In a groundbreaking moment for Major League Baseball and the global baseball community, the Los Angeles Dodgers have officially been recognized as the best and most unified baseball program in the world. This prestigious honor was jointly awarded by ESPN and the World Baseball Consortium (WBC) following a yearlong evaluation of professional clubs, development pipelines, global outreach programs, and team culture.
The Dodgers, long regarded as a pillar of baseball excellence, have now earned the ultimate validation of their global impact and organizational superiority.
The Criteria Behind the Crown
ESPN and the WBC did not bestow this honor lightly. The evaluation committee—comprising over 50 international baseball experts, scouts, analysts, and executives—examined more than 60 clubs across MLB, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB), and others.
Four central criteria were used to determine the world’s best and most unified program:
- On-Field Excellence
- Player Development and Farm System Strength
- Organizational Unity and Culture
- Global Influence and Outreach
The Dodgers topped every category.
A Dynasty in the Making: Dominance on the Field
Since 2020, the Dodgers have consistently been one of MLB’s most dominant teams. With postseason appearances in 11 consecutive seasons and a World Series title in 2020, they’ve blended consistency with flashes of dynastic greatness.
The 2024 season was a pinnacle moment for the franchise.
- Shohei Ohtani’s Arrival: Ohtani’s historic signing brought an unprecedented dual-threat talent to the Dodgers, instantly elevating their ceiling.
- Mookie Betts’ MVP Caliber Season: The heart and soul of the team, Betts continued to dazzle defensively and offensively.
- Freddie Freeman’s Leadership: A steady force in the lineup and clubhouse, Freeman has become the embodiment of professional excellence.
- Pitching Powerhouse: Led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, and Bobby Miller, the Dodgers’ rotation is arguably the best in the world.
Their 2024 win total of 109 was the second-highest in franchise history, and they entered the 2025 season with the best odds to win the World Series again.
The Best Farm System in Baseball
While the Yankees and Rays have had strong pipelines, the Dodgers’ minor league system has become the gold standard.
In 2025, seven of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects are Dodgers—an astonishing figure for a club that hasn’t picked in the Top 10 of the MLB Draft in over a decade.
Players like:
- Dalton Rushing (C)
- Nick Frasso (RHP)
- Josue De Paula (OF)
- Thayron Liranzo (C)
…have emerged as legitimate big-league contributors or future All-Stars.
The secret? A cutting-edge development program that blends data analytics, biomechanics, and psychological performance—plus a staff that fosters player-first relationships.
A Culture of Unity, Respect, and Accountability
ESPN’s report highlighted that no franchise in baseball is more unified in its culture than the Los Angeles Dodgers. From top executives like President Andrew Friedman down to Single-A coaches, there is alignment in philosophy, player care, and winning mentality.
Team meetings regularly include everyone—from superstars like Ohtani to training interns—ensuring every voice is valued.
Freeman once said, “When you walk into this clubhouse, there’s no ego. Just excellence.”
This culture extends beyond the field. During spring training, Betts, Ohtani, and Dave Roberts hosted rookie workshops focused not only on baseball mechanics, but on life skills, financial literacy, and community engagement.
A Global Brand: The Dodgers’ Worldwide Reach
Perhaps no franchise has done more to globalize baseball in the 21st century than the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani Effect
With Ohtani now on the roster, the Dodgers have become the most-watched MLB team in Japan and South Korea. Sales of Dodgers merchandise in East Asia have tripled since Ohtani signed.
International Development Camps
The Dodgers operate training academies in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and recently opened a new youth baseball facility in Ghana—the first MLB-sponsored complex on the African continent.
Dodgers in Tokyo: 2025 Opening Series
The Dodgers’ historic sweep over the Cubs in the 2025 Tokyo Series further established their global credibility. Ohtani’s return to Japan, where he hit a solo home run in the opener, became an instant international sensation and was viewed by over 42 million people globally.
Latin America and Beyond
Los Angeles’ bilingual outreach, scouting in Colombia and Mexico, and community events in Puerto Rico have set a blueprint for how an MLB team can successfully engage with international markets.
Voices Around the League React
Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
“This honor is bigger than baseball. It’s about what we stand for as an organization. We’re proud, humbled, and more motivated than ever.”
Ken Rosenthal, FOX Sports
“You walk into the Dodgers’ clubhouse, and it feels like a championship culture. It’s not performative—it’s real, it’s sustained, and now, it’s officially recognized.”
Adrian Gonzalez, Former Dodgers First Baseman
“When I played here, we knew the foundation was strong. What they’ve built since then is unbelievable. The Dodgers are the standard.”
Masahiro Tanaka, NPB Legend
“In Japan, we follow the Dodgers more than any other MLB team. They’ve earned the respect of the world.”
Behind the Scenes: The Leadership That Changed Everything
While the players make headlines, insiders credit Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes (GM), and Stan Kasten (CEO) for executing a long-term vision with clarity and conviction.
Friedman’s blend of Ivy League analytics with old-school scouting wisdom transformed the franchise after his arrival in 2014. He hired elite thinkers, empowered coaching staff, and fostered a culture of continuous innovation.
Meanwhile, Mark Prior (Pitching Coach) and Robert Van Scoyoc (Hitting Coach) are widely viewed as the best in their disciplines, drawing praise for balancing traditional baseball instincts with next-gen performance tools.
What Comes Next? A Blueprint for Sustained Dominance
The Dodgers are not content with the crown—they’re hungry to maintain it. With young prospects ready to debut, international expansion underway, and the financial muscle to continue investing, the organization seems poised to remain on top for years to come.
Upcoming projects include:
- A state-of-the-art biomechanics lab at Dodger Stadium
- The “Dodgers Global Games” series across Europe in 2026
- A scholarship fund for underprivileged youth pursuing careers in baseball science
Even rivals acknowledge the Dodgers’ excellence. As Padres manager Mike Shildt recently said:
“They’re not just a team. They’re a movement.”
Final Word: A Legacy Sealed in Blue
This recognition solidifies what fans and analysts have known for years: the Los Angeles Dodgers are more than just a baseball team. They’re a model of professional sports excellence.
From Ebbets Field to Chavez Ravine, from Jackie Robinson to Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers have continuously evolved, broken barriers, and elevated the sport.
Now, as the officially recognized best and most unified baseball program in the world, the Dodgers are cementing a legacy that transcends wins and losses.
They are baseball’s present.
They are baseball’s future.
And now, they are officially its global standard.
