Cruising to the top of the division doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride in October. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster reads like a greatest-hits collection on paper, but the reality is more like a mixtape with a few skips. Depth is tested, arms are overworked, and bats have gone cold at the worst possible times. In Los Angeles, talent doesn’t always equal reliability, and October has a way of exposing the gaps even the brightest rosters can’t hide.

The Dodgers and their offensive gaps

The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched their 12th National League West title in 13 seasons. Their offense has been a driving force, with standout performances from players like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. However, not all contributors have maintained consistent production. Michael Conforto and Hyeseong Kim have faced challenges, casting doubt on their roles in the postseason lineup.

Conforto’s struggles are evident, with a .200 batting average, 12 home runs, and a .637 OPS over 411 at-bats. His performance has been underwhelming, especially considering the Dodgers’ offensive depth. This decline raises questions about his place in the postseason roster. Given the team’s wealth of talent, management may opt for more reliable options.

Similarly, Kim’s recent slump has been concerning.

Over his last 30 games, he’s batting just .174 with a .188 slugging percentage. While he began the season with promise, his current form doesn’t align with the high standards expected in October. The Dodgers may prioritize players who can deliver in high-pressure situations.

The Dodgers’ management faces difficult choices, balancing loyalty to players with the necessity for results in October.

Conforto’s 12 home runs and 36 RBI simply don’t compare with Freeman’s or Betts’ consistent power output. Kim’s occasional heroics cannot outweigh the team’s need for reliable production in crucial at-bats. It’s a harsh reality that playoff baseball often punishes any extended slump without mercy.

The postseason is a time for peak performance, and the Dodgers’ management is known for making tough decisions. With the team’s depth and the stakes higher than ever, underperforming players like Conforto and Kim might find themselves on the outside looking in. The Dodgers’ commitment to excellence means they can’t afford to carry passengers.

As fans, it’s disheartening to see players struggle when the team needs them most. However, the Dodgers’ focus must be on securing another championship. This may mean making difficult choices about who stays and who goes.

In conclusion, while the Dodgers have had a remarkable season, the postseason demands the best from every player. And Conforto and Kim’s recent performances may not meet the high standards required. The Dodgers’ management will likely make decisions that give the team the best chance to succeed in October.

Their bullpen player will define their postseason story

The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched the National League West division title, marking their fourth consecutive crown. However, their bullpen’s struggles throughout 2025 cast a shadow over their postseason prospects. With a team bullpen ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.341, the Dodgers rank near the bottom in the league for bullpen performance. This underperformance has led to 27 blown saves, highlighting the bullpen’s inconsistency and raising concerns about its reliability in high-stakes playoff games.

Key relievers like Blake Treinen, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates have faced significant challenges this season.

Treinen, with a 5.47 ERA and 1.82 WHIP, has been particularly ineffective, even being tagged with multiple late-game losses. Scott, despite recording 22 saves, has a 4.82 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, indicating struggles in maintaining leads. Yates, with a 5.23 ERA and 1.33 WHIP, has also underperformed, raising questions about his ability to handle pressure situations.

In contrast, pitchers like Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw have shown potential in bullpen roles, allowing for stability and reliability.

Sasaki, recently activated from the injured list, is being considered for a bullpen spot in the postseason. Kershaw, in his final season, has made himself available out of the bullpen, demonstrating his commitment and adaptability.

Given the bullpen’s struggles and the emergence of Sasaki and Kershaw in relief roles, the Dodgers may prioritize these pitchers in the postseason.

The decision to rely on Sasaki and Kershaw over the struggling veterans reflects a pragmatic approach to postseason preparation. By adjusting their bullpen strategy, the Dodgers aim to address the weaknesses that have plagued them throughout the season.

As the postseason approaches, the Dodgers face the challenge of transforming their bullpen into a strength. The potential inclusion of Sasaki and Kershaw could be pivotal in determining the team’s success, highlighting the critical role of bullpen dynamics in championship aspirations.

For struggling relievers like Treinen, Scott, Kopech, and Yates, the postseason may not guarantee spots. Their inconsistent performances leave them vulnerable to being replaced by more reliable pitchers. The Dodgers’ management must balance loyalty with effectiveness, making tough calls to field the most competitive team possible. Fans can only hope these changes translate to stronger late-inning performances.

In the end, October won’t wait for reputations or past glories. Conforto and Kim may find themselves watching from the dugout, while Sasaki and Kershaw get the spotlight they’ve earned. If Treinen, Scott, Kopech, or Yates can’t deliver, the playoffs will remind them why reliability beats legacy every single time. The Dodgers’ management isn’t running a charity; performance dictates opportunity. Fans can grumble, but in Los Angeles, results always write the final script.