Dodgers' "Money Power" Upgraded Again, Aiming for Third Straight Title to Dominate NL West in New Season

The 2026 MLB season is about to kick off, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, having just completed consecutive World Series wins, have once again shown their extraordinary "financial strength" in offseason reinforcements. Official MLB projections and data indicate that this blue team not only has a dream lineup with a total payroll of $1.7 billion but is also expected to dominate the NL West with a commanding lead, aiming for a third straight championship.

During the offseason, the Dodgers signed elite outfielder Kyle Tucker to a record 4-year, $240 million contract, further enhancing an already star-studded lineup. Official predictions suggest Shohei Ohtani will continue as the leadoff designated hitter, with power hitter Tucker expected to bat second and patrol right field, forming a luxurious lineup alongside Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

This lineup boasts terrifying depth, with almost every batter, from Will Smith and Max Muncy to "Spanish Teacher" Teoscar Hernández, possessing home run power. Data shows this roster's total salary has surpassed $1.7 billion, making it arguably the most lavish in history.

Beyond their offensive firepower, the Dodgers' starting rotation is equally formidable. Head coach Dave Roberts has revealed plans to possibly use a six-man rotation next season to protect the key pitchers. Official forecasts expect the opening game to be led by 2025 World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, followed by Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, two-way star Shohei Ohtani, as well as Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki.

Furthermore, to address the bullpen's instability last season, the Dodgers strengthened their relief corps in the offseason by signing former Mets closer Edwin Díaz from free agency, creating an almost perfect pitching staff from starters to closers.

This powerful roster is reflected in the projections. According to the renowned PECOTA simulation system, the Dodgers are expected to win 104 games next season, with a 98.1% chance of clinching the NL West title, and are even predicted to finish 22.6 games ahead of the second-place Padres.

US media points out that although rivals like the Padres, Giants, and Diamondbacks have made moves, the gap in divisional strength has clearly widened after the Dodgers' aggressive signings of Tucker and Díaz. In the upcoming season, the Dodgers will attempt to achieve the first three-peat in MLB in the 21st century.