ESPN Insider names 3 biggest challengers to Dodgers

With the Los Angeles Dodgers making moves at the trade deadline this past Monday, like the blockbuster deal for Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers, the team has seemed to lose its footing, though likely to be momentarily. As many teams in the National League (NL) look to catch up to the Dodgers, this analyst lists the three teams that could be the biggest challengers to Los Angeles.

Buster Olney of ESPN would speak on “SportsCenter” about the three teams, first focusing on the Chicago Cubs, who handed Los Angeles its last three losses as part of their six-game skid. He would mention the pitching trades the team made before the deadline and the “veteran group of position players” they have.

“Number one, I’m going to go Chicago Cubs, who made two deals last weekend, leading up to the trade deadline for starting pitchers, Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays, Clay Holmes from the New York Mets, and they have that great veteran group of position players. You have Alex Bregman, you have Dansby Swanson. That is a dangerous team,” Olney said.

What three teams present as the Dodgers' biggest challengers? @Buster_ESPN joins @JayHarrisESPN to break down which teams pose a threat pic.twitter.com/hCzhh0xGUk

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 7, 2026

The two other teams that can stifle the Dodgers 

Olney would continue talking about the two other teams that could give the Dodgers problems, with the second one mentioned being the Milwaukee Brewers. Specifically, their starting rotation is led by Jacob Misiorowski, who has an MLB-leading 1.63 ERA and 195 strikeouts.

“Then you have guys like Logan Henderson. The other day they picked up Dustin May; Kyle Harrison has been terrific this year. They could be dangerous to the Dodgers because they can match up with the starting pitching,” Olney said.

Finally, Olney would have the San Diego Padres as the third team, only “if they make the playoffs,” with the reporter liking the trades for Robbie Ray and Casey Mize. Another aspect would be how a team led by star Manny Machado “is not going to be afraid of the Dodgers in a postseason series.”

It remains to be seen if the three teams mentioned could stop the Dodgers from achieving their third straight World Series.

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