winning it all.
The good news for the Dodgers is that these projections come even as they have yet to truly hit their stride. Injuries have plagued the team all season long, and extended absences from the likes of Walker Buehler, Blake Treinen, and Dustin May have not allowed fans to see what this team looks like at full strength. All three players should be making their returns in the second half of the season, however, and will only add to the impressive talent on this team.
Final Thoughts
The second half of the season will provide reinforcements for LA, and Fangraphs seems to think that these will be enough to separate the Dodgers from the rest of the pack. But just like the game of baseball isn’t played on paper, projections mean nothing at the end of the day. It will be up to this team and its players to back up the enormous expectations that have been placed upon it.
