Dodgers Won the Winter, But Are They the Most Improved Team

The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to dominating headlines in the offseason, and the 2025 winter was no different. After securing a World Series title in 2024, the Dodgers made a series of moves that have kept them firmly entrenched as a championship contender. The team added depth, talent, and experience to its already star-studded roster, strengthening areas that were deemed necessary for a title defense.

However, despite the Dodgers making significant splashes, it’s worth questioning whether they are truly the most improved team heading into the 2025 season. While Los Angeles has undoubtedly strengthened its roster, the New York Mets, with their aggressive offseason moves — including the signing of superstar Juan Soto — have arguably added more projected wins above replacement (WAR), suggesting they may have done more to improve overall. This article takes a deep dive into the Dodgers’ offseason, assesses their upgrades, and compares their moves to other teams, particularly the Mets, to determine whether they are the most improved team this winter.

The Dodgers’ Offseason Moves: Big Names, Big Impact

After winning the 2024 World Series, the Dodgers’ main objective heading into the 2025 offseason was to retain their title contenders status while addressing any potential weaknesses that had been exposed during the season. Los Angeles did not shy away from making big moves.

Acquiring Mookie Betts’ Protection: The Return of Yasiel Puig and Other Key Additions

One of the standout moves the Dodgers made was the re-signing of former outfielder Yasiel Puig. Puig, known for his dynamic energy and clutch performances, provides a veteran presence and solid depth in the outfield, which was a key point of need for the Dodgers. Adding Puig to a lineup already featuring the likes of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith gives the team a potent mix of offense and defensive versatility.

Furthermore, the Dodgers’ pitching staff, which was already one of the most formidable in the league, got stronger with the addition of starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw on a one-year deal. Kershaw, who was instrumental in the Dodgers’ 2024 postseason run, adds both leadership and elite talent to the rotation. The signing of Kershaw was an important move for Los Angeles, considering the age of some of their other starting pitchers and the need for leadership in a high-pressure postseason environment.

On top of Puig and Kershaw, the Dodgers added to their bullpen, securing high-leverage arms in free agency. These acquisitions aim to shore up a bullpen that could sometimes be unreliable during the regular season. Strengthening the pitching staff and lineup while maintaining their established core of stars helped the Dodgers retain their position as one of the favorites heading into the 2025 season.

Optimizing the Roster: Depth and Flexibility

The Dodgers’ most significant upgrades didn’t come from flashy names or big contracts. Instead, they added depth across multiple positions to increase roster flexibility. Los Angeles prioritized giving manager Dave Roberts the ability to rotate players in and out of the lineup with ease, ensuring that the team remains fresh throughout the 162-game grind.

The team’s flexibility is especially evident in their infield, where the addition of top prospect Bobby Miller, who can contribute both offensively and defensively, bolsters their options. Their ability to rest their aging stars such as Mookie Betts and Freeman while maintaining an elite level of play is a luxury that few teams possess, and it sets them apart in an increasingly competitive National League.

Comparing the Mets’ Offseason: Juan Soto and the WAR Advantage

While the Dodgers made a number of impactful moves, the New York Mets arguably had an even more transformative offseason, adding significant talent and depth to their roster.

The signing of Juan Soto, one of the best all-around hitters in the game, immediately bolstered the Mets’ lineup. Soto, who has consistently ranked among the top five players in WAR over the last few seasons, is a game-changer in every sense of the word. His ability to get on base, hit for power, and deliver in the clutch makes him an ideal fit in the heart of the Mets’ lineup. He’ll provide much-needed protection for star players like Pete Alonso, making the Mets’ offense one of the most feared in baseball.

In addition to Soto, the Mets made a series of strategic moves designed to address several areas of need. Their pitching staff received considerable upgrades, including the addition of ace-level talent through free-agent signings and trades. By improving their bullpen depth and adding additional starting rotation strength, the Mets have built a team that is balanced and capable of competing with the best in the league.

The WAR Factor: What Makes the Mets’ Moves Stand Out

When evaluating offseason improvements, projected WAR — which estimates a player’s overall contribution to a team in terms of wins — is a key metric. While the Dodgers’ acquisitions were undeniably important, the Mets, particularly with the addition of Soto, added significantly more projected WAR in total. By bolstering their lineup and pitching staff, the Mets have raised their ceiling considerably for the 2025 season.

While WAR isn’t the only metric for measuring success in the offseason (factors like chemistry and intangibles matter as well), it’s clear that the Mets’ moves have translated into an overall higher projected win total than the Dodgers’. This makes the Mets arguably the most improved team on paper, at least in terms of projected overall contribution from new players.

Are the Dodgers Still the Team to Beat?

Despite the Mets’ significant improvements, the Dodgers remain one of the most complete teams in baseball. Their combination of established stars and new contributors puts them in a strong position to defend their World Series title. Their pitching rotation, with ace Clayton Kershaw at the helm, remains one of the deepest in the majors. Meanwhile, the lineup, anchored by Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, is still one of the most well-rounded and versatile in the league.

The depth added to their roster through moves like the re-signing of Yasiel Puig ensures that the Dodgers will be able to withstand injuries and grind through the marathon of the regular season. The team’s flexibility gives them a tactical advantage, as they can adjust lineups and pitching matchups based on the opposition, something that becomes critical when facing teams with strong rotations like the Mets.

Pitching and Postseason Experience

One area where the Dodgers excel over the Mets is their pitching staff, which boasts a mix of established veterans and younger talent. With Kershaw and the continued dominance of Walker Buehler and Julio Urías, the Dodgers’ rotation gives them a consistent edge in postseason matchups. Although the Mets’ pitching staff has improved, it’s worth noting that the Mets are still in the process of building their playoff pedigree and need to prove they can perform under the postseason spotlight.

In contrast, the Dodgers have the experience and pedigree to compete in high-pressure situations. Having a veteran presence like Kershaw, along with postseason heroes like Betts and Freeman, gives the Dodgers the edge in terms of leadership and clutch performance. The ability to execute in October is often the difference between regular-season success and a World Series title, and the Dodgers have been able to showcase that time and time again.

: Who Is the Most Improved Team?

While the Dodgers made several key acquisitions and retain their star-studded core, it’s clear that the New York Mets made the most significant strides this offseason, particularly in terms of projected WAR. With the addition of Juan Soto and improvements to their pitching staff, the Mets are poised to challenge the Dodgers for dominance in the National League. While Los Angeles still stands as a formidable contender, the Mets have made a strong case for being the most improved team heading into the 2025 season. Whether the Mets’ offseason moves translate into postseason success remains to be seen, but on paper, they’ve added more value to their roster overall than any other team.

However, the Dodgers’ consistency, depth, and championship pedigree mean they can never be counted out. The 2025 season will be an exciting one, as the Mets and Dodgers battle for supremacy in the NL, with the outcome likely coming down to pitching, postseason performance, and who can execute when it matters most. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on whether the Mets’ aggressive moves pay off or if the Dodgers’ experience proves to be the deciding factor. Either way, both teams will be at the top of the conversation throughout the season and into the postseason.