GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The vibe was slightly different this spring at Dodgers camp.

After being the overwhelming favorites to win the World Series in each of the last two Spring Trainings, the outside expectation hasn’t been the same for the 2023 Dodgers. The Padres, the division rival that opened up the checkbook this winter, have been the talk of the National League West.

The Dodgers, on the other hand, have been, shockingly, flying a bit under the radar following a quiet offseason. Los Angeles has maintained its stance that they it need to add much to a team that will look a lot younger than the one that won a franchise-record 111 games last year.

“I think it’s a different type of club, but I still love our club,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I still think we’re going to win a lot of games. Yeah, it’s a different construct. But it’s still a pretty good team.”

That team will be led by Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts on the offensive side. On the pitching side, the Dodgers still have Julio Urías and Clayton Kershaw leading a starting rotation that is expected to be one of the best in the NL.

It’s probably safe to assume the Dodgers won’t win 111 games again this year. After all, only five teams in Major League history have reached that mark. They do have more question marks than in previous seasons. Those will be answered over the next six months. But the goal remains the same for Los Angeles: Win a tenth NL West title in 11 seasons.

What needs to go right?
Health.

Yes, this is the key for just about every team in the Majors, but the Dodgers will need to hope for good health this season, especially on the position player side. With Trea Turner gone and Gavin Lux (torn right ACL) already out for the season, Los Ageles is thinner than it's been on position players. Freeman, Betts and Will Smith will be tasked with carrying this offense, and the Dodgers can’t afford to have any of them miss extended time.

Great unknown: The youth movement
The Dodgers believe this wave of young players is the most talented they’ve had in Andrew Friedman’s tenure. That’s high praise, considering the prospects that have come up through the system over the last decade. But as is always the case with prospects, there are still some questions regarding how they’ll adjust to the Majors during their respective rookie seasons.

This year, the Dodgers will be asking a lot of Miguel Vargas, who will be the team’s everyday second baseman. James Outman will get plenty of at-bats and play center field, replacing Cody Bellinger, who struggled offensively but was a good defender. They’re also going to rely on young pitchers Gavin Stone, Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot to solidify the depth in the starting rotation.

How those players complement the stars on the team could ultimately determine how successful the Dodgers will be in 2023.

Team MVP will be … Freddie Freeman
This was a close call between Betts, Smith and Freeman, but it’s hard to argue against the Dodgers’ first baseman given the season he had in 2022. Now a year removed from the drama that surrounded him last summer, expect Freeman to have another monster season at the plate.

Team Cy Young will be … Julio Urías
Another tough one between Kershaw and Urías. Kershaw, a highly likely first-ballot Hall of Famer, is still one of the most effective pitchers in baseball, but if Urías is able to continue the momentum he has established over the last three seasons, he’ll be rewarded with a massive free-agent deal this winter.

Bold prediction
Vargas wins NL Rookie of the Year. He has some competition here, but the Cuban infielder has all the tools at the plate to have a big offensive season.