Dodgers' Defensive Woes Plague Once-Dominant Team

As of August 15th, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had the best record in baseball earlier this year, have fallen on hard times. Since the Fourth of July, the team has gone just 12-21, making them the third-worst team in baseball during that span, behind only the Nationals and the Rays.

This slump is particularly surprising given the Dodgers' $391 million payroll and the high-profile free agents they acquired in the offseason. The team's defensive efficiency, a key strength in recent years, has declined significantly, with five of their seven defensive positions rating average or worse. Additionally, Dodgers pitchers are allowing the same average exit velocity as the Colorado Rockies, a stark contrast to their previous ability to generate soft contact.

The Dodgers' pitching workload management strategy, which has redefined starter usage in recent years, may also be contributing to their struggles. With none of their starters in top form due to injuries and workload management, manager Dave Roberts is having trouble locking down games, as the Dodgers rank among the worst teams in allowing high OPS in high-leverage situations.

As the Dodgers prepare to face the surging, trade-deadline-fortified San Diego Padres in six of their next 10 games, they will need to quickly address their defensive and bullpen issues if they hope to regain their position atop the National League West.