Despite winning a franchise-record 106 games during the regular season in 2021, the Dodgers' streak of eight consecutive National League West titles was snapped by the Giants, who won 107 games.

The Dodgers did manage to get some payback in the postseason, taking down their longtime rival in a thrilling five-game NLDS. However, Los Angeles' bid for back-to-back titles came to an end against the Braves in the NLCS.

After last year's early exit, the Dodgers come into the season with yet another loaded roster. They now have Freddie Freeman in the mix, joining Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Justin Turner, Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías and a number of other star players. Over the weekend, the Dodgers added closer Craig Kimbrel, who has 372 career saves.

With that level of talent come lofty expectations. The Dodgers understand that. In 2022, the goals will be no different for Los Angeles. First, they'll try to reclaim their spot atop an improved NL West. But ultimately, anything shy of a World Series title will be considered a major disappointment for the Dodgers.

Will they live up to those expectations? They believe they can.

"You have a city that expects to win and we expect to win, too, as players," Freeman said. "We look good on paper, but any team can beat you any single different night. I think we're setting up ourselves to be on the other side of that, but [we've] still got to go out there and play and we got the names to do it and the guys to do it."

What needs to go right?
The easy answer is health. If the Dodgers are able to stay healthy, they'll be tough to beat. But when it comes to a specific area on the roster, the one thing that could derail the Dodgers' season is a lack of starting pitching depth.

When healthy, Buehler, Urías and Kershaw are one of the most feared trios in the NL. But behind them, the Dodgers have some question marks. Andrew Heaney and Tony Gonsolin will begin the season in the rotation.

Heaney, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, had his fair share of struggles last season, posting a 5.83 ERA in 30 games with the Yankees and Angels. The Dodgers, like many teams, are enamored with the type of vertical run the lefty gets on his four-seam fastball. This spring, the Dodgers have worked with Heaney in order to try and develop a different breaking ball.

The Dodgers and Heaney believe they've made progress with his repertoire, but the left-hander struggled in Cactus League play, allowing 10 earned runs over 5 1/3 innings. His next start will likely come against the Twins during the regular season.

As for Gonsolin, the right-hander dealt with right shoulder issues all of last season. He came into camp fully healthy and earned a starter spot. Gonsolin, however, has had issues with erratic control.

Los Angeles has acknowledged some concern with their starting pitching depth. But as the season goes on, the Dodgers believe they'll have plenty of options. Tyler Anderson and David Price could pitch their way to an extended role. They also hope to get Dustin May back from injury at some point this season. Top pitching prospects Landon Knack, Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot should also be ready in 2022.

"There's always this low level of anxious feeling or anxiety, but things have worked out to be in our benefit," said Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior. "But again, you gotta grind it out every day. And a lot of that is on the players, and they go out and do their job."

Great unknown
Which Cody Bellinger will show up in 2022? That's been the biggest question in camp this spring and with his struggles in Cactus League play, the questions will continue for the former MVP heading into the regular season.

After shockingly being one of the worst statistical hitters in the Majors last season, Bellinger came into camp fully healthy for the first time in a few years. He had a full offseason of workouts, something he didn't benefit from after the 2020 season because he underwent surgery on his right shoulder.

Bellinger, who has changed his batting stance multiple times this spring, has maintained that he feels good at the plate. The results haven't backed it up as the former MVP was 4-for-27 with 17 strikeouts in his first 10 spring games.

The Dodgers' confidence in Bellinger hasn't wavered. Roberts said Bellinger will be his everyday center fielder. It remains to be seen if the Dodgers will get the '19 or the '21 version of Bellinger.

Team MVP will be …
Betts. After dealing with a nagging back/hip injury last season, Betts is healthy again. Expect a bounce-back season from the former AL MVP.

Team Cy Young will be …
Buehler. Really going out on a limb here, huh?

Bold prediction
The Dodgers will have four players finish in the top-10 in NL MVP voting. Somehow, that feels way too bold but also not bold enough.