Can the Dodgers surpass the record for MLB wins? Despite Roki Sasaki’s difficulties, the champions remain flawless.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant teams, and their 2025 season is shaping up to be another historic campaign. As the Dodgers set their sights on breaking the all-time regular-season wins record, fans and analysts alike are speculating on whether they can surpass the mark set by the 2001 Seattle Mariners, who won 116 games. Despite some struggles from new pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, the reigning champions remain flawless and continue to establish themselves as one of the most formidable teams in baseball history.

A Look at the All-Time Wins Record

The 2001 Seattle Mariners hold the record for the most wins in a single MLB season with 116, a feat they share with the 1906 Chicago Cubs. However, despite their historic regular season, the Mariners fell short in the playoffs, losing in the American League Championship Series. The 1998 New York Yankees, who won 114 games, are often cited as the greatest team in modern baseball history due to their dominant World Series victory.

For the Dodgers, the challenge is not just to break the record but also to sustain their excellence into the postseason, ensuring that their success translates into a championship. Can they achieve this? Let’s analyze the factors in their favor and the challenges they must overcome.

The Dodgers’ Current Dominance

1. Star-Studded Lineup

The Dodgers boast one of the most powerful offensive lineups in baseball. Led by perennial MVP candidates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers have an offense that can consistently generate runs against any pitcher. With other stars like Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, and Max Muncy contributing to a well-balanced attack, Los Angeles has built a team that is not only elite but also versatile.

Their depth allows them to weather injuries and slumps, which is crucial for maintaining a high win percentage over 162 games. The ability to rest key players while still fielding a competitive lineup gives the Dodgers an edge over other teams aiming for similar records.

2. Elite Pitching Rotation

Even with Roki Sasaki’s early struggles adjusting to Major League Baseball, the Dodgers’ pitching staff remains among the league’s best. The rotation, featuring Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, and Bobby Miller, has been dominant. With strong performances from the bullpen, anchored by Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol, the Dodgers have demonstrated the ability to shut down opposing offenses.

Sasaki’s transition has been challenging, but if he can find his rhythm in the second half of the season, the Dodgers’ pitching could become even more formidable. His immense talent and dominant performance in Japan suggest that he has the potential to be a game-changing asset down the stretch.

3. Front Office Excellence

One of the biggest reasons for the Dodgers’ continued success is their front office. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has consistently built championship-caliber teams through savvy trades, free-agent signings, and player development. If any holes appear in the roster, the Dodgers are well-positioned to address them at the trade deadline.

Their ability to identify undervalued talent and maximize player performance has kept them ahead of the competition. This front-office expertise is a key factor in their pursuit of the wins record.

Challenges to Surpassing 116 Wins

1. The Grueling Nature of a 162-Game Season

Baseball’s long season presents numerous challenges, including injuries, slumps, and fatigue. Teams often go through hot and cold streaks, and sustaining excellence over such a long period is incredibly difficult. The Mariners’ 116-win season remains an anomaly because very few teams can maintain that level of dominance from April through September.

If the Dodgers face an extended losing streak or key players suffer injuries, their pursuit of the record could quickly become secondary to maintaining their health for the postseason.

2. Balancing Rest and Performance

One of the primary concerns for teams chasing regular-season records is whether pushing for wins will negatively impact their playoff performance. The 2001 Mariners burned out before reaching the World Series, while the 1998 Yankees managed to win it all despite their 114-win season.

The Dodgers will have to decide whether chasing history is worth the risk of exhausting their key players. Manager Dave Roberts may opt to rest starters and limit innings for pitchers if the team has a comfortable lead in the standings, which could prevent them from reaching the 116-win mark.

3. Competition in the National League

Unlike some of the historically dominant teams that played in weaker divisions, the Dodgers face strong competition in the National League. The Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies are all formidable opponents. Losing crucial games against these teams could make it difficult to sustain the pace necessary to break the wins record.

Additionally, teams tend to play their best against the Dodgers, seeing them as the team to beat. This increased level of competition means the Dodgers must maintain their intensity throughout the season.

The Roki Sasaki Factor

Despite being one of the most highly anticipated pitching prospects in recent memory, Roki Sasaki has faced challenges in his first MLB season. Adjusting to a new league, a different ball, and more experienced hitters has proven difficult for the young star. However, his raw talent and high velocity suggest that he has the potential to rebound and contribute significantly as the season progresses.

If Sasaki can find his form by midseason, he could provide the Dodgers with an additional ace-level arm, making their push for 116 wins more realistic. His struggles have not hindered the Dodgers’ success thus far, which is a testament to the team’s depth and resilience.

Comparisons to the 2001 Mariners

The 2001 Mariners’ success was largely built on depth and consistency rather than overwhelming star power. They lacked a true superstar but featured a lineup that excelled in on-base percentage, pitching depth, and defense. The Dodgers, by contrast, have some of the biggest names in baseball but also share that depth and consistency.

One key difference is postseason performance. The Mariners’ inability to win the World Series raised questions about whether regular-season dominance translates into playoff success. The Dodgers, with multiple recent playoff appearances and a championship in 2020, are better equipped to handle the pressures of October baseball.

Can They Do It?

The answer is yes—if everything falls into place. The Dodgers have the talent, depth, and front-office intelligence necessary to break the 116-win record. However, they will need to avoid injuries, maintain consistency, and carefully balance their lineup decisions to achieve this historic feat.

Even if they fall short, their primary focus will be on winning the World Series, as regular-season records mean little without a championship. Nevertheless, their pursuit of history will make for an exciting season, and baseball fans will be watching closely to see if this Dodgers team can etch its name into the record books.

The Dodgers have assembled one of the most dominant teams in MLB history, and their current trajectory suggests that they are capable of surpassing 116 wins. Despite Roki Sasaki’s early struggles, the team remains nearly flawless and continues to demonstrate why they are among the elite.

While chasing the wins record is an intriguing storyline, the ultimate goal for the Dodgers is another World Series title. If they can balance both pursuits successfully, they could cement their legacy as one of the greatest teams in baseball history. Whether or not they reach 116 wins, this Dodgers squad is one to remember, and their journey will be a thrilling ride for fans and analysts alike.