Ranking NL teams with best chance to reach 2024 World Series

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have been World Series contenders throughout the past decade and that is no different in 2024 as they have surged to the best record in baseball. Los Angeles didn’t get off to the start some expected at 56-41 at the All-Star break, but the Dodgers have been dominant since with losses being few and far between over the past month. Tough series remain against the Braves and Padres, but a relatively soft schedule down the stretch has L.A. in position for the NL’s top seed.

As usual, the Dodgers are one of the best hitting teams in baseball, ranking in the top five in the big leagues in home runs, RBIs, total bases and OPS, and sixth in team batting average. It’s no secret the lineup is littered with stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, but players like Teoscar Hernandez and Will Smith have also had exceptional seasons. Having likely NL MVP Shohei Ohtani on their side could also make this a fall to remember in L.A.

While Los Angeles’ hitting has been dominant, the pitching hasn’t been as consistent as in recent years. It hasn’t been a major weakness overall as the Dodgers still rank 10th in ERA and fifth in WHIP, but there have been struggles in the starting rotation behind Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone, both of whom are now on the injured list alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Clayton Kershaw. The injuries may be the only thing that can slow the Dodgers in October and a couple of those pitchers returning alongside Jack Flaherty sooner rather than later will be key.