4 bold predictions for the Dodgers heading into 2023

Dodgers win big at the trade deadline

Whether it is Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds, Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames, or even Brewers ace Corbin Burnes, there are many big names who could be dealt at the trade deadline this season. Despite the Dodgers pulling off blockbuster trades in the past, like the Trea Turner and Max Scherzer deal in 2021, the move for Mookie Betts in 2020, or the Manny Machado swap in 2018, the Dodgers were quieter with their moves at the 2022 trade deadline.

This year, a much closer divisional race in the NL West will force the Dodgers' hand, and no matter who the player is, the Dodgers will find a way to make yet another monumental move near before the deadline. The Dodgers' approach in this endeavor will be defined mostly by positions of need, but anticipate a huge splash nonetheless.

Dave Roberts wins 2023 NL Manager of the Year

Dave Roberts has finished top six in NL Manager of the Year voting every year since 2016, but hasn't won the award since 2016 (his first season as manager of the Dodgers). After winning 111 games last year, Roberts finished second in the NL Manager of the Year voting, which was his best finish since 2017 (when he also finished second). Roberts might have won the award if it were not for the amount of talent on last year's roster.

Many of his finishes in Manager of the Year voting are adversely affected as a result of the Dodgers already being one of the best teams in MLB. However, this season, the Dodgers are being viewed as a significantly weakened version than previous years. As a result, guiding this iteration of the Dodgers to unexpected success will be viewed as Roberts' best managerial achievement outside of the 2020 World Series title.