What Is 2016 Los Angeles Dodgers season

Overview

The 2016 Los Angeles Dodgers season marked the franchise's 127th year and 59th in Los Angeles. Competing in the National League West, they finished first in the division with a 91-71 record, securing their fourth consecutive NL West title—a franchise record at the time.

Managed by Dave Roberts, who took over mid-season in 2015, the 2016 campaign showcased resilience and depth. Despite injuries to key players like Adrian Gonzalez and Hyun-Jin Ryu, the team maintained consistency through strong pitching and timely hitting, advancing to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 1988.

• Regular-season record: The Dodgers finished 91-71, the best record in the National League and second-best in MLB behind the Chicago Cubs’ 103-58 mark.
• Division title: They won the NL West by 4 games over the San Francisco Giants, marking the first time in MLB history a team claimed four straight division crowns since realignment.
• Home performance: At Dodger Stadium, the team went 47-34, benefiting from a strong bullpen and solid defensive play.
• Roster continuity: Core players like Corey Seager, Justin Turner, and Clayton Kershaw remained central, with Seager winning NL Rookie of the Year honors.
• Injury challenges: Starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy missed most of the season, and Yasiel Puig was sidelined multiple times due to injuries and disciplinary issues.

Performance & Playoffs

The Dodgers' 2016 postseason run highlighted both their strengths and limitations against elite competition.

• Regular-season dominance: Los Angeles ranked 4th in MLB in runs scored (781) and 3rd in ERA (3.50), showcasing balanced performance.
• Starting rotation:Clayton Kershaw posted a 2.73 ERA and 216 strikeouts in 149 innings, while Rich Hill went 12-8 with a 2.12 ERA after joining mid-season.
• Bullpen usage: Closer Kenley Jansen recorded 41 saves with a 1.82 ERA, leading the majors in appearances (75).
• Postseason NLDS: In a dramatic five-game series, the Dodgers defeated the Washington Nationals 3-2, highlighted by Jansen’s 11-strikeout performance in Game 5.
• NLCS loss: Facing the eventual World Series champion Chicago Cubs, the Dodgers lost the NLCS in six games, despite winning Game 6 behind a strong outing from Kershaw.
• Award recognition: Rookie shortstop Corey Seager became the first National League rookie to lead all position players in WAR (6.9) and won the NL Rookie of the Year unanimously.

Comparison at a Glance

Key statistical and performance comparisons between the 2016 Dodgers and their closest rivals:

This table illustrates that while the Dodgers were competitive, the Cubs' superior run production and pitching depth ultimately proved decisive in the NLCS. The Giants, despite a strong finish, fell short in the wild card game. The Dodgers’ consistency over four seasons established them as a powerhouse, even without a World Series title in 2016.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a pivotal chapter in the Dodgers’ modern resurgence, reinforcing their status as a consistent contender.

• Foundation for future success: The team’s development of young talent like Corey Seager and Julio Urías laid the groundwork for deeper playoff runs in later years.
• Managerial impact: Dave Roberts’ aggressive bullpen management in the postseason drew national attention and influenced modern MLB strategy.
• Attendance and revenue: The Dodgers led MLB in attendance with over 3.7 million fans, reflecting strong fan engagement despite playoff disappointment.
• Media rights value: The season contributed to the growing value of the team’s $8.35 billion TV deal, one of the largest in sports history.
• Competitive balance: Their sustained success challenged perceptions of small-market dominance, highlighting the impact of analytics and player development.
• Legacy of near-misses: Though they didn’t win the World Series, the 2016 run kept the Dodgers in the national spotlight and built momentum toward their 2020 championship.

The 2016 Los Angeles Dodgers season exemplified sustained excellence in a high-pressure environment. While falling short of the ultimate prize, the team solidified its identity as a modern baseball powerhouse through performance, innovation, and resilience.