Tommy Edman, rather than the elite stars of the Dodgers, has been named the NLCS MVP following a strong collective performance by the team.
LOS ANGELES — While many teams may casually state that their primary goal is to win the World Series each season, the Dodgers take this aspiration seriously. For them, winning the championship isn’t merely an objective; it’s the primary focus of their entire organization.
The Dodgers invest significantly more than most teams do, not just in payroll but in player development. Over the past ten years, they have established themselves as the premier franchise in baseball, continually striving to enhance their roster.
Pursuing the World Series title is no secret with a team that boasts a hefty payroll and an abundance of stars. However, before claiming the championship, you must first reach the World Series.
The Dodgers have achieved this milestone for the fourth time in eight years. They punched their ticket to the Fall Classic against the Yankees by defeating the Mets 10-5 in Game 6 of the NLCS, marking their return to the World Series for the first time since 2020.
“It feels like we finally arrived, I finally arrived,” Shohei Ohtani shared after securing his first World Series appearance in his inaugural season with the Dodgers. “Many of the games we played were incredibly tough. It was truly a team effort to get here.”
After initially trailing the Padres 2-1 in the NLDS, the Dodgers recognized that it would take a collective effort rather than the exploits of a single star to turn their season around. This realization fueled their determination.
The Dodgers, determined to succeed as a united front, bested their rivals in five games before heading to face the formidable New York Mets. Defeating the Mets required similar resilience, especially as injuries mounted, such as star first baseman Freddie Freeman’s ongoing ankle issue.
Despite the challenges, L.A. continued to find ways to win. After returning to Dodger Stadium with a 3-2 NLCS lead, the decisive Game 6 showcased their journey, as they combined to score 10 runs while collectively securing 27 outs.
“They proved to themselves how tough they are,” manager Dave Roberts commented on his team’s spirit. “When faced with a division rival in such a high-stakes situation, it becomes a fight for survival. I believe that mindset propelled us through the series against the Padres and helped us finish off the Mets in six games.”
Dominating the postseason with a strategy often employed this October, the Dodgers executed a bullpen game, utilizing seven relievers who effectively minimized damage. The team’s batting lineup produced, with eight of the nine starters contributing hits and runs in the Game 6 triumph.
“They’re deep. They’re good,” remarked Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “Despite facing several injuries and missing key players, they’ve remained a formidable team, demonstrating their ability to overcome adversity. This consistency is something we should all aim for.”
The Dodgers’ strategy of acquiring superstars like Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freeman has not only strengthened the team but has also increased their room for error. Uniquely, the Dodgers consistently excel in both high-profile acquisitions and the finer details that contribute to winning.
A prime example is Tommy Edman, the NLCS MVP, who was acquired in a trade deadline deal involving the Cardinals and White Sox. Initially sidelined due to ankle surgery, Edman ultimately proved invaluable in the postseason, starting at shortstop and excelling against Mets pitching with a .407 batting average, a home run, and 11 RBIs—tying a franchise record for a postseason series. In Game 6, he contributed significantly with a two-run double and a two-run homer.
“We had great at-bats throughout the series. Our entire lineup performed well,” Edman noted. “Many players could have been considered for MVP, but I kept finding myself in situations where I could drive in runs.”
Ohtani concurred, asserting, “Tommy is clearly the MVP. His contributions extend beyond mere statistics, impacting the game significantly.”
Now, the Dodgers prepare to face the New York Yankees in the World Series, with Game 1 set for Friday in Chavez Ravine. This matchup marks the first meeting between these two storied franchises in the Fall Classic since 1981 and their twelfth overall encounter. It also represents a clash between the top seeds from each league, both possessing the best records in their respective divisions.
The Yankees present a fitting challenge for the Dodgers, equipped with star power to match L.A. But as the Dodgers have learned through their playoff journey, winning the World Series cannot rely solely on individual heroics.
It will be crucial for the Dodgers’ depth to shine in the upcoming series, especially given uncertainties surrounding Freeman’s ankle and their currently challenged pitching rotation facing a robust Yankees lineup.
“We kept adding the right pieces, whether through free agency, trades, or waiver claims,” said Kiké Hernández. “This has resulted in a complete team, equipped with the character and resilience needed for a long season.”
Having weathered numerous challenges thus far, the Dodgers find themselves exactly where they desire to be. The upcoming matchup will reveal if they can maintain their momentum.