Los Angeles Dodgers: 2020 Season Preview

Defense

The Dodgers defense could boast the best defensive outfield in baseball when Bellinger, Betts, and Pollock man the outfield that’s three spots with Gold Glove winners shagging fly balls. Platoon outfielders Chris Taylor, Joc Pederson, and Enrique Hernandez are more than capable of backing up the starters and providing great defense.

On the opposite side, the Dodgers infield and catching were suspect contributing 72 percent of the team’s errors. Corey Seager will look to rebound from a particularly tough season committing 15 errors, the Dodgers struggled mightily up the middle as shortstop and second base committed 37 errors.

In short-season errors will be magnified if they contribute to team losses  and the Dodgers don’t have the luxury of making costly mistakes.

Starting Pitching

Perhaps the greatest unknown for this unprecedented season will be the makeup and composure of the Dodgers starting pitching. With the loss of Ryu, Hill, and Maeda, three pitchers who have started for the team since 2016, the Dodgers will have to rely on their youth and prospect pool to round out a staff anchored by Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler.

Dustin May and Julio Urias could provide that youth giving the Dodgers the occasional spot start or give the Dodgers multiple innings to get to the bullpen. Ross Stripling might finally be a permanent part of the starting staff. Stripling was part of an aborted trade to the Los Angeles Angels, now with David Price opting out Stripling has a chance to be the teams consistent 3rd and 4th starter.

In a shortened season it will take a collective group to be successful instead of one dominant individual. The Dodgers need their group to come together if they want to be successful.