Finally, after 32 years, the Los Angeles Dodgers have won their first World Series since 1988, bringing yet another championship back to LA. Last Tuesday, on Oct. 27, 2020, the Dodgers played game 6 of the World Series at Global Life Field, the home ballpark of the Texas Rangers, ultimately beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in a 4-2 series. Even though this season was cut short, the Dodgers still had the best record in the majors this year.

At the beginning of the post-season, the Dodgers were breezing through both the Wild Card Series and the National League Division Series. Beating the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the Wild Cards and winning 3-0 against the San Diego Padres during the NLDS. During the National League Championship Series, they faced some difficulties playing the Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers ultimately took game 7, thanks to center fielder, Cody Bellinger‘s seventh-inning home run, which gave the Dodgers the winning 4-3, bringing them to the World Series.

Signing a 12 year, $365-million contract extension with the Dodgers, right fielder, Mookie Betts, became the second-highest-paid player in MLB history following behind Los Angeles Angels, center fielder, Mike Trout. Betts became an essential player throughout the playoff run especially during game 6 against the Rays. Betts is now the first player in MLB history to win two World Series with two different clubs in a span of three years, while also winning the MVP award (with the Red Soxs).

During game 6, Rays pitcher, Blake Snell, was dominating but was surprisingly, prematurely taken out at the start of the sixth inning, the Dodgers began their comeback from being down by 1. At the bottom of the sixth inning, due to a wild pitch by Nick Anderson, Dodgers catcher, Austin Barnes, was able to tie the game up 1-1. Then next at-bat, with Betts on third, shortstop, Corey Seager, reaches a fielder’s choice, fielded by Ray’s first baseman, Ji-Man Choi, bringing Betts home to lead the game 2-1. At the bottom of the eighth, Betts hit a 434-foot homer securing their World Series win, with a score of 3-1.

At the height of the seventh inning, Dodgers third-baseman, Justin Turner, left the game due to unknown circumstances. Later on, it was reported that he tested positive for Covid-19, which he came back out onto the field to celebrate, disregarding coronavirus protocols. The MLB is now investigating the situation because Turner, “refused to comply” with protocols, but no actions has taken place yet.

In the end, it was anticipated that Seager would win the Most Valuable Player Award, which he did. Even though he was hit less in game 6, his postseason average topped the team leading with 22 hits, 20 runs, 20 RBI, and 8 home runs. One of his most unforgettable nights was during game 4 against the Rays, where he went 4-for-5 with three runs scored, two RBI, and a home run. The 26-year-old is the sixth shortstop to be a World Series MVP and is also the eighth player, since former San Francisco Giants pitcher, Madison Bumgarner, in 2014 to be named MVP during both the World Series and the League Championship Series.

The MLB is planning on starting the 2021 regular season on April 1, 2021, and having their 2021 draft on July 11 till July 13, 2021. The league is hoping to return back to normal by having the full 162-game season, instead of a shortened 60-game season. Now that it’s the offseason, the free agency period will open up on November 1, 2020, with a whole bunch of players eligible for trades.