Dodgers Prioritize Present Amidst Three-Peat Quest

As the Los Angeles Dodgers enter the postseason, their quest for a historic World Series three-peat is underscored by a surprisingly grounded mindset. Manager Dave Roberts has consistently emphasized the importance of focusing on the present season, urging his veteran players to "put on blinders" and avoid the pressure of historical significance.

This approach was articulated by Roberts to his hitters late in the regular season, a point reinforced by infielder Miguel Rojas. "He said he doesn’t really care about what happened the last two years. He wants to win this year," Rojas stated. "So it’s kind of like a pressed button for us to kind of continue to go and not let the rest of the league catch up to our standards."

The Dodgers have openly discussed their ambition for a three-peat since last November, following their second consecutive championship. The narrative intensified throughout the year, fueled by another 100-win season and complicated by a brewing labor battle that placed the team's dominance in a broader context.

Despite the looming possibility of making history—a feat not achieved by a National League team and last accomplished by the New York Yankees from 1998-2000—the Dodgers have consistently downplayed the historical weight. "When you talk about three-peating, you’re putting that extra pressure on it that doesn’t need to be there," said third baseman Max Muncy. "Winning a World Series is already hard enough as it is. So for us, we’re just trying to focus on what we have ahead of us and without the added noise to it."

First baseman Freddie Freeman echoed this sentiment, explaining the team's strategy: "I think if you think big picture in this moment, you’re going to lose sight of some things. You just got to take each day one day at a time. And we do understand the bigger picture. But if you’re looking at the bigger picture, then you won’t be able to get to that big picture, if you’re not focusing on the now."

Roberts acknowledged the delicate balance between the immense opportunity and the potential for added pressure. "It’s still a different season. There’s going to be different challenges," Roberts said. "I understand our guys understand what’s at stake. But I think for me, it’s balancing the importance, the opportunity that we have, versus trying to add more pressure than there is already."

Over the past decade, the Dodgers have navigated various championship aspirations, from ending a long title drought to validating a shortened-season win and now cementing a modern-day dynasty. As they face the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series, their focus remains singular: winning the game at hand, rather than the historical legacy it might create. "You can’t get there unless you win the game that’s ahead of you," Muncy reiterated. "So we’re just focused on the game we got coming up."