The Los Angeles Dodgers, defending World Series champions, have had a busy offseason and are favored to win again in the upcoming season.

As pitchers and catchers prepare to report, there are concerns about what could lead the Dodgers to miss the playoffs altogether.

Injuries are a significant factor; the Dodgers had more days lost to injuries last season but still managed to win 98 games and the World Series.

Key players like Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki have durability issues, raising concerns about their health impacting the season.

The team signed Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who chose to take less money to join his Team Japan teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The Dodgers also secured left-hander Tanner Scott on a lucrative four-year contract worth $72 million.

Star players on the Dodgers are aging, with several key contributors over 30 years old, which could lead to unexpected performance declines.

Freddie Freeman is entering his age-35 season, and other stars like Mookie Betts and Max Muncy are in their early 30s, which may affect their production.

A leaky bullpen could also jeopardize their success, as seen in the 2024 Chicago Cubs, who had a solid ERA but struggled in late-game situations, leading to missed playoffs.

Despite these concerns, the Dodgers remain a strong contender, with an expanded postseason allowing them a better chance to qualify even if they finish second or third in their division.

Lastly, other teams in the National League may outperform expectations, similar to the San Francisco Giants in 2021, which could impact the Dodgers' playoff chances.