LOS ANGELES, California — The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the final stage of the season with the goal of defending their position as a World Series contender, but a major debate is emerging around the question of what truly determines the team’s success.
For years, all eyes have been on Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar considered the face of the Dodgers’ new era.
From his extraordinary hitting ability to expectations of returning to his role as a pitcher, Ohtani has always been at the center of every conversation surrounding Los Angeles’ championship ambitions.
However, one Dodgers legend has offered a notable perspective, arguing that the team’s path toward winning the World Series may not completely depend on Ohtani’s hands.
According to Clayton Kershaw’s argument, the most important factor for the Dodgers right now is the strength of their pitching group, the players capable of controlling the most intense games during the postseason.
The name being discussed is not a single individual, but rather the four-man group expected to become the foundation of the Dodgers’ October journey: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Tarik Skubal.
This opinion quickly created debate among the Dodgers fan base, as many still believe Ohtani is irreplaceable if the team wants to defend its championship.
However, those who agree with Kershaw argue that baseball history has repeatedly proven that championships are often decided by the ability to control games from the mound.
“Shohei Ohtani can change an entire game with one swing, but October belongs to the people who can silence opponents in the most important moments. The Dodgers need arms strong enough to overcome the best teams. If these guys stay healthy and perform at their true level, they have a chance to beat any opponent.”
The importance of the four-man pitching group becomes even clearer as the Dodgers continue facing questions about Ohtani’s health in his pitching role.
The Japanese superstar is currently not guaranteed to return to the mound this season, placing greater responsibility on the remaining group of starters.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to prove his value with his ability to control games and his consistency in big moments.
Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have dealt with injury issues during the season, but when they are at their best, both possess the ability to overpower opposing offenses.
Meanwhile, Tarik Skubal brings a powerful left-handed arm, giving the Dodgers more variety when facing dangerous lineups in the National League.
If all four remain healthy, Los Angeles will have one of the most intimidating rotations in MLB, capable of competing against any team in the postseason.
Although Shohei Ohtani remains the biggest symbol of the Dodgers, Kershaw’s perspective highlights a familiar reality: offensive superstars can create moments, but pitchers are the ones who control the pace of the game.
For the Dodgers, the condition of the Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow, and Skubal group could determine whether this season ends with a successful title defense or a major disappointment.
Because in the World Series race, a team’s strength is not only found in the names on the scoreboard, but also in the players capable of keeping an entire stadium silent.
