GM of the Los Angeles Dodgers Thinks a Busy Winter Will Avoid a Hangover

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team with one of the most storied histories in Major League Baseball (MLB), have long been synonymous with success. Yet, the challenges of the past seasons have cast a shadow on their quest for another World Series title. Their 2023 season, while successful, ended in heartbreak in the postseason. The Dodgers’ front office, led by General Manager (GM) Brandon Gomes, was faced with critical decisions that would shape the franchise’s future.

The Dodgers’ early exit from the 2023 postseason left many fans and analysts asking tough questions about the team’s playoff failures in recent years, despite their dominance during the regular season. As the team gears up for the 2024 season, Gomes and the rest of the front office are making moves to avoid a “hangover” from the previous season and to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level again. The winter following the 2023 season has already been busy, with several key acquisitions and strategic moves designed to fortify the roster. In this piece, we’ll explore Gomes’ perspective on the offseason, the decisions he’s making, and how these moves may prevent the Dodgers from experiencing another disappointing postseason run.

The Importance of a Busy Winter

Brandon Gomes, who was named the Dodgers’ GM in 2021 after a successful stint as the club’s assistant GM, has consistently emphasized the importance of preparation and proactive roster management. His approach is grounded in data, but also in understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of the game. In many ways, Gomes’ handling of the Dodgers’ offseason is about more than just filling gaps on the roster—it’s about preventing a “hangover” from the 2023 season, where high expectations met a crushing disappointment. The Dodgers’ playoff loss in the 2023 National League Division Series (NLDS) to the Arizona Diamondbacks was a tough pill to swallow for a team that had led the majors with 100 wins.

When asked about how the Dodgers plan to bounce back from the disappointing end to their 2023 season, Gomes was candid. “It’s important to understand that every season is a fresh start. We can’t get too caught up in what happened last year. At the same time, we need to use that feeling—the frustration, the disappointment—as motivation. But it’s also essential to recognize that the path forward requires growth and self-awareness, and that’s what we’ve been focused on this winter,” Gomes explained.

For the Dodgers, the winter is an opportunity to add talent, deepen their roster, and ensure that they are better prepared for the inevitable challenges that a long season and postseason run present. “A busy winter isn’t just about signing big names. It’s about making sure we address our needs and, just as importantly, strengthen the culture within the team. We know what the fans expect, and we expect the same of ourselves,” Gomes said. He noted that this year’s offseason would be a turning point for the Dodgers, with the front office working tirelessly to build a balanced and resilient roster capable of sustaining success over 162 games and into October.

Addressing the Needs

The Dodgers’ early exit from the 2023 postseason underscored several areas of need that Gomes and his team had to address during the winter. The most obvious gaps were on the pitching staff, as well as in the infield, where depth and flexibility were crucial.

1. Pitching Reinforcements

Pitching has always been the cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success, but in 2023, they faced several challenges with both injuries and underperformance from key players. Starting pitching depth was particularly concerning. Clayton Kershaw, the future Hall of Famer, is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and the Dodgers needed to find ways to support him both in terms of innings and leadership. Julio Urías, once one of the team’s most reliable starters, faced off-field distractions that ultimately led to his departure. Walker Buehler, who had been recovering from Tommy John surgery, was a wild card for the 2024 season.

Gomes and the front office made addressing the pitching staff a priority. The Dodgers were aggressive in signing veteran pitchers, while also looking to add a balance of proven talent and upside. “We wanted to ensure that we had depth, but also arms who can step up when needed,” Gomes shared. The signing of a top-tier starter like Blake Snell, the reigning National League Cy Young winner, was one of the most impactful moves. Snell, who has been dominant in recent seasons, could provide the kind of electric stuff needed to elevate the Dodgers’ rotation to a championship level.

In addition to Snell, the Dodgers also acquired a few other pitching prospects with high ceilings. This balanced approach to pitching—mixing established stars with young, hungry arms—could be the key to avoiding the kind of pitching failures they faced in the postseason.

2. Infield Depth and Flexibility

While the Dodgers’ lineup has often been an offensive juggernaut, their infield depth was tested in 2023. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman provided stable and stellar performances, but the Dodgers lacked consistency and depth in other positions. Max Muncy and Justin Turner had both seen their numbers dip at various points, and Gavin Lux’s injury further weakened the infield. Gomes was keenly aware of this and worked to address the situation by adding key infield pieces.

The acquisition of a versatile infielder like J.D. Davis, who can play both third base and first base, helped provide the Dodgers with flexibility and depth. Davis, known for his power and ability to hit left-handed pitching, could complement the Dodgers’ current roster and serve as a platoon option against opposing pitchers. Gomes also hinted at possible internal options, noting that the team’s minor league system has several promising infielders who could step up in 2024.

“The infield, like the pitching staff, needed some work. We wanted to find players who can not only contribute offensively but also provide defensive reliability and positional versatility,” Gomes explained. The ability to move players around in the infield would give manager Dave Roberts the flexibility to optimize matchups throughout the season.

3. Outfield and Team Chemistry

The outfield was another area that required attention. Mookie Betts remains one of the best players in baseball, but the Dodgers needed to improve depth around him. With the departure of some of their veteran outfielders, such as Chris Taylor and Trayce Thompson, the team needed additional firepower.

The Dodgers went all-in on acquiring a power-hitting outfielder with both speed and defensive chops. Gomes also mentioned that the team would be prioritizing team chemistry, a point he emphasized frequently in his interviews. The team needed a fresh start, and Gomes believed that keeping the core together while adding complementary pieces would help the Dodgers build a more cohesive and resilient team.

Moving Beyond the Hangover Mentality

One of the biggest challenges after a postseason failure is preventing a psychological “hangover.” For many teams, a disappointing end to a season can linger, affecting performance and attitude heading into the following year. Gomes understands this all too well, having played a key role in the Dodgers’ front office during the highs and lows of the past few seasons.

“There is a real mental component to all of this. The emotional impact of a tough postseason exit can’t be ignored,” Gomes said. “But at the same time, we’re a team built on resilience and the ability to bounce back. That’s the mentality we want to instill. We don’t want our players to dwell on what happened in the past. It’s about focusing on the future, learning from our mistakes, and coming out stronger.”

To help with this, Gomes noted that the team has invested heavily in mental health resources and sports psychology. While physical training is always important, the mental side of the game can often make the difference between winning and losing. The Dodgers have long prided themselves on their ability to perform under pressure, and Gomes is working hard to ensure that the team doesn’t let past heartbreak define their future.

Gomes also mentioned that the front office has placed a greater emphasis on fostering a positive clubhouse culture. The addition of veteran players who have experienced both success and failure in the postseason was part of this effort. The Dodgers know that a winning culture starts in the clubhouse, and by bringing in players with strong leadership qualities, they hope to create a more focused and motivated environment.

Looking Ahead

With a flurry of moves in the winter of 2024, the Dodgers are poised to come into the season with a renewed sense of purpose. Brandon Gomes is optimistic that the moves made during the offseason will prevent the team from experiencing a “hangover” from 2023. The front office’s strategy of bolstering the pitching staff, adding infield depth, and focusing on mental resilience is setting the stage for a strong and well-rounded team.

“We’ve done everything we can to put this team in the best possible position to succeed,” Gomes said. “The work isn’t over. We know what’s at stake. But I’m confident in this group, and I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people in 2024.”

As spring training approaches and the team prepares for another season, the Dodgers’ focus will be on building on the lessons learned from 2023 and making sure that they don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. With a roster full of talent and a front office committed to success, the Dodgers are ready to make another run at the World Series and avoid the hangover that so often plagues teams after a crushing postseason loss.

In the end, whether they succeed or fall short, one thing is certain—the Los Angeles Dodgers, led by Brandon Gomes, are not going to let the past define their future. The winter may have been busy, but it has set the stage for an even more exciting and successful season ahead.