The Los Angeles Dodgers face a period of uncertainty as they enter the offseason following their earliest postseason exit in three years, including a sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series. Injuries to two-way star Shohei Ohtani and a looming Major League Baseball lockout have overshadowed plans for the 2027 season.
Ohtani, 32, struggled with left knee and right biceps injuries during the second half of the season and into the playoffs, limiting his effectiveness at the plate and ending his pitching after the All-Star break. While Ohtani has not committed to offseason surgery, he acknowledged the possibility following the defeat, and if surgery is required, his recovery timeline could potentially extend into next season. Despite the setbacks, Ohtani expressed his intention to resume pitching next year and aims to continue as a two-way player, a role he has maintained throughout his career. He has also undergone two Tommy John surgeries in prior years.
The Dodgers’ payroll, which was second highest in MLB at $323.3 million this season, could be significantly affected by the proposed implementation of a salary cap. Major League Baseball owners have pushed for a cap as part of the next collective bargaining agreement, set to expire on December 1, but the players’ union staunchly opposes the measure. A lockout could delay the start of the season and limit team communication with players during the work stoppage, complicating players’ rehabilitation efforts.
Several key members of the Dodgers’ roster are set to become free agents following the World Series. Among them is left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, acquired from the Detroit Tigers before the trade deadline and expected to attract a substantial contract offer. Skubal posted strong numbers with the Dodgers, finishing with a 5-2 record, a 2.61 ERA, and 70 strikeouts over 10 regular-season games. Other impending free agents include infielder Miguel Rojas, who announced his retirement and will transition to a player development role, as well as utility player Kiké Hernández and relievers Kris Bubic, Brusdar Graterol, Eric Lauer, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, and Alex Vesia.
The Dodgers have also been integrating young talent, most notably promoting 21-year-old outfielder Josue De Paula from Double-A directly to the major league roster in September. De Paula’s performance at designated hitter during Ohtani’s injury stint impressed the organization, and he was included on the postseason roster as a pinch hitter. However, finding regular playing time may be challenging given the team’s veteran core, which includes Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Andy Pages, and Teoscar Hernández.
The organization’s leadership faces additional challenges beyond the roster. Owner Mark Walter’s insurance businesses are under federal and state investigations related to alleged regulatory violations, although he denies wrongdoing, and the Dodgers have emphasized that the team is not for sale. The outcome of these investigations and potential financial impacts remain unclear but are being monitored by Major League Baseball.
Despite questions about the future, many players and observers reject the notion that the Dodgers’ current setbacks signal the end of their competitive era. Skubal praised the team’s talent and work ethic, while others emphasized the contributions of emerging prospects and expressed optimism about the franchise’s direction. With several key veterans aging but still under contract, the Dodgers face the task of balancing continuity with renewal amid evolving financial and competitive pressures. The offseason promises to be a pivotal period for the organization as it prepares for the uncertain start of the 2027 campaign.