Dodgers Fans Will Love Team's Win Total Prediction for 2022 Season

If all goes to plan, Dodgers fans have a lot to look forward to this year. The Dodgers have the best current odds to win the World Series at +500 and are also expected to be one of the best teams in the regular season. Oddsmakers at WynnBET Sportsbook set the Dodgers’ season win total at 96.5 games. The Dodgers went well of that total last year by winning 106 games. Despite this, the Giants had 107 wins to lead the National League, and the entire MLB, in wins. They are one of only three teams, including the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, to be projected to win over 90 games. 

So, are the Dodgers a good bet to go over the highest win total in the Majors this year? Well, I would have to say yes. Excluding the shortened 2020 season, the Dodgers have gone over 100 wins in two straight years and three of their last four seasons. It is interesting that their total last year was set at 102.5. The gap represents a significant drop off considering that the Dodgers arguably got better in the offseason. The uncertainty surrounding the return of Trevor Bauer remains and is a likely factor in the “low” win total. Bauer’s leave was recently extended to April 16. This is significant as it’s eight days after the Dodgers’ season is scheduled to begin. They will have played almost 20 games by the 16th. 

But, the Dodgers were able to add stud Freddie Freeman to their lineup. LA did lose Corey Seager to free agency, but Freeman’s addition takes the sting off that move and keeps the infield dangerous. The Dodgers also lost Max Scherzer, Kenley Janson, and Albert Pujols. Trea Turner and Kevin Pillar join Freeman as the new players in LA. 

Some have been critical of the Dodgers' aging roster and that most of their starting position players are over 30 years old. Another knock is that Freeman had a very poor slugging year and saw his total drop 50 points compared to his previous year. 

My biggest issue with the Dodgers might be Clayton Kershaw. He isn’t getting any younger and has not been the workhorse he once was. Kershaw hasn’t gone over 180 innings in the last eight years and he never will again. Also, Dustin May is dealing with recovering from surgery. A 35-year-old David Price is being looked at as an answer but I don’t think that is a smart plan. The rotation is not nearly as deep as it should be for a World Series contender. If there are any major injuries to this rotation or bullpen, the Dodgers could be in a bit of trouble. 

Despite this, I still think the Dodgers manage to go over this total. I am not sure they see triple digits again, but the team is almost too good to fail. LA has also been active in the trade market when they see gaps needing to be filled. So when injuries inevitably happen, I think they will be quick to react. Not sure a World Series is in the cards, but this win total does feel a bit low.