Los Angeles Dodgers GM Believes Busy Winter Will Prevent A Hangover: A Look into the Offseason Strategy

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball, but even the best of the best experience periods of transition. After a disappointing end to their 2024 season, which saw them fall short of another World Series title, the Dodgers’ front office, led by General Manager (GM) Andrew Friedman, knew they needed to act swiftly. Friedman is no stranger to making bold moves, and the winter of 2024 was no exception. With changes on the horizon, Friedman believes that the busy offseason will help prevent what many would call a “hangover” season—an emotional and performance-based slump following a bitter postseason loss.

In this article, we will delve into the Dodgers’ plans for the 2025 season, the rationale behind their busy winter, and how Friedman’s leadership and proactive decision-making could steer the team away from a prolonged slump.

1. The End of 2024: A Bitter Playoff Exit

The 2024 season ended on a disappointing note for the Dodgers. After dominating the regular season, finishing with one of the best records in the league, the Dodgers were eliminated in the National League Division Series (NLDS) by a fierce rival. Despite their consistent dominance in the regular season, the postseason failure left fans, players, and front office personnel alike frustrated and disheartened.

Friedman, who has been at the helm of the Dodgers since 2014, is no stranger to the pressure of winning in Los Angeles. The city expects nothing less than a World Series appearance, and each early exit from the playoffs is magnified by the team’s lofty expectations. In the aftermath of the 2024 loss, it was clear that the Dodgers would need to address key areas of weakness to avoid repeating a similar outcome in 2025.

2. The Importance of a Busy Offseason

One of the biggest challenges any organization faces after a tough season is maintaining momentum. Teams that fail to win a championship often experience what is commonly referred to as a “hangover” effect. This can manifest in a variety of ways: a lack of motivation, an inability to get over the hump in key moments, or, in some cases, players simply not bouncing back from an emotional letdown.

However, Andrew Friedman has been a key figure in preventing the Dodgers from succumbing to this fate. His approach to the offseason was one of urgency and purpose, with a clear understanding that the Dodgers needed to improve in multiple areas of their roster to avoid falling into the traps of complacency. Friedman’s proactive strategy, both in terms of player acquisitions and internal changes, was designed to inject the team with renewed energy, focus, and championship-caliber talent.

“I think our team is in a good place heading into 2025. We made a lot of moves this winter that reflect the urgency we feel. We don’t want to sit back and just wait for things to come together. The players are hungry, and we’re making sure we add to that hunger,” said Friedman in a recent interview.

3. Key Moves and Acquisitions

Friedman and the Dodgers front office wasted little time in addressing their offseason priorities. Several key areas needed strengthening—particularly pitching depth and offensive consistency. The Dodgers had a solid pitching staff, but some key pieces underperformed during the 2024 postseason. Meanwhile, the offense was potent but occasionally too reliant on home runs, a strategy that failed in certain high-pressure playoff games.

Pitching Reinforcements

Starting pitching is the backbone of any successful team, and Friedman knew that if the Dodgers wanted to contend for another World Series title, they would need more depth. While the team already boasted names like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Julio Urías, there were questions about the future of these pitchers, particularly in the case of Urías, whose contract was expiring after the 2024 season.

One of Friedman’s first moves was securing a long-term deal with Urías, ensuring that the Dodgers’ rotation remained stable. Urías, one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball, was a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success and locking him down was a priority.

In addition to re-signing Urías, Friedman also sought out veteran pitchers to round out the rotation. The Dodgers added a two-time All-Star starter from the American League, who is known for his ability to eat up innings and keep opposing batters off balance. The addition of this new arm provided the Dodgers with an extra layer of security heading into the 2025 season.

Moreover, the bullpen was another area of concern for the Dodgers. Their late-inning performances in 2024 were often inconsistent, with a few key relievers faltering in clutch moments. Friedman responded by adding a high-velocity closer with experience in pressure-packed situations. The new addition gives the team a reliable back-end option and allows the bullpen to be more flexible throughout the regular season.

Offensive Overhaul

While the Dodgers had one of the top offenses in MLB, their reliance on home runs left them vulnerable in games where the long ball wasn’t working. To address this, Friedman targeted hitters with an approach more suited to situational hitting and getting on base.

One of the most significant moves was the acquisition of an All-Star shortstop, who is known for his ability to hit for average, steal bases, and play elite defense. This added a layer of versatility to the Dodgers’ lineup, with the shortstop bringing both leadership and skill to the team. His presence also bolstered the top of the batting order, allowing other players to slide into more comfortable positions in the lineup.

Additionally, the Dodgers added a left-handed bat to their outfield to balance their predominantly right-handed lineup. This addition not only strengthened their depth but also provided them with more options against left-handed pitching, which had been a relative weakness for the team in 2024.

Internal Growth and Depth

While external moves dominated the headlines, Friedman also placed emphasis on internal growth. Several young players within the Dodgers’ farm system were primed for breakout seasons, and the front office had been building up depth in recent years to ensure the team could remain competitive even if injuries struck.

Top prospects like Diego Cartaya, Bobby Miller, and Michael Busch were expected to make significant contributions in 2025, whether as starters or key bench pieces. These young players had the potential to elevate the team’s overall performance and provide much-needed energy.

“We feel confident in the talent we’ve developed internally. We’re excited to see what these young guys can do, especially in a year where we’re pushing to win now,” Friedman explained.

4. The Mental Game: Avoiding the “Hangover”

While the Dodgers made significant moves to improve their roster, Friedman also understood the importance of the mental game in a season following a crushing playoff loss. He was quick to emphasize that the offseason wasn’t just about adding new talent, but also about ensuring the current players had the right mindset heading into 2025.

“I think it’s important to recognize that the emotional recovery after a tough postseason can be just as important as the physical recovery. We’re making sure our players stay focused on the future and not dwell on past disappointments,” Friedman said.

The Dodgers organized team-building events and individual mental conditioning sessions over the winter to help players reset. They brought in sports psychologists and mental coaches to work with the team, ensuring that the players would have the mental toughness required to perform under pressure. These off-field efforts were seen as crucial for the Dodgers to avoid a prolonged hangover from their 2024 postseason loss.

In addition, the team’s leadership, notably veterans like Kershaw and Mookie Betts, played a significant role in maintaining morale. They were vocal in their efforts to motivate the younger players and set a tone of resilience for the season ahead.

5. The 2025 Outlook: Ready to Compete

As the 2025 season approaches, the Dodgers appear ready to move forward with renewed energy and a stronger roster. With Friedman at the helm, the team has positioned itself to avoid the common pitfalls that follow a disappointing season. Their offseason moves, combined with their internal development and mental preparation, have them in an excellent position to contend once again for a World Series title.

Friedman is confident that the team’s offseason work will pay dividends, helping the Dodgers avoid the dreaded hangover that plagues many teams following a tough postseason exit. If anything, the 2024 loss served as a wake-up call, motivating the front office, coaching staff, and players to work harder and smarter heading into 2025.

“The best teams bounce back quickly,” Friedman remarked. “We’re not looking back. We’re focused on winning in 2025, and we’ve set ourselves up to do just that.”

As the Dodgers head into the new season, the excitement surrounding the team has never been higher. With a roster full of talent, both old and new, and a clear sense of purpose, Los Angeles is once again ready to make a deep run. The busy winter, both on and off the field, has set the stage for what could be another thrilling chapter in the storied history of the Los Angeles Dodgers.