But the Dodgers’ first real test of their World Series title defense is about to begin this weekend.
After advancing past the plucky Reds and their 83-win roster in a best-of-three wild card series this week, the Dodgers will now face a true powerhouse in the best-of-five National League Division Series, matched up against a Philadelphia Phillies team facing unfinished business in the postseason.
For years, the Phillies have been building toward contention. In each of the last four years, they’ve reached the playoffs while increasing their regular-season win total.
However, the club’s recent October history has been filled with one disappointment after another: A loss to the Houston Astros in the World Series in 2022.