Fear the Dodgers? Six Teams That Can Take Down L.A. in 2025
As we gear up for the 2025 MLB season, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the team to beat. On paper, they seem to be in a league of their own. However, the rest of the league isn’t just going to sit back and let the Dodgers waltz to another World Series title. We reached out to six of our MLB experts to get their take on which team is best positioned to dethrone the Dodgers come October. While none of our experts believe their chosen team will outperform the Dodgers over the course of 162 games, they each made compelling arguments for why their pick could knock L.A. out when it matters most. Interestingly, neither of the New York teams made the cut.
Our resident judge, the honorable Jeff Passan, weighed in on each contender’s case. Let’s dive into the analysis.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The case for the D-backs: The Arizona Diamondbacks have already proven they can take down the Dodgers, having done so in 2023. Despite Corbin Carroll’s four-month hitting slump, they still managed a five-win improvement year-over-year. While the Dodgers were better last season, making the playoffs and winning the World Series, the D-backs have some key factors in their favor:
- When Corbin Carroll is on his game, the D-backs’ offense reaches new heights. In August, when Carroll found his groove, the team led in most major offensive categories. There’s no reason he can’t maintain that level of play throughout the season.
- The D-backs’ rotation might just have the edge over the Dodgers’. While the Dodgers’ rotation has a higher ceiling, it’s also more volatile. The D-backs’ quintet of Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt, with Jordan Montgomery potentially bouncing back, offers more stability.
- This team is gritty, fundamentally sound, and not intimidated by the Dodgers.
While the D-backs might not win the National League West, they are well-equipped to challenge the Dodgers in October. — Alden Gonzalez
Judge Jeff says: While I don’t fully buy the argument that the Diamondbacks’ rotation is superior to the Dodgers’, it’s close enough to acknowledge Arizona’s formidable starting pitching, especially with Burnes and Gallen. The Diamondbacks led MLB in runs scored last year, though replacing Christian Walker and Joc Pederson with Josh Naylor and a Pavin Smith-Randal Grichuk platoon might be a downgrade. Arizona’s trade for A.J. Puk and the emergence of Justin Martinez have strengthened their bullpen. If Carroll bounces back and Gabriel Moreno plays a full season, the D-backs could be a serious threat.
Atlanta Braves
The case for the Braves: The Atlanta Braves have two main reasons to be considered a threat to the Dodgers:
- The Braves are arguably the second-most-talented team in baseball.
- Things can’t get worse than last year.
Despite a challenging 2024 season filled with injuries and regression, the Braves still won 89 games, finished second in the NL East, and made the postseason for the seventh consecutive year. Key players like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. were sidelined for most of the season, but they are expected to return strong. The Braves’ roster is still loaded with talent, and FanGraphs projects them to finish 93-69, with a 93.1% chance to reach the postseason. — Jorge Castillo
Judge Jeff says: The strength of this case lies in the potential returns of Acuna and Strider to their MVP- and Cy Young-level selves. While there are uncertainties, the Braves’ lineup is formidable, and their pitching staff will be crucial. If Spencer Schwellenbach emerges as a front-of-the-rotation arm, the Braves could pose a significant challenge to the Dodgers.
Baltimore Orioles
The case for the Orioles: The Orioles may not have had the flashiest offseason, but they are well-positioned to exceed expectations. With a young and talented lineup, including Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday, the Orioles have the potential to be an offensive juggernaut. Their pitching staff is serviceable and should improve as the season progresses. If they can get their offense firing on all cylinders by October, they could be a handful for the Dodgers. — Bradford Doolittle
Judge Jeff says: While the Orioles’ lineup has the potential to match the Dodgers, their rotation lacks a frontline starter. If they can address this issue and strengthen their bullpen, they could be a formidable opponent in the American League.
Philadelphia Phillies
The case for the Phillies: The Phillies boast a stellar rotation led by Zack Wheeler, who has a career 2.18 ERA in 70 postseason innings. With the addition of Jesus Luzardo and rookie Andrew Painter, their rotation can match the Dodgers’ high-end potential. The Phillies have played more playoff games than any other team in the past three seasons, and their offense, led by Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, can still be elite. — David Schoenfield
Judge Jeff says: The Phillies’ strength lies in their pitching staff. If their core hitters produce and their bullpen holds up, they could be a serious threat to the Dodgers.
San Diego Padres
The case for the Padres: The Padres came close to beating the Dodgers in the 2024 postseason. With a star-studded lineup and a strong pitching staff, they remain a formidable opponent. Despite losing some key players, the Padres have added depth with Nick Pivetta and have young talent like Jackson Merrill ready to make an impact. — Jesse Rogers
Judge Jeff says: While the Padres have lost some key players, they still have a strong lineup and pitching staff. The rivalry with the Dodgers adds an extra layer of intensity, and the Padres have the potential to challenge L.A. in a short series.
Boston Red Sox
The case for the Red Sox: The Red Sox may not be the best team in baseball, but they have the potential to take down the Dodgers in a seven-game series. With a strong lineup led by Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, and Alex Bregman, and a rotation featuring Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler, the Red Sox could pose a threat. If they can address their bullpen issues, they could be a serious contender. — Buster Olney
Judge Jeff says: While the Red Sox have made significant upgrades, they still have some weaknesses compared to the Dodgers. However, with the AL playoff picture wide open, they have a path to the World Series, where anything can happen.
Originally Written by: ESPN
