Dodgers News: Despite Offseason Losses, Writers Ranks LA Among Top 5 Offense in Baseball
Over the offseason, it seemed like an all out implosion was going to happen for the Dodgers. Cody Bellinger left and went to Chicago, Justin Turner joined the Red Sox, Trea Turner went to the Phillies, and that left Dodger fans wondering how the team would fare offensively.
Well, needless to say, the Dodgers did just fine.
They're ranked in the Top 5 in Bleacher Report's midseason offense rankings.
They signed three key veteran pieces that have been very consistent in Jason Heyward, David Peralta and J.D. Martinez.
Here's a look at how those three have done at the plate so far:
- Jason Heyward - .265 BA / 8 HR / 21 RBI
- David Peralta - .286 BA / 5 HR / 30 RBI
- J.D. Martinez - .250 BA / 19 HR / 56 RBI
Now, while those numbers aren't eye-popping and outrageous, it's exactly what the Dodgers need. Consistency.
In the past, the Dodgers have lived and died by the long ball. This year, they needed to focus more on consistent hitting and not leaving as many runners on base.
The moves they made in the offseason were to fix that.
Martinez was named an NL All-Star this season, and he's been a staple in the Dodgers' lineup all throughout the season.
Peralta has come up big in the clutch for the Dodgers this year, and has really come up with some timely hits.
Heyward is a nice complimentary piece to have to give people some off days when needed and not lose too much offense.
So yes, while the Dodgers did lose some big names in the offseason, they just re-tooled with some pieces that they desperately needed. And that was, of course, just an addition to All-Stars Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith.
