Best all-time player for each MLB team
Los Angeles Dodgers: Sandy Koufax
Though his peak was short, Sandy Koufax remains the greatest Dodgers player of all time. He was at the height of his powers for only five seasons before succumbing to an arthritic elbow and retiring, but Koufax’s legacy is unmatched. From 1962 to 1966, Koufax squeezed an entire career’s worth of dominance into a few short years.
Over that time frame, Koufax went 111-34 with a 1.95 ERA with 100 complete games and 33 shutouts. He also threw four no-hitters and had three 300-strikeouts seasons while winning three Cy Youngs. Koufax also claimed the World Series MVP in 1963 and 1965. He had a 0.95 ERA in 57 innings in the Fall Classic. He is the only pitcher to win three Cy Youngs before the award started being awarded to one pitcher from each league.
Koufax threw one of the greatest curveballs of all time. That was his best pitch. He struggled with command early in his career, once walking six batters per nine for a full season. When he finally figured it out at the age of 26, he became one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Regardless of how short his peak was, Koufax’s legacy as a Dodger and Hall of Famer cannot be overlooked. Perhaps one day in the future Clayton Kershaw will surpass him when it comes to Dodgers lore.