Los Angeles Dodgers dismiss wins record to chase third straight title
The Los Angeles Dodgers have dismissed talk of breaking the Major League Baseball regular-season wins record as they target a historic third consecutive World Series championship.
The reigning champions have started their 2026 campaign with a 4-2 record during their opening homestand.
This steady start comes despite uncharacteristically quiet offensive performances from the top half of their star-studded batting order.
Embracing the villain role
A third consecutive blockbuster offseason has intensified the immense scrutiny surrounding the Californian franchise.
The organisation has actively leaned into a “bad guy” narrative through a pre-game stadium video featuring Hollywood actor Jason Bateman.
However, the clubhouse remains divided on whether to acknowledge this polarising reputation.
“You can call us whatever you want to call us. The game will determine who wins and who loses,” Mookie Betts said.
The veteran shortstop insists that external perceptions remain irrelevant outside noise once the players step onto the diamond.
October remains the ultimate focus
Conversely, long-serving infielder Max Muncy believes the squad draws vital strength from the hostility of opposing fanbases.
“You have to want to be out there and get everyone’s best every single night. It just creates a challenge that you’ve got to find a way to embrace,” Max Muncy stated.
Speculation has mounted over whether this powerhouse roster could surpass the 116-win milestone shared by the 1906 Chicago Cubs and 2001 Seattle Mariners.
The franchise won 211 combined games across the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, only to suffer premature playoff exits in the National League Division Series both years.
“Anything’s possible, certainly with this team, but that’s not our north star,” Dave Roberts explained.
The manager is instead guiding his team toward becoming the first National League club to secure a three-peat, prioritising October glory over summertime statistics.
