Dodgers News: 3 LA Stars Among Top 10 Players in Postseason, Per MLB Writer
This year's Dodgers boast the most unique array of talent in the Dave Roberts era but superstars are still the driving force behind this winning machine.
Two MVP candidates rank high among those that remain in the playoff field including the No. 1 overall player in the eyes of MLB.com's Will Leitch.
1. Mookie Betts, RF/2B, Dodgers
I’m not any more eager to get involved in another “Who should win the NL MVP?” debate than anyone else, but I will say: Deciding who tops this list is a slightly different question than that one. After all, Betts has been here before, winning two World Series, in addition to the fantastic year he’s had in 2023 -- which has included playing all over the diamond. Betts is at his absolute peak right now, and clearly eager to get that third ring.
Betts' first year in LA ended with a World Series title and another ring on his mantle is the No. 1 priority on his mind past any individual award.
Ronald Acuña Jr. controversially ranked second on the list after he's all but likely to win the NL MVP award.
Acuña Jr. could join former teammate Freddie Freeman for said individual honor, but the first baseman isn't focused on adding another MVP award to his accolades.
The superstar first baseman and fourth-ranked player on the list instead wants another ring for himself in LA much like where Betts' focus remains.
The Dodgers don't boast the pitching talent they usually have for October, but one familiar face heads a new-look rotation poised for a postseason run.
9. Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers So maybe he doesn’t have the stuff he used to have, and maybe you’ll always be a little worried about whether he’ll be healthy enough to make his next start. But he’s still Clayton Kershaw. He’s still a handful, and may well be so forever.
Kershaw's shoulder kept him sidelined for over a month and has him shaky with both command and velocity since his return.
Kershaw was better for the final few starts of his regular season, and gave the team confidence to give him the ball for Game 1 of the NLDS.
In what could be the final ride for Kershaw and some other veterans on the team, LA's superstars may need to carry the load once again for another championship in 2023.
