The Los Angeles Dodgers might be leading the division, but lately it hasn’t really felt like a victory lap. And hence, tough decisions were made, and two players were laid on the chopping block.

Two faces that had become synonymous with the Dodgers’ success are no longer part of the picture. First is longtime catcher Austin Barnes, who was designated for assignment. That ended an 11-year run that saw him catch some of the team’s biggest postseason moments. Following next is Chris Taylor, who got the call that no player wants. The ever-reliable utility man played over 1,000 games for the Dodgers and was in the final year of his four-year, $60 million deal.

The message was clear from the front office—they are chasing another ring, and sentimentality isn’t part of the plan.

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman broke his silence. He conveyed that the entire week was “very emotional.” But while he undoubtedly acknowledged the contributions of Barnes and Taylor, he made one thing clear—he isn’t doubting the decisions that have been made. Andrew Friedman mentioned, “Everything we do is about trying to win as many games as we can… We’ve got a tough division.” This statement itself is a direct reference to the fact that back in 2021, even though LA won 106 games, they didn’t go on to win their division title.

However, if anyone thinks this was a plan in the making, Friedman cleared the air, saying that it was not the case. He mentioned that now, in May, the front office has more clarity than they did coming into the season. And honestly, can you blame them for taking this decision? Barnes has posted a -0.3 WAR across 42 at-bats. Taylor, meanwhile, had a -0.5 WAR in 35. For a team looking for more rings, this doesn’t cut it.

Friedman, though, did say that it was a difficult decision for the entire team. “The decisions were incredibly difficult… we felt this was in the Dodgers’ best interest in terms of how to win as many games & put us in a position to best win a World Series.” So this move is meant to keep the Dodgers’ title hopes alive. And hence, just like that, two World Series champions were gone—simply cleared to make room for new talent. So in came top prospect Dalton Rushing. Then Hyeseong Kim held on to his roster spot. And right now, maybe changes are needed, given that alarm bells have already begun ringing for them.

Alarm bells are ringing for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Maybe the Dodgers need a reset, or maybe they need a wake-up call. Because right now, the reigning World Series champs are looking lost. This weekend was supposed to be business as usual at the Dodger Stadium. The Angels rolled up, and most thought that the boys in blue could handle the cross-town rivals like they usually do. But instead, they got swept at home for the first time in the Freeway Series since 2010. So it isn’t pretty.

Friday it was a 6-2 loss, Saturday an 11-9 heartbreak, and on Sunday a 6-4 gut punch. It was sealed by Travis d’Arnaud’s bat in the eighth inning. With the game tied, d’Arnaud stepped up and launched his first home run of the season off Anthony Banda. And just like that, Angels took the lead. Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel tried to save things in the ninth. But by the time Yoan Moncada grounded into a double play, the damage was done, and with 6-4, the sweep was complete.

However, it was not like there was a lack of effort on the Dodgers’ part. Will Smith tied it with a three-run blast in the seventh. However, the bullpen couldn’t hold, and of all people, Shaun Anderson retired six straight Dodgers. This also included striking out Shohei Ohtani on a changeup to end the game. Tony Gonsolin, too, didn’t make things easy, and control became a major red flag. But make no mistake, the boys in blue are still a playoff-caliber team.

But if this weekend proved anything, it’s that the magic of last season can’t carry on forever. Now, the Dodgers will try to regroup against the Diamondbacks on Monday. Do you think they can find a way in the coming week? Let us know your thoughts.