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Diam⚾️ndBuzz: JANUARY 20, 2025

2025 Dodgers Pitching staff for the ages

Few teams in MLB history have assembled a pitching staff as dominant as the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers. Already a powerhouse, the Dodgers made massive offseason moves to reinforce their rotation and bullpen, ensuring they enter the season as the undisputed favorites to claim another World Series title.

After an aggressive offseason, their pitching staff now includes two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, and elite reliever Tanner Scott, joining an already formidable group featuring Tyler Glasnow, Bobby Miller, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and now, also Roki Sasaki.

With a blend of established stars, young flame-throwers, and a bullpen packed with firepower, this Dodgers team could go down as one of the greatest in MLB history. But how do they compare to the most legendary pitching staffs of all time?

​Let’s examine the top five greatest pitching staffs in MLB history, ranking them from No. 5 to No. 1, before comparing the 2025 Dodgers to the best of the best.

Ranking the Top 5 Greatest Pitching Staffs in MLB History

5. 2011 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Key Pitchers: Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt, Vance Worley

The 2011 Philadelphia Phillies assembled one of the most dominant pitching staffs in MLB history, led by their formidable "Four Aces"—Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt—with Vance Worley emerging as an unexpected force. This elite rotation powered the Phillies to a franchise-record 102 wins, the best mark in the majors that season.

Halladay, the reigning Cy Young winner, was sensational with a 2.35 ERA, 19 wins, and 220 strikeouts, while Lee was just as dominant, posting a 2.40 ERA, six shutouts, and 238 strikeouts. Hamels provided a third ace-caliber arm, delivering a 2.79 ERA with 194 strikeouts. Oswalt, though limited by injuries, was still a reliable veteran presence, and rookie Vance Worley was a revelation, finishing 11-3 with a 3.01 ERA.

Philadelphia’s rotation was backed by a strong bullpen, including Ryan Madson, who thrived as the closer with 32 saves and a 2.37 ERA. The team ERA of 3.02 led all of baseball, and the staff recorded a league-best 21 shutouts, suffocating opposing lineups throughout the season.

Despite their pitching dominance, the Phillies' championship hopes were cut short in the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals, where they fell in a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in Game 5, capped by Ryan Howard’s series-ending Achilles injury. Though the season ended in disappointment, the 2011 Phillies rotation remains one of the best ever assembled.

  • Team ERA: 3.02
  • Total Wins: 102
  • Complete Games: 18
  • Strikeouts: 1,299

4. 1988 NEW YORK METS

Key Pitchers: Dwight Gooden, David Cone, Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez, Bob Ojeda

Despite their regular-season dominance, the Mets fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, losing in seven games as Orel Hershiser's legendary postseason performance shut down their potent lineup. Though they came up short of another World Series title, the 1988 Mets' pitching staff remains one of the most dominant in franchise history.

​The bullpen was just as strong, led by closer Randy Myers, who notched 26 saves with a 1.72 ERA. He was supported by a deep relief corps, including Roger McDowell and Terry Leach, both of whom played key roles in late-inning situations.

​Ron Darling and Sid Fernandez provided outstanding depth, with Darling posting a 3.25 ERA over 34 starts, while Fernandez delivered a 2.83 ERA with 198 strikeouts in 204 innings. The Mets' team ERA of 2.91 was the best in the National League, and they led the league in strikeouts (1,160), fueled by a rotation that could overpower hitters at every turn.

The 1988 New York Mets featured one of the most dominant pitching staffs in baseball, leading them to a 100-60 record and the NL East title. The rotation was anchored by Dwight "Doc" Gooden, who returned to ace form with a 3.19 ERA, 18 wins, and 175 strikeouts in 248 1/3 innings. Behind him, David Cone had a breakout season, going 20-3 with a 2.22 ERA and 213 strikeouts, finishing third in Cy Young voting.

  • Team ERA: 2.91
  • Total Wins: 100
  • Complete Games: 31
  • Strikeouts: 1,100

3. 1966 LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Key Pitchers: Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Claude Osteen, Don Sutton

The 1966 Los Angeles Dodgers boasted one of the most formidable pitching staffs of the era, led by the legendary duo of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. This dominant rotation propelled the Dodgers to a 95-67 record and their third National League pennant in four years..

​Koufax, in what would be his final MLB season, delivered one of the greatest pitching performances in history, winning his third Cy Young Award after going 27-9 with a 1.73 ERA and 317 strikeouts. Drysdale provided a strong No. 2, finishing with a 13-16 record, a 3.42 ERA, and 177 strikeouts, while Claude Osteen was a reliable third arm, winning 17 games with a 2.85 ERA. The rotation also featured Don Sutton, a promising rookie who posted a 2.99 ERA in 225 innings.

​The Dodgers' staff finished the season with a team ERA of 2.62, the best in the National League, and led the league in shutouts (20) while allowing the fewest runs. Their pitching was the foundation of a team that relied on speed and defense rather than power.


Despite their regular-season dominance, the Dodgers were swept in the 1966 World Series by the Baltimore Orioles, failing to score a run in the final 33 innings of the series. Koufax, pitching through severe arthritis, retired after the season, marking the end of an incredible era for the Dodgers' pitching dynasty.

  • Team ERA: 2.62
  • Total Wins: 95
  • Complete Games: 52
  • Strikeouts: 1,084

2. 1968 ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Key Pitchers: Bob Gibson, Ray Sadecki, Nelson Briles, Joe Hoerner

In 1968, the St. Louis Cardinals boasted one of the most formidable pitching staffs in baseball, anchored by ace Bob Gibson. In a season dubbed the "Year of the Pitcher," Gibson dominated, finishing with a 1.12 ERA and 22 wins. His fierce competitiveness and near-mythical control set a historic standard, earning him a second Cy Young Award and solidifying his reputation as one of baseball’s all-time greats.

Supporting Gibson were Ray Sadecki and Nelson Briles, both critical to the team’s success. Sadecki provided stability in the rotation, complementing Gibson’s brilliance with consistency and grit. His performance in 1968, marked by a resilient spirit and solid numbers, offered a reliable second option on the mound and helped maintain the team's momentum through a demanding season.

Nelson Briles emerged as a key contributor, demonstrating versatility and toughness. Whether called upon from the bullpen or as a spot starter, Briles delivered strong performances that added depth to the Cardinals' pitching arsenal. His work ethic and clutch outings were instrumental in keeping the team competitive in tight games.

Together, Gibson, Sadecki, and Briles forged a legendary trio, blending veteran dominance with emerging talent. Their collective excellence not only propelled the Cardinals during the 1968 season but also left an indelible mark on baseball history, inspiring fans and future generations alike.

  • Team ERA: 2.49
  • Total Wins: 97
  • Complete Games: 63
  • Strikeouts: 971

1. 1971 BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Key Pitchers: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Kevin Millwood

Despite their regular-season dominance, the Orioles fell short in the World Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, losing in seven games, as Roberto Clemente’s legendary performance led the Pirates to victory. While they didn’t win it all, the 1971 Orioles' pitching staff remains one of the greatest in baseball history.

​Beyond the rotation, the bullpen was anchored by Eddie Watt and Grant Jackson, providing reliability in late-inning situations. The Orioles’ team ERA of 2.99 was the best in the American League, and they ranked near the top in strikeouts and complete games, showcasing their ability to dominate opposing lineups.

​The rotation was led by Jim Palmer, who went 20-9 with a 2.68 ERA and 184 strikeouts, establishing himself as one of the game's premier pitchers. Dave McNally posted a 21-5 record with a 2.89 ERA, while Mike Cuellar contributed another strong campaign, finishing 20-9 with a 3.08 ERA. Pat Dobson rounded out the historic rotation with a 20-8 record and a 2.90 ERA, making the Orioles the last team in MLB history to have four 20-game winners in a single season.


The 1971 Baltimore Orioles boasted one of the most remarkable pitching staffs in baseball history, featuring a four-man rotation where each pitcher won at least 20 games—a feat that has not been repeated since. This elite staff powered the Orioles to a 101-57 record and their third straight AL East title.

  • Team ERA: 3.00
  • Total Wins: 101
  • Complete Games: 71
  • Strikeouts: 793

enter the 2025 los angeles dodgers

The 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers boast a formidable pitching staff, blending seasoned talent with strategic acquisitions. The rotation is headlined by two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, who, alongside his offensive prowess, brings dynamic pitching capabilities. Complementing him is Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, known for his triple-digit fastball, who chose the Dodgers despite equal financial offers from other teams.

The Dodgers further strengthened their rotation by signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract. Snell's addition provides a reliable left-handed presence. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow, despite past injury concerns, is expected to contribute significantly, having posted a 2.88 ERA with 135 strikeouts over 16 starts in 2024.

Returning from injury, Tony Gonsolin enters the offseason at full health and is anticipated to be ready for the 2025 season. His presence adds depth to the rotation, which also includes promising talents like Bobby Miller.

In the bullpen, the Dodgers made a significant move by signing All-Star closer Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal. Scott's impressive 2024 season, featuring a 1.75 ERA and 22 saves, bolsters the team's late-inning options.

This meticulously assembled pitching staff positions the Dodgers as strong contenders for the upcoming season, aiming to build upon their recent successes.

How Do the 2025 Dodgers Compare to the 1971 Orioles?

When comparing the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff to the 1971 Orioles, some key differences stand out:

Advantages for the 2025 Dodgers:
✅  More depth & firepower – The Dodgers have a mix of high-velocity strikeout artists, while the Orioles relied more on durability and control.
✅  Stronger bullpen – The modern Dodgers bullpen is significantly better and deeper than the Orioles’ relief options.
✅  Postseason firepower – The Dodgers are built to win in October, while the Orioles' reliance on complete games might not translate to modern playoff formats.

Advantages for the 1971 Orioles:
✅  Four 20-game winners – No modern team, including the Dodgers, is likely to replicate this feat.
✅  More complete games & innings pitched – Orioles pitchers routinely went the distance, while today’s game is dominated by pitch counts and bullpen management.
✅  Pitching sustainability – Dodgers pitchers have more injury risks, while the Orioles’ arms were built to last entire seasons.

Final Verdict: Which Pitching Staff is Better?

🔹 Overall, the 2025 Dodgers have more talent, depth, and high-end firepower, making them a more complete staff in today’s game.
🔹 However, the 1971 Orioles' four 20-game winners remain an unparalleled feat that gives them the edge in historical greatness.
🔹 If the 2025 Dodgers dominate the postseason and win the World Series, they could cement themselves as the greatest pitching staff in MLB history.

Conclusion: A PITCHING STAFF for the Ages?

The 2025 Dodgers have a chance to rewrite history, and if they stay healthy and win it all, they may just surpass the 1971 Orioles as the most dominant pitching staff the game has ever seen.

To outperform the legendary 1971 Baltimore Orioles pitching staff, the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers will need to achieve historic dominance in both the starting rotation and bullpen. The 1971 Orioles rotation set a nearly unbreakable standard with four 20-game winners (Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, Dave McNally, and Pat Dobson), an achievement no team has replicated since. The Dodgers' rotation, featuring Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Bobby Miller, has immense talent, but surpassing the historical greatness of Baltimore’s rotation would require multiple pitchers reaching 200+ innings, 20+ wins, and ERAs well below 3.00—a daunting challenge in an era of bullpen reliance and pitch limits.

One key area where the Dodgers could surpass the 1971 Orioles is strikeouts and bullpen effectiveness. With flamethrowers like Sasaki, Glasnow, and Snell, Los Angeles has the potential to shatter modern strikeout records. However, to truly outclass Baltimore’s dominance, the bullpen—led by closer Tanner Scott—must be elite in high-pressure moments, maintaining microscopic ERAs and shutdown consistency. Unlike the Orioles, who leaned heavily on their starters, the Dodgers' bullpen will play a crucial role in determining whether this staff goes down as one of the greatest ever. If Los Angeles can blend durability, dominance, and postseason success, they could eclipse the 1971 Orioles’ legendary standard—but anything less than historic won’t be enough.

One thing is certain: MLB fans are witnessing something special in Los Angeles this season.

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