The Los Angeles Dodgers face a period of uncertainty as they transition into the offseason, grappling with challenges related to their star player Shohei Ohtani, roster health, and the potential impact of a league-wide lockout. The team concluded its 2026 season without securing a third consecutive championship, raising questions about the future viability of their core lineup amid increasing scrutiny of ownership and impending changes to Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement.
Central to the Dodgers’ offseason considerations is the condition and management of Ohtani, a two-way player renowned for his rare ability to excel both as a pitcher and hitter. Since joining the Dodgers in December 2023, Ohtani has faced a difficult season marked by knee and biceps injuries that limited his performance, particularly after July 3 when he ceased pitching. These health issues contributed to his lowest offensive output since his arrival, with 30 home runs, his fewest since 2019 with the Los Angeles Angels. Despite this, both the player and the Dodgers organization remain committed to maintaining his dual-role status.
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, emphasized that Ohtani requires rest rather than surgery during the offseason. He described Ohtani’s injury fluctuations as a "game of whack-a-mole," with the knee improving as the biceps area became problematic intermittently. Friedman expressed optimism about Ohtani returning to pitching duties but acknowledged the need to manage his workload carefully to preserve his health and effectiveness throughout a full season and the postseason.
Balancing Ohtani’s two-way contributions remains a significant challenge. Some analysts and former Dodgers commentators have suggested that limiting Ohtani’s pitching might help protect his hitting and safeguard the team’s overall performance. However, Friedman conveyed the organization’s enthusiasm for Ohtani to continue as a pitcher, while acknowledging that strategies to optimize his performance and minimize injury risks have yet to be fully developed.
Beyond Ohtani, the Dodgers face other roster challenges. Catcher Dalton Rushing is scheduled for elbow surgery, and pitcher Tarik Skubal’s pending free agency adds further complexity to offseason planning. Additionally, the threat of an MLB lockout could hinder the team’s ability to make trades or sign new players, complicating efforts to maintain competitiveness.
As the Dodgers enter the offseason, their front office must navigate the delicate task of sustaining a franchise often described as a dynasty while addressing health concerns and contractual uncertainties. How they approach Ohtani’s unique role and manage the wider roster will be crucial factors as they prepare for the 2027 campaign.