Dodgers Second-Half Journey: Key Storylines That Will Define the Defending Champions’ Push for Another World Series Crown
The All-Star break marks the unofficial midpoint of the Major League Baseball season, and for the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, it also serves as a checkpoint. With the team comfortably leading the National League West and loaded with star power, the second half of the season brings both anticipation and pressure. While the Dodgers have lived up to their billing as contenders, they still have plenty of storylines to watch as they seek back-to-back titles for the first time since the 1970s.
From Shohei Ohtani’s continued MVP campaign to a potential return for Clayton Kershaw, from trade deadline strategies to rookie breakouts, the Dodgers’ second half promises to be anything but boring. Here’s a deep dive into the most compelling narratives that will shape Los Angeles’ title defense over the next few months.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Dodgers’ 2025 season has been Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance. Despite being limited to designated hitter duties due to recovery from elbow surgery, Ohtani has been the most dangerous hitter in the league. His power, plate discipline, and clutch performances have made him a frontrunner for National League MVP—even without throwing a single pitch.
As the second half unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Ohtani can maintain his torrid offensive pace and potentially take the field as a pitcher. While the Dodgers remain cautious with his recovery timeline, there have been whispers that Ohtani could return to the mound before the end of the regular season—either in spot appearances or as a late-season reliever.
If that happens, it could alter the entire playoff picture. A healthy Ohtani pitching in October would be the ultimate wildcard for the Dodgers and a nightmare for opposing lineups.
Another major storyline is the possible return of franchise icon Clayton Kershaw, who hasn’t thrown a pitch in 2025 due to shoulder surgery. Yet, his name continues to be a fixture in Dodgers headlines—not just for what he’s done in the past, but for what he might still contribute.
The left-hander has reportedly been progressing well in his rehab, and team officials are hopeful that he could return in late August or early September. While he would likely be used in a limited role, even a few quality innings from Kershaw could provide a huge boost—both emotionally and strategically—as the Dodgers gear up for the postseason.
More importantly, Kershaw’s presence in the clubhouse could be invaluable for young pitchers and playoff-tested veterans alike. If he can find a way back to the mound, it would be one of the season’s most emotional and inspiring stories.
Walker Buehler’s road back from Tommy John surgery has been full of highs and lows. After rejoining the rotation earlier this season, he has shown flashes of his old dominance but remains on a monitored workload.
In the second half, Buehler’s performance will be under the microscope. Can he solidify his role as a postseason starter? Will the Dodgers need to manage his innings carefully to keep him fresh for October?
Buehler at his best is a proven playoff weapon, and how he finishes the regular season could heavily influence the Dodgers’ October rotation plans.
While the Dodgers are famous for their established stars, the 2025 campaign has featured a refreshing injection of youth—led by outfielder Andy Pages. The 23-year-old has emerged as a key contributor in the absence of injured veterans, showing off power, patience, and a rocket arm.
The question now becomes: Can Pages sustain his production under second-half pressure?
With Chris Taylor struggling and Jason Heyward on the injured list, Pages has a golden opportunity to earn a postseason roster spot. If he continues to deliver, the Dodgers’ already deep lineup becomes even more dangerous.
Similarly, right-handed pitcher Landon Knack and reliever Kyle Hurt have made compelling cases for more innings. Their growth and reliability could help stabilize a pitching staff that has battled injuries all year.
No Dodgers storyline would be complete without trade deadline speculation. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is known for making bold, calculated moves to strengthen the roster, and 2025 will likely be no different.
While the Dodgers don’t have glaring holes, they could use another high-leverage bullpen arm, a left-handed bat with pop, and potentially an innings-eating starter to guard against any setbacks in the rotation.
Names like Mason Miller, Tanner Scott, and Garrett Crochet have been linked to the Dodgers in early rumors. But any trade will need to balance short-term gains with long-term sustainability. The Dodgers have one of the deepest farm systems in the league, and Friedman has been careful not to overpay—unless the move truly shifts the championship odds.
Mookie Betts is the ultimate tone-setter for this Dodgers team. Whether he’s playing shortstop, second base, or roaming the outfield, his leadership and consistency have become a defining force.
In the second half, Betts will continue to be a critical piece—not only for his bat and glove but for his presence in the clubhouse. The grind of a 162-game season demands strong leadership, and Betts provides it in spades.
If Betts heats up down the stretch, it could further ease the load on Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, giving the Dodgers a three-headed monster heading into October.
Speaking of Freeman, the veteran first baseman has once again been quietly phenomenal. His on-base percentage remains elite, his defense is Gold Glove-worthy, and his approach at the plate rarely wavers.
Freeman’s value might not always make headlines, but his second-half performance will be pivotal. If he catches fire in September—as he’s done in previous seasons—the Dodgers’ lineup becomes almost impossible to navigate.
Freeman’s leadership will also be crucial for younger players who haven’t experienced the pressure cooker of a World Series run.
One of the Dodgers’ biggest question marks heading into the second half is the bullpen. While Evan Phillips has continued to shine as a closer, injuries and inconsistency have plagued the rest of the relief corps.
Ryan Brasier, Brusdar Graterol, and Alex Vesia have each had their ups and downs. The Dodgers may need to solidify roles or bring in outside help if they hope to match up well against elite postseason lineups.
A key name to watch is Blake Treinen, who has looked sharp since returning from injury. If Treinen can stay healthy, he could serve as a major X-factor in tight playoff games.
One challenge for any contending team is maintaining focus and health down the stretch. With a sizable lead in the NL West, the Dodgers will likely spend the second half fine-tuning their roster and resting key players when necessary.
Manager Dave Roberts will need to find the right balance between keeping stars fresh and staying competitive. That could mean more days off for Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman, while players like Miguel Rojas and James Outman fill key roles.
How the Dodgers manage their workload while preserving rhythm will be a storyline worth tracking through September.
If the Dodgers want to repeat as champions, the path likely runs through Atlanta. The Braves have remained one of the most dangerous teams in the National League, and a rematch of last year’s NLCS feels increasingly inevitable.
The Dodgers split their early-season series with Atlanta, but their second-half matchup in August could provide a playoff preview. How both teams stack up—and what adjustments they make—will say a lot about their respective postseason prospects.
For the Dodgers, the second half of 2025 isn’t just about clinching a division title—it’s about positioning themselves to go all the way once again. The franchise hasn’t won back-to-back championships since the 1977-78 era, and doing so now would cement this team’s place in modern baseball history.
But the path won’t be easy. Health must hold. Young players must grow. Veterans must deliver. And Shohei Ohtani must continue to shine as the face of this star-studded roster.
With the postseason just around the corner, every inning from here on out carries more weight. And if recent history has taught us anything, it’s that these Dodgers know exactly how to handle it.
As the second half begins, one thing is clear: The road to the World Series still runs through Los Angeles.
