The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially announced the return of Farhan Zaidi to their front office, sparking excitement and curiosity throughout the baseball world. Zaidi, who served as the team’s General Manager from 2014 to 2018, will now take on the role of Special Advisor to Dodgers’ owner Mark Walter. In addition to his duties with the Dodgers, Zaidi will assist in Walter’s other sports-related interests, which include the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and the Premier League’s Chelsea Football Club. But as the Dodgers enter the 2025 season, the question on everyone’s mind is: Could Zaidi be the missing piece that leads them to another World Series title?
Zaidi’s return to the Dodgers is a notable development, considering his successful tenure with the team before his departure. As GM, Zaidi helped shape the Dodgers into a perennial playoff contender, working alongside President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. The two were instrumental in building a team that reached three consecutive National League Championship Series (NLCS) and ultimately won the World Series in 2020, ending a 32-year championship drought. Zaidi’s player acquisitions and forward-thinking strategies played a key role in this success, making his return a potential game-changer for the Dodgers.
However, Zaidi’s time with the Dodgers wasn’t without its challenges. While he was credited for making bold moves and enhancing the team’s depth, it was also under his leadership that the Dodgers fell short of championship glory in 2017, losing to the Houston Astros in the World Series. Despite that, Zaidi’s impact on the team’s future was undeniable, and his contributions are still felt within the organization.
Zaidi left the Dodgers in 2018, accepting the position of President of Baseball Operations with the San Francisco Giants. His time with the Giants brought both successes and struggles. In 2021, he led the Giants to a historic 107-win season, securing the top spot in the National League West and overcoming the Dodgers in a thrilling division race. However, in the years that followed, San Francisco’s performance stagnated, and the team failed to secure a major free agent signing, such as Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani, which left some Giants fans disappointed.
The decision to part ways with Zaidi was made after the Giants’ struggles continued, culminating in a 2023 season that saw them miss the playoffs entirely. Zaidi’s replacement, Buster Posey, is seen as a potential fresh face who could lead the team in a new direction. Yet, for Zaidi, the exit from San Francisco marked the end of one chapter, while his return to the Dodgers offers the possibility of a new, important role.
While Zaidi’s new role with the Dodgers has not been fully defined, reports indicate that he will have a more flexible, advisory position than his previous tenure as GM. This means that Zaidi will have the opportunity to contribute to multiple facets of the organization, from scouting and player development to strategic decision-making. His vast industry experience and intimate knowledge of the Dodgers’ operations make him a valuable asset in shaping the team’s future.
The timing of Zaidi’s return could be significant. As the Dodgers look to build a championship-calibre roster for 2025, his presence in the front office might provide the necessary insight and direction to make the right moves. The Dodgers are expected to remain active in the free-agent market, seeking out top-tier players who can complement their already impressive roster. Zaidi’s experience navigating such moves will be crucial as the team strives to remain competitive in a rapidly changing MLB landscape.
One of the key questions surrounding Zaidi’s return is whether his advisory role is a permanent position or a stepping stone for something larger. The nature of special advisor roles is often temporary, with executives using them as a way to transition between jobs or prepare for future opportunities. Zaidi’s return to Los Angeles may simply be a stepping stone while he looks for a more permanent position elsewhere. However, given his deep connection to the Dodgers’ organization, Zaidi may remain with the team long-term, playing a pivotal role in their future success.
The Dodgers’ decision to bring Zaidi back could also be a response to the challenges they’ve faced in recent seasons. Despite being one of the most successful teams in MLB during the 2010s, the Dodgers have not won a World Series since 2020, and their postseason success has been inconsistent. The team’s inability to secure a marquee-free agent like Ohtani or Judge may have also led to questions about their ability to stay competitive in an ever-evolving league. By bringing Zaidi back into the fold, the Dodgers are signalling their commitment to remaining a dominant force in baseball.
For Zaidi, the return to the Dodgers represents a return to familiar territory. After years of experience with the Giants, he now has the chance to reunite with the team he helped build into a juggernaut. The Dodgers have remained a top contender in the National League, and Zaidi’s familiarity with the organization’s core values and structure will undoubtedly help him make an impact in his new role. His knowledge of the Dodgers’ farm system, scouting operations, and player development processes will be valuable assets in the team’s quest for another championship.
As the season draws nearer, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Zaidi’s influence in the Dodgers’ front office. Will he be able to help the team secure that elusive next championship, or will his role ultimately prove to be a brief stop on his career path? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Zaidi’s return adds a layer of intrigue to an already exciting Dodgers team. Whether he’s the missing piece or simply another puzzle piece in the Dodgers’ grand plan, his involvement in the organization will be closely watched in the coming months.
The Dodgers are gearing up for another season of high expectations, and with Farhan Zaidi back in the fold, their championship aspirations could be closer than ever. As one of the most successful and well-respected executives in baseball, Zaidi’s return could be exactly what the Dodgers need to reclaim their spot at the top of the MLB world. But whether or not he’s the true “missing piece” remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that his presence in the front office will make the Dodgers an even more formidable force in the coming seasons.