The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again a powerhouse in Major League Baseball, and as the 2025 season unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever. With a roster brimming with talent, depth, and experience, the Dodgers are not only aiming for another World Series title, but they’re also chasing history. The goal is nothing short of greatness: securing back-to-back championships and breaking the all-time single-season win record with an unprecedented 117 victories.
While 117 wins might seem like a lofty target, the Dodgers are a team built to achieve it. From their offense, which is consistently among the most dynamic in baseball, to a pitching staff that boasts both elite starters and a lock-down bullpen, the Dodgers have all the tools needed to make history. However, the path to 117 wins is as challenging as it is thrilling, and it will require the team to stay focused, navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the season, and keep their eyes squarely on their ultimate goal: another World Series title.
In this article, we will explore the Dodgers’ pursuit of 117 wins, the roadblocks they may face along the way, and what it would mean for the team, the city of Los Angeles, and baseball history as a whole.
The Dodgers’ Roster: A Championship-Caliber Team
To truly appreciate the Dodgers’ chances of chasing history in 2025, it’s essential to first look at the incredible roster that has been assembled. The team’s balance of veteran leadership and young talent is what makes them such a formidable force.
Offensive Powerhouse
The Dodgers’ lineup is one of the most feared in the league. Anchored by superstars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy, the offense is capable of putting up big numbers on any given night. These players are not only elite batters, but they bring a level of consistency that’s rare in the game today.
Betts, a perennial MVP candidate, is the heart of the Dodgers’ offense. He can hit for average, hit for power, and provide leadership in clutch situations. His ability to change the game with one swing of the bat makes him a constant threat. His bat is complemented by Freeman, one of the best pure hitters in baseball. Freeman’s consistency and knack for getting on base set the tone for the rest of the lineup. Max Muncy, who has become known for his power-hitting ability, is another key player who provides a major boost to the offense, often stepping up in critical moments.
The Dodgers also have rising stars like Gavin Lux and Will Smith, both of whom have the potential to break out as major contributors to the lineup. Lux, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance with his bat, while Smith continues to solidify himself as one of the top catchers in baseball. The addition of new acquisitions and the continuing development of young players add another layer of depth to the lineup, giving the Dodgers multiple ways to score runs.
Depth is key to achieving the 117-win goal, and the Dodgers have it in spades. Their ability to rotate hitters in and out of the lineup, ensuring that their stars stay fresh while still maintaining a potent offense, will be crucial as the season progresses. With so many players capable of stepping up on any given night, the Dodgers’ offense remains one of the most dynamic in the league.
Elite Pitching Staff
While the offense gets much of the attention, it’s the Dodgers’ pitching staff that has been the true backbone of the team’s success over the years. In 2025, they are once again armed with one of the most well-rounded rotations in all of baseball, led by ace Clayton Kershaw and 2024 Cy Young Award winner Julio Urías.
Kershaw, who has been one of the best pitchers of his generation, enters 2025 with his trademark control and postseason pedigree. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Kershaw remains a key figure for the Dodgers, capable of dominating any lineup on any given night. His leadership on and off the field is invaluable to the team as they pursue both a historic regular season and a potential second consecutive World Series title.
Urías has emerged as one of the top pitchers in baseball over the past few seasons, and in 2025, he is expected to continue his ascension as the ace of the rotation. His ability to dominate hitters with both his fastball and slider, combined with his poise under pressure, makes him a critical piece of the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.
The depth of the pitching staff doesn’t stop at Kershaw and Urías. Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May provide additional firepower and versatility, with each pitcher having the ability to shut down any offense in baseball. With so many quality starters at their disposal, the Dodgers have the luxury of being able to give pitchers rest throughout the season, preventing wear and tear that could become an issue down the stretch.
Perhaps most importantly, the Dodgers’ bullpen is as strong as ever, anchored by All-Star closer Evan Phillips, who has proven to be one of the most reliable relievers in baseball. In addition to Phillips, the Dodgers feature a number of talented arms in the bullpen, including Yency Almonte, Brusdar Graterol, and Victor González, all of whom can step in and get critical outs in high-leverage situations. The bullpen will play an integral role in helping the Dodgers secure those extra victories that will be needed to chase 117 wins.
Chasing 117 Wins: The Challenge Ahead
While the Dodgers’ roster is stacked with talent, chasing 117 wins is an ambitious and difficult goal. The current MLB record for wins in a single season is 116, set by the 2001 Seattle Mariners. The feat has never been accomplished in the modern era of baseball, and the Dodgers will need to be nearly perfect throughout the 162-game regular season to reach this monumental achievement.
Reaching 117 wins requires consistency, resilience, and the ability to weather the inevitable ups and downs of the season. Injuries, slumps, and tough competition will test the Dodgers at every turn. Yet, with a team of this caliber, the margin for error is slim, and the Dodgers will need to be sharp from start to finish.
Navigating the Tough Competition
The National League is packed with talented teams, including the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets, all of whom have playoff aspirations. These teams will be vying for division titles and playoff spots, and the Dodgers will need to rise above this competition to reach 117 wins. Every game will matter, and even small setbacks could have a significant impact on the Dodgers’ pursuit of history.
The Dodgers will also face tough interleague matchups, including games against the AL East and AL West contenders. Teams like the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Toronto Blue Jays will test the Dodgers in ways that the NL teams won’t. Maintaining focus and consistency throughout this grueling schedule will be crucial.
The Mental Aspect: Staying Focused on the Ultimate Goal
One of the biggest challenges the Dodgers will face in their pursuit of 117 wins is staying mentally focused. The pressure of chasing history can be overwhelming, and players will need to maintain a singular focus on winning each game, regardless of the outcome. The Dodgers’ veteran leadership—led by Betts, Kershaw, and Freeman—will be invaluable in keeping the team grounded and focused on the task at hand. They’ve been through the pressure of playoff runs and World Series titles, and their experience will serve as a steadying influence throughout the season.
Additionally, manager Dave Roberts will play a critical role in guiding the team toward its goal. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, Roberts will need to keep the team’s mindset sharp while making sure they don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Whether it’s managing the pitching rotation, making late-game decisions, or handling the delicate balance of resting key players without disrupting chemistry, Roberts’ leadership will be essential to the team’s success.
The Road to Back-to-Back Championships
While chasing 117 wins is a historic pursuit in its own right, the Dodgers are also keeping their eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize: winning back-to-back World Series titles. Securing two championships in consecutive years would not only solidify the Dodgers’ place among baseball’s elite teams but would also be a crowning achievement for a franchise that has experienced success in nearly every decade since its founding.
The key to winning back-to-back titles will be maintaining the balance between regular-season excellence and postseason dominance. As important as the 117-win chase is, the ultimate goal for the Dodgers is to make sure that they’re playing their best baseball when October arrives. The postseason is a different beast entirely, and the Dodgers will need to stay focused on executing in critical moments, whether it’s on offense, defense, or pitching.
Legacy and History: What 117 Wins Would Mean
Should the Dodgers achieve 117 wins in 2025, they will etch their names into the annals of baseball history. To put this into perspective, a 117-win season would not only break the Mariners’ record but also place the Dodgers in a select group of teams that have come close to this milestone. Achieving 117 wins would be the culmination of years of development, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
It would also elevate the Dodgers’ already legendary status. A franchise rich with history and tradition, the Dodgers have won more than 20 National League pennants and multiple World Series titles. Yet, a 117-win season and back-to-back championships would cement their place in the pantheon of the greatest baseball teams of all time.