Dodgers Repeat as World Series Champions, Headline Offseason Awards and Scandals

The Los Angeles Dodgers sit atop the baseball world once again, becoming the first repeat champions in a quarter century after a dramatic 5-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in an epic game seven of the World Series. Will Smith authored the championship moment, launching an eleventh-inning go-ahead home run that proved to be the difference. The Dodgers’ bullpen, anchored by closer Yoshinobu Yamamoto, held firm as Toronto rallied late but could not break through, ending the Blue Jays’ stirring postseason run with heartbreak. Bo Bichette had provided an early boost with a three-run homer, but consistent pressure from the Dodgers’ lineup—including key hits from Max Muncy and timely at-bats throughout the order—showed why LA remains baseball’s powerhouse.

As the offseason gets underway, multiple awards have been announced. The Yankees’ Aaron Judge captured his third AL MVP after a monster season leading in home runs, average, and several other major offensive categories, narrowly edging out Raleigh of the Mariners. Shohei Ohtani repeated as the NL MVP. Paul Skubal repeated as AL Cy Young, while rookie sensation Paul Skenes of the Pirates claimed the NL Cy Young in unanimous fashion. Jacob deGrom and Ronald Acuña Jr. took home the Comeback Player of the Year honors after each returned from major injuries to lead their clubs.

Reliever headlines include Aroldis Chapman posting a career-best season with the Red Sox and Edwin Díaz returning to dominance for the Mets. The All-MLB team selections, released earlier this week, reflected these standout years, highlighting both established stars and newcomers who broke out in 2025.

Off the field, the Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are facing legal proceedings related to an alleged pitch-rigging scandal, both pleading not guilty. Congress has also demanded answers from MLB regarding broader gambling integrity issues, placing added pressure on league officials this winter. In a roster move, the Twins added LaTroy Hawkins as bullpen coach, aiming to bring veteran leadership to their young arms. The Reds claimed Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers, shoring up organizational depth behind the plate. Meanwhile, the Dodgers announced that infielder Tommy Edman will undergo ankle surgery in the coming week.

On the transaction front, trade speculation continues to swirl around Cardinals star Nolan Arenado and some key Blue Jays, while the Padres, who lost veteran Yu Darvish for 2026 following UCL surgery, are weighing a potential team sale and looking to plug major rotation holes via trade or free agency.

Minor league and international updates include the Surprise team scoring three late runs last night with clutch RBI singles from Chandler Pollard, Luke Adams, and Dylan Dreiling in Arizona Fall League action, keeping scouts’ eyes peeled for the next wave of MLB impact talent.

Looking ahead, offseason chatter is focused on free agent movement, blockbuster trade possibilities, and looming rule tweaks as GMs meet behind closed doors. The Dodgers’ historic achievement, a flurry of awards, and fallout from ongoing scandals are sure to keep the hot stove burning, with the league’s biggest names and wildest rumors front and center.

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