Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Contenders With Stars Like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Joe Kelly

The Los Angeles Dodgers are Back in Action

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. With a history stretching back to the late 19th century, the Dodgers have won the World Series six times and have produced some of the greatest players in the game's history. This year, the Dodgers are looking to make another run at the title with a talented roster led by star outfielder Mookie Betts.

Key Players on the Dodgers Roster

The Dodgers have a deep and talented roster that makes them perennial contenders. Here are some of the key players to watch this season:

• Mookie Betts - A 5-tool superstar acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Red Sox last offseason. Betts is a dynamic hitter and fielder capable of impacting the game in many ways.
• Freddie Freeman - The longtime Braves star signed with the Dodgers in free agency this offseason. Freeman is one of the best hitters in baseball and gives LA another potent bat.
• Trea Turner - An electric leadoff hitter with blazing speed, Turner was acquired at the 2021 trade deadline. He sets the table for the Dodgers offense.
• Walker Buehler - The ace of the pitching staff, Buehler has emerged as one of the most dominant starters in baseball with an overpowering fastball.
• Clayton Kershaw - The longtime Dodger ace is still going strong despite injuries in recent years. When healthy, Kershaw remains one of the most feared pitchers in the game.

Joe Kelly Bringing Energy to the Bullpen

One of the more intriguing Dodgers this season is relief pitcher Joe Kelly. Known for his outgoing personality and elite stuff on the mound, Kelly provides a major boost for the Dodgers bullpen.

Kelly initially broke into the big leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals, helping them win a World Series title in 2011. After some up and down seasons, he emerged as a top-notch reliever with the Boston Red Sox and won another championship with them in 2018.

The Dodgers signed Kelly to a 3-year, $25 million contract before the 2019 season. The team was attracted to his 97+ mph fastball and sharp breaking pitches. But they also loved Kelly's intense competitive spirit and fun-loving mentality.

Kelly immediately endeared himself to Dodgers fans with his colorful persona. He gained notoriety for his pouty lip expressions on the mound and offbeat antics. Kelly also displayed a fiery attitude, not afraid to show emotion and stand up for his teammates.

Key Moments for Joe Kelly as a Dodger

While Kelly has had some ups and downs on the field, he has produced some memorable highlights with the Dodgers:

• He set a record by striking out the first 5 batters he faced on Opening Day in 2019.
• Kelly pitched 2 scoreless innings and struck out 3 in Game 5 of the 2020 World Series versus the Rays.
• He famously taunted the Astros by making faces after striking out Alex Bregman in 2020, leaning into the rivalry between the teams.
• Kelly posted a 1.80 ERA during the 2021 regular season, his best as a Dodger.

Kelly became a fan favorite for his antics and fiery mentality on the mound. The Dodgers re-signed him to an additional 2 year deal before 2022, showing their appreciation for his impact.

What to Expect from Kelly and the Dodgers Bullpen

The Dodgers bullpen figures to be a strength this season. Besides Kelly, they have closer Craig Kimbrel who came over in a trade with the White Sox last year. Kimbrel has been one of the most dominant closers of his era and gives LA a lethal 1-2 punch at the back end of games.

Kelly is expected to play a versatile role, capable of pitching in the 7th, 8th, or 9th innings as needed. He has said this offseason he wants to recapture his 2018 form with the Red Sox when he was a shutdown setup man.

With Kelly and Kimbrel leading the way, the Dodgers bullpen looks poised to shorten games and lock down leads for their star-studded starting rotation. Kelly's fiery personality should also play well in getting relievers fired up for big moments late in games.

The Dodgers Look Ready for a Championship Run

With a balance of star power, depth, and talent across the roster, the Dodgers enter 2023 as one of the clear World Series favorites. The lineup remains elite with Betts, Freeman, Turner, and more. The starting rotation is still among the best in baseball. And the bullpen is downright filthy at the back end.

Joe Kelly figures to play an important role in bridging the gap between the starters and closer Craig Kimbrel. If Kelly can recapture his top form, he could be an X-factor that takes the bullpen to another level this season.

It's an exciting time to be a Dodgers fan with a realistic chance to capture another championship. With players like Kelly bringing energy and edge to the roster, the Dodgers should be must-see entertainment all season long.

FAQs

Who are the best players on the Dodgers?

The Dodgers have several superstar players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Trea Turner, and Walker Buehler. Clayton Kershaw also remains one of the best pitchers in baseball when healthy.

How good is the Dodgers bullpen?

The Dodgers bullpen is very strong this year. Joe Kelly and closer Craig Kimbrel give them a dominant back end of the bullpen. Kelly provides versatility to pitch in high-leverage spots.

What are the Dodgers' chances of winning the World Series?

The Dodgers have one of the most talented rosters in MLB and are among the top contenders to win the 2023 World Series. With stars across the roster, they have an excellent chance if they can stay healthy.

How important is Joe Kelly to the Dodgers success?

Joe Kelly brings versatility, elite stuff, and an intense competitive mentality to the Dodgers bullpen. He can pitch in any high-leverage situation late in games to help close out wins.