Why the 2024 Dodgers may benefit from being a 'fun' team

Perhaps the people who claim baseball is about “having fun” have a point. 

The pressure of expectations could cause even the most level-headed athletes to unravel. Given the expectations for the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers are through the roof, it may be wise for them to embrace their silly side and try not to get too far ahead of themselves. Doing so could ultimately result in better chemistry and  a fun ride for fans.

Just as the Dodgers got to spring training, videos surfaced of Teoscar Hernández teaching Shohei Ohtani some Spanish phrases.

“Yeah, I told Ohtani from the beginning that I'm going to be learning something new in Japanese from him every day,” the outfielder told Clutchpoints.

Dodgers' clubhouse looks far more fun in 2024 already

While it’s a rather insignificant moment in the grand scheme of a long MLB campaign, it does provide a small look into what the “vibe” could be in the clubhouse.

Ohtani, Hernández, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and other Dodgers seem to have joyful personalities that can keep things light-hearted (Just think about Freeman’s dance from last season). Even more competitive voices like Max Muncy have had some zany moments during their careers. 

This is not to say that LA is unserious. Sometimes fans think that a “workman- like” facade is necessary to win a championship, but not every team can be the 1998 Yankees. Teams such as the 1986 Mets and Lasorda-led Dodgers had different approaches to the grind of a season. It could even be argued that these teams benefitted from enhanced chemistry at times because they were able to quickly work through clubhouse schisms and loosen up during the ups and downs they experienced. 

The boys in blue have a tall task ahead of them in 2024, especially after the way last season ended. The new additions and returning players will be expected to do their part and help LA make their way to the postseason. Fans have been waiting for a team that could be special for an extended period of time, and it’s not absurd to say that if the team is having fun, their supporters will too.