The Dodgers' offseason was a worst case scenario for the Braves
This wasn't just one move, so maybe it is cheating, but the overall scope of what the Dodgers did this offseason is incredibly problematic for Atlanta heading into 2024. Last season, LA looked weirdly vulnerable for a team that had two MVP caliber guys in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman in their lineup. Their offense wasn't nearly as deep and their rotation was seemingly held together by scotch tape, Elmer's glue, and a healthy amount of hope.
In the wake of Julio Urias' departure and injuries to Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler among others, the Braves/Dodgers rivalry seemed like it was trending in the Braves' direction. Unfortunately, LA wasn't having that and put together a spending spree for the ages this offseason.
Not only did the Dodgers make the widely anticipated move to sign Shohei Ohtani for roughly a gazillion dollars, but they also signed arguably the best starter available in Yoshinobu Yamamoto and traded for another potential frontline arm in Tyler Glasnow. When you then factor in other additions like James Paxton, and Teoscar Hernandez, you have a Dodgers team that was already scary looking that now looks like a team built in a video game on easy mode with an infinite budget.
Are the Braves still favored in the National League in 2024 over the Dodgers despite all of LA's moves? So far, the general consensus seems to be yes. Atlanta still has a deeper lineup and the Dodgers' rotation does still have some unknowns and injury issues. However, the gap is not large whatsoever and given the amount of talent on the Dodgers' roster, no one should be surprised if they make a strong challenge of the Braves' supremacy in the NL this coming season thanks to their roster overhaul.