Dodgers Remain MLB's Best Team Despite Slow Starts for Key Offseason Additions

Los Angeles Dodgers off to 15-4 start, best in baseball, even with Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker struggling early

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:26pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, white, and red representing the Dodgers' multifaceted excellence on the field.The Dodgers' dominant start to the season is a testament to their well-rounded roster and ability to win even when key offseason additions struggle early.Denver Today

The two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have raced out to a 15-4 start, the best record in Major League Baseball, despite slow starts from their two big offseason additions, closer Edwin Díaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker. The Dodgers have thrived thanks to a deep, talented roster that has excelled in all facets of the game, from hitting to pitching to defense.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' hot start reaffirms their status as the team to beat in the National League, even with a couple of their key offseason acquisitions struggling out of the gate. Their ability to win without full contributions from Díaz and Tucker shows the depth and versatility of this Dodgers squad, which is aiming to become the first team to win three straight World Series titles since the late 1990s Yankees.

The details

The Dodgers' 15-4 start is their best since 1977, and they've done it without much production so far from closer Edwin Díaz, who has blown a save and hasn't pitched in over a week, and outfielder Kyle Tucker, who is batting just .236 with a .688 OPS. However, the Dodgers' lineup is stacked, with six regulars posting an OPS+ of 126 or better, and their starting rotation and bullpen have also been dominant, leading the league in several key pitching metrics.

  • The Dodgers improved to 15-4 with a win over the Rockies on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Díaz last pitched on April 10, 2026, when he blew a three-run lead.

The players

Dave Roberts

Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Edwin Díaz

Closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, acquired in the offseason, who has struggled with his velocity and hasn't recorded a save in over a week.

Kyle Tucker

Outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, acquired in the offseason, who is off to a slow start at the plate with a .236 batting average and .688 OPS.

Freddie Freeman

All-Star first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of six regulars with an OPS+ of 126 or better this season.

Shohei Ohtani

Ace starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has a 1.88 ERA in his first four starts.

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What they’re saying

“It was a dry cold.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

“It's not an IL thing we're talking about. It's more day to day.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to continue their hot start as they face the Mets again on Tuesday, April 23, 2026.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' ability to thrive despite slow starts from key offseason additions Díaz and Tucker underscores the depth and versatility of this powerhouse team, which is well on its way to potentially becoming the first franchise to win three straight World Series titles since the late 1990s Yankees.