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2022 Los Angeles Dodgers Predictions and Odds to Win the World Series

by Devon Rymarchuk - 4/8/2022

Los Angeles Dodgers predictions and odds to win World Series Clayton Kershaw

World Series Odds: +500

NL West Division Odds: -220

Over/Under Win Total: 97.5

With perhaps the best lineup in the major leagues, and many critics even saying one of the best rosters the MLB has ever seen, it is no surprise the Los Angeles Dodgers come in as pre-season favorites to win the World Series. The addition of legendary Braves 1st baseman Freddie Freeman to the Dodgers lineup is what really puts them over the top. Let’s not give the Dodgers the championship too early…… there were key pieces that left the L.A lineup that I believe should be of note. Corey Seager, who just got over $300 million and was one of the best shortstops in baseball, is now gone to the Texas Rangers. Max Scherzer, one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, future hall of famer…. Gone. Kenley Jansen, a great closer who was very good for the Dodgers last year…. Gone. Corey Knebel, who started games in the playoffs for the Dodgers last year is now gone. Joe Kelly, a great bullpen guy who can get you big outs…. Gone.

As you go down the list, that is a lot of key pieces from the Los Angeles Dodgers gone from last season. Again, there is no question the Dodgers have talent from every angle of the roster coming into 2022 and could be a historically great lineup. However, I beg to ask the question -- how will the departures of key pieces effect the dugout and lineup through 2022?

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Continued Dominance?

Over the past nine seasons, MLB fans have experienced nothing but greatness when it comes to L.A Dodgers baseball. The Dodgers have built a dynasty in the National League. Across this span, they have won at least 90 games each season, made it to six Championship Series, appeared in three World Series, and of course were the champions of the 2020 World Series. The 2021 season was no exception for the Dodgers. They finished with 106 regular season wins and an appearance in the NLCS. Despite all that on paper dominance, the Dodgers have only that single World Series …..won during a shortened, 60-game campaign, to show for it.

Key Acquisitions

We talked about who the Dodgers lost, but Brandon Gomes, the General Manager of Los Angeles, got to work quickly to replace what left the Dodgers faithful.  Los Angeles brought in some reinforcements on buy-low deals, signing Andrew Heaney and Tyler Anderson for a combined $16.5 million to bolster the group’s depth as they wait on arms such as Dustin May to be ready in the latter third of the season.

The bullpen was expected to be a strength even before the Dodgers landed Kimbrel in a swap for AJ Pollock late last week. The active saves leader, who holds the lowest ERA for any reliever with 350 or more career saves, will assume the ninth inning. Doing so will allow the rest of the bullpen to line into place. Blake Treinen can serve as a fireman, navigating difficult areas of opposing lineups. Daniel Hudson, back with the Dodgers, can handle late-inning work, too, as can Brusdar Graterol. Relievers Tommy Kahnle and Caleb Ferguson will enter that mix as they rehab from Tommy John surgery. Danny Duffy could emerge as a relief option at around midseason, as well.

Projected lineup

1. Mookie Betts, RF

2. Trea Turner, SS

3. Freddie Freeman, 1B

4. Justin Turner, 3B

5. Max Muncy, DH

6. Will Smith, C

7. Cody Bellinger, CF

8. Chris Taylor, 2B

9. AJ Pollock, LF

A question mark amongst the Dodgers lineup will be which Cody Bellinger will show up in 2022. Star outfielder Bellinger had a down season in 2021 as injuries kept him out and hindered him from playing at his best. He only hit .165 in 95 appearances, which was an abysmal level of production for the 2019 NL MVP. Despite his lowly numbers in the regular season, Bellinger had a resurgence in the playoffs where he normed .353/.436/.471 in 12 games.

2018 AL MVP and 2020 All-MLB First Team selection Mookie Betts hits leadoff. Behind him, NL MVP finalist Trea Turner (32 steals, .911 OPS) and the 2020 NL MVP and a reigning World Series champion with a .946 OPS since 2019. Any of those three players would be the best hitter for some of the teams on our list. Naturally, there is more to the Dodgers’ batting order. Justin Turner (872 OPS since 2018) is as consistent as they come, and Max Muncy can deliver 30-plus homers near the bottom of the order.

Projected rotation

1. Walker Buehler, RHP

2. Julio Urías, LHP

3. Clayton Kershaw, LHP

4. Andrew Heaney, LHP

5. Tony Gonsolin, RHP

Projected bullpen

Closer: Blake Treinen, RHP

Setup: Daniel Hudson, RHP; Alex Vesia, LHP

Middle: Brusdar Graterol, RHP; Evan Phillips, RHP; David Price, LHP

Long: Tony Gonsolin, RHP

The Dodgers entered camp with seven potential options in the rotation. But after naming Heaney and Gonsolin the last two starters, David Price and Tyler Anderson will start the season in the bullpen. That situation will remain fluid. With a shaky backend, the Dodgers will rely heavily on Buehler, who is the team’s Opening Day starter, and Urías and Kershaw.

The Dodgers spent a lot this off season and stacked their roster with as much talent as humanly possible. Between Freeman, right fielder Mookie Betts, center fielder Cody Bellinger and pitcher Clayton Kershaw, L.A. has four former MVPs on its roster, plus multiple other MVP and Cy Young candidates. That is why they are heavy favorites to win the NL West. As a bettor, it does not give one a ton of value, but it is as guaranteed a choice as any. I believe the Dodgers will go over their projected 97.5-win total and once again break the 100-win barrier. The value is not there to pick them to win the World Series, but as a small bet it could be fun betting on the favorite.

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