Los Angeles Dodgers: 20 bold predictions for the 2018 Dodgers

The 162-game MLB season is a long, tumultuous one that often causes unexpected results. However, here are our 20 predictions for the 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering 2018 with the World Series loss fresh in the minds of the fans, players and coaches. After a historic season in which every bounce seemed to go the Dodgers way, the Boys in Blue ultimately could not string together 27 solid innings to win the World Series.

However, the team is still in a promising state entering 2018. The Dodgers are still immensely talented and only lost a few pieces. Of course, relying on breakout players (such as Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger and Alex Wood) to maintain that level of production is risky. But the Dodgers had the depth to take that risk and not make any major moves in the offseason.

However, some smaller moves were made in the offseason that will have an impact on the season and certainly had an impact on our 20 predictions for the 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers.

Prediction one: Clayton Kershaw will finally take home his fourth Cy Young Award

Clayton Kershaw has accomplished in 10 seasons what most other pitchers cannot accomplish in a lifetime. Kershaw is a three-time Cy Young winner, seven-time all-star, a Gold Glover, a five-time ERA champion and a one-time MVP. He is still under the age of 30 (although that will change before the season begins).

Kershaw still has 2-3 prime years in his tank guaranteed, and if he is like Randy Johnson, could be atop the game for a long time. Many still consider him the best pitcher on the planet despite not winning a Cy Young since 2014.

A record-setting year by Jake Arrieta in 2015 and two injuries kept Kershaw from winning the award since then; which really sucks considering 2016 Kershaw may have been the best he ever was. However, that streak will end in 2018. Kershaw will stay healthy and win the Cy Young.

Prediction two: Logan Forsythe will get better at hitting right-handers

Logan Forsythe was terrible against right-handed pitching last season. Forsythe hit just .190 against his right-handed counterparts and his overall numbers took a hit as a result. His .224 batting average and six home runs were the worst since 2014.

Yes, his on-base percentage was higher than last season due to his patience at the plate to work walks. However, his at-bats were primarily coming against right-handed pitching, hence the improvement.

There really is no other way to go than up for Forsythe against right-handers. 2018 will show a drastic improvement.