SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Ketel Marte #4 and Geraldo Perdomo #2 of the Arizona Diamondbacks look on during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 27, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Introduction
In case you’ve been living under a rock since the D-Backs were eliminated from the postseason chase, it’s been an exhilarating postseason to this point with impressive pitching performances, historic comebacks, and drama abounded. Sadly, for the third straight year the Diamondbacks find themselves sitting at home setting tee times rather than lineups at this time of year. There are plenty of reasons for that situation – both as a team and individually. We’ll have plenty of time to digest and dissect those reasons (especially if the sport’s labor relations take the expected turn for the worse). But even though the season as a whole was unsuccessful within that frame of mind, there was plenty of exciting success for individuals up and down the roster. I think it’s worth highlighting that success and the individual achievements players reach in a season so I’ve been picking some individual milestones that players might reach in the season for the past couple of years to spotlight them in a long season.
Ketel Marte’s Approaches 200 Homers
Like the team, the club’s unofficial team captain had a rocky season both on an off the field. It was his worst season by OPS and OPS+ in nearly five years and a sharp departure from the MVP-caliber play he showed at times last season. Additionally, for the second year in a row, he demonstrated serious, well-documented off-field issues that clearly affected his play and the play of his teammates. The year started very slowly for him at the plate as his OPS bottomed out at .619 at the end of play on May 15th after an 0-for-5 effort in a win against the Rockies. Even worse, Marte had clubbed just five home runs and only 12 extra base hits in the first 41 games. From that date through the end of the season however, Marte looked like his usual self with a .266/.336/.464 slash line, 17 roundtrippers, and 44 extra base hits in the final 101 games of the season. Those numbers are closer to his career norms of a .280/.349/.472 slash line, 23 home runs, and 65 extra base hits, but they were not enough for the veteran to reach the 28 homers necessary to hit 200 for his career. Instead, he finds himself seven homers short of the 200 career mark, facing down negativity from the fanbase, and even more question marks on his position within the organization.
Nolan Arenado’s Pursuit of 2000 Hits
It’s easy to say in hindsight, but I really like the move when Mike Hazen traded for Arenado this past offseason. It improved what was a mediocre defense last year, especially with Eugenio Saurez at the hot corner, brought in some needed veteran leadership, and would take whatever kind of offense they could get from him. Instead, the future Hall of Famer seemingly found the Fountain of Youth in the desert as he put together his best season since 2022. He reached 2000 career hits in late July and shortly afterward reached the bWAR milestone of 60 for his career. Ultimately, he ended the season with 2057 hits and a career 61.4 bWAR, a particularly incredible set of accomplishments considering how poorly the previous two campaigns with the Cardinals were for him. And while it’s unlikely he’ll be able to recreate that kind of success two seasons in a row at 36, the D-Backs do have an additional year of control with him for next season. If nothing else, Arenado has shown that he can contribute through his leadership and dazzling glovework.
Their four-run cushion, powered by Shohei Ohtani's 428-foot home run and delayed arrival to October, disappeared in the top of the fifth inning after what had been a stellar outing from Tyler Glasnow spiraled. Evan Phillips couldn't clean up the mess, leaving a bases-loaded jam for Alex Vesia, who proceeded to walk Jake Bauers to score the tying run for Milwaukee.
The very next inning, Garrett Mitchell took Tanner Scott deep for a late, go-ahead home run.
Sal Frelick began the fifth-inning rally with a one-out walk and immediately stole second. David Hamilton brought him home on an RBI single up the middle to bring the Brewers within one run and putting an end to Glasnow's night.
Phillips entered the game and got Jackson Chourio to line out, but intentionally walked Brice Turang after Hamilton stole second. The 32-year-old right-hander couldn't put away William Contreras, though, unintentionally walking him on six pitches to load the bases. Dave Roberts then pulled Phillips for Vesia, but Vesia couldn't find the strike zone and walked Bauers on four pitches to tie the game.
Vesia got out of the jam on a grounder from Christian Yelich in the next at-bat, and he was replaced by Scott for the top of the sixth. Mitchell led off the inning and worked a full count before taking advantage of a fastball down the middle on Scott's sixth pitch, sending it 409 feet over the wall in right center field to give Milwaukee a 5-4 lead.
The Brewers are three innings away from eliminating the Dodgers and clinching their first pennant since 1982.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani hits a three-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the second inning of Game 4 of the NLCS. Wally Skalij for the CA Post
After striking out in his first at-bat Thursday night, Ohtani delivered the kind of moment the Dodgers had been waiting for all October, unloading on a down-and-in cutter from ex-Dodger Dustin May to give the Dodgers an early 4-0 lead in their elimination game.
The 428-foot drive marked Ohtani’s first home run since Aug. 18 –– snapping an MLB career-long 25-game homer drought.
It was also accompanied by a rare show of raw emotion from the 32-year-old slugger, who flung his bat, raised his arms and then looked back toward the dugout with a scream as he skipped up the first base line.
After returning to the bench, he remained fired up while exchanging high fives with his teammates.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani hits a three-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers. Wally Skalij for the CA PostLos Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani hits a three-run home run. Wally Skalij for the CA Post
Thursday marked the first time this postseason Ohtani had hit leadoff –– having been dropped from his customary spot amid a dreadful slump over the last couple months while battling right arm and left knee injuries.
However, manager Dave Roberts was encouraged by the swings Ohtani had taken in batting practice in recent days, as well as a Game 3 performance in which he reached base three times and roped a 113 mph single –– his hardest-hit ball since June –– in his final at-bat of the night.
Thus, with the team’s season on the line in the face of a three-games-to-none series deficit, Roberts decided to put Ohtani back at the top of the batting order.
The superstar immediately paid off the decision, giving the Dodgers true momentum for the first time in this NLCS.
AMARILLO, TX - AUGUST 12: Avery Owusu-Asiedu #25 of the Amarillo Sod Poodles high fives teammate Jansel Luis #10 after scoring during the game between the Midland RockHounds and the Amarillo Sod Poodles at Hodgetown on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Amarillo, Texas. (Photo by Elisa Chavez/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
Introduction
Instead of continuing with the next installment of the 2026 prospect all-star series, I’m going to shift gears this week. Instead, we’re going to talk about some prospects that I have heard quite a few people write off for various reason, or just outright dismiss.
Some of that is justified, but some of it completely misses the mark. Often it is either way too harsh or it’s just way too early to call said player a non-prospect when some of these guys are still younger than the average NCAA player. A lot of the criticisms lacks the context of what the player has done in the past, what their season looks like relative to past performance and the league they’re in.
In a world full of negativity and the most pessimistic takes, I am proponent of finding reasons to be optimistic, even if there aren’t many Will it always work out for these players? Most likely not, but there is always just as much of chance for a well regarded prospect who’s been doing well to randomly flame out, for many different reasons.
For once I will not be excluding players who have appeared in the major leagues this season, so the players discussed today range from Low A ball all the way up to the guys on the bubble of the 26 man roster.
Jansel Luis
Bats/Throws: S/R Position: 3B/SS/(2B?) Height/Weight 6’0″ / 170 Born: March 6, 2005 in San Pedro de Macoris, DR
The jump to AA is the second hardest in professional baseball and just because you’re playing in one of the most hitter friendly ballparks in one of the most hitter friendly leagues, doesn’t mean that jump is going to be any easier. Jansel Luis learned that himself the hard way in 2026. In the past talent evaluators had pointed out the erratic nature of the switch hitting middle infielder’s approach at the plate, and combined with facing much tougher pitching, lead to a down year at the plate.
In a career high 109 games, Luis hit just 270/315/.444 with 16 hrs, in addition to successfully swiping 26 bases in 30 attempts. While that sounds like acceptable production from a 2B/SS/3B, that works out to a rather meager and below average 76 wRC+ and .335 wOBA. As a switch hitter though, that doesn’t tell the whole story about Luis’ season. As a LHB against LHP Luis hit 288/.327/.485 with an .813 OPS, but as a RHB against LHP, he hit a paltry .222/.284/.326 .with a 610 OPS.
A few interesting pieces of trivia came up in the midst of my research for this article. The first one is the fact that for some reason, Luis took a lone plate appearance against left handed pitching as a left handed batter, and in that at-bat he hit a grand slam. In addition, Luis also had three plate appearances as a right handed batter against right handed pitching, going 1 for 3 with a single. Assuming this is correct information and not a data entry error, could this suggest that Jansel Luis might be better off dropping the switch hitting and consider hitting exclusively from the left side? Clearly in a season where things weren’t going well on one side of the plate, Luis was willing to experiment and try something different.
As a 21 year old in Double-A having his first real career setback, that’s really not that bad of a seasonn all things considered. He’s likely to start the year in Double-A, but with a good spring he very well might get back on track enough to start the year in Triple-A Reno. Considering he’s still relatively young though, the Diamondbacks have no reason to rush him, so the former seems like a likely outcome in my opinion.
instead started 85 of his 109 games at third base, 19 at shortstop, and the rest at DH.
Cristofer Torin
Bats/Throws: R/R Position: SS Height/Weight 5’9″ / 155 Born: May 26, 2005 in Acarigua, Venezuela
Cristofer Torin has been linked in my mind with Jansel Luis since the beginning of their professional career, as both signed as international amateur free agents in January of 2022. Since then, they’ve played at every level together, with Torin usually at shortstop and Luis at second or third base. Both players also had impressive 2025 season, and both players struggled at the plate in 2026 playing in Amarillo. Despite the fact that Torin has never gotten quite the same level of glowing praise as Luis has as a prospect, the former has always stood out to me more, even though the latter has much louder tools.
In 2026, Cristofer Torin played in 118 games, all with Amarillo in the Double-A level Texas League. In those 118 games, Torin put up a triple slash line of .281/.344/.440 with a .350 wOBA and an 85 wRC+. His 16 home runs actually matches his career total entering 2026, though his 12 successful stolen bases in 18 attempts is a career low, as was his 8.1% walk percentage. His 11.2% strikeout percentage is the third lowest of his career, and the lowest since 2023. Torin also put up the second lowest batting average on balls in play of his career (.291 BABIP) which was significantly lower than his career average, which suggests to me that a lot of Torin’s ‘down’ season was the result of bad luck. Torin’s defense is some of the best of any player in the D’backs farm system, so much so that I wouldn’t even really call this a bad season. An 85 wRC+ from a shortstop with plus plus defense is still going to provide positive Wins Above Replacement, so I am not all that worried about Torin’s future, and I expect him to be able to make the adjustments he needs to return to offensive form next season.
LuJames Groover
Bats/Throws: R/R Position: 3B/1B/DH Height/Weight 6’2″ / 215 Born: April 16, 2002 in East Point, GA, USA
LuJames Groover spent 15 games in the major leagues in 2026, largely playing out of position at first base instead of third where he had spent the majority of his professional career, and never really looked like he had the chance to get comfortable at the plate or in the field. Is it really a surprise then that he hit just .167/.259/.271 with a very anemic looking 245 wOBA, 286 xwOBA, and a 51 wRC+? Groover was perfectly fine in AAA, putting up a .305/.389/.436 triple slash with a 102 wRC+. The real cause for concern in Groover’s future is the lack of power and expected SLG % that is 100 points lower than it was in reality, which brings his xwOBA down to .304 from his .375 wOBA.
Groover is going to need to make some somewhat significant changes this winter and spring to both his swing and his approach at the plate, to unlock a lot more power. If he’s going to be shifted down the defensive spectrum to first or DH, he just doesn’t have the power to be an average hitter at either position. He’s significantly improved his defense at third base, and I do think he can stick there, but his time in MLB in 2026 shows he just not ready yet. Calling him a bust after only fifteen games is absolutely ridiculous though, and he thinks we’ll need a full season worth of games to get a fair read on Groover as a prospect
Druw Jones
Bats/Throws: R/R Position: CF Height/Weight 6’2″ / 180lbs Born: November 28, 2003 in Atlanta, GA
This is going to be the most controversial inclusion in this article, because I know the vast majority of D’Backs fans reading this have already labled Jones a bust and think he has absolutely no chance at a future in the big leagues. While I agree that he hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations set by being the son of a Hall of famer, on top of being the second overall draft pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, I think Jones might still have a future in the big leagues and I wouldn’t label him a total bust just yet.
You might wonder why I exactly I would say that, but there’s a few reasons why. The first and foremost reason is that as one of the best defensive outfield prospect I’ve ever seen, Jones really doesn’t need to hit much to land a gig in the major leagues as a late defensive replacement and fourth outfielder. The fact that he’s a plus runner and a credible stolen base threat, stealing a career high 38 bases in 49 attempts, gives him an opportunity to also be pinch runner. Yeah that’s not exactly exciting, but tell that to Terrence Gore, who had two world series rings in spite of only 74 career regular season at bats.
Now getting to my main point, while Jones 2026 season wasn’t great, and there are still some major red flags, he looked significantly better in the second half of the season, putting up a triple slash of .288/.341/.407 compared to the .252/.380/.338 he put up in the first half. He also had some really hot stretches, especially in June when he put up a .368/.489/.500 triple slash in 21 games that month, as well as in September when he hit .356/.408/.533 in 12 games. Jones’ worth month by far was in May, when he hit .200/.333/.240 in 22 games. The .573 OPS he put up in may is quite a bit lower than the .640 OPS he put up in August, his next worst month. I think his season would look a lot better if May was more in line with the rest of the year.
Conclusion
That’s it for today! Do you agree or disagree with my evaluations? Which player that I didn’t write about do you think we shouldn’t be giving up on just yet? Which players do you think we should be giving up on after 2026? Let me know in the comments below!
Ohtani spoke with manager Dave Roberts earlier this week about staying in the lineup despite a prolonged slump.
The decision paid off: this was his first home run in 116 plate appearances. He had not hit a home run since a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Aug. 18.
The Dodgers star sent the ball 428 feet into right center field, giving the Dodgers a 4-0 lead in Game 4.
The Dodgers are in a must-win situation, entering the game having lost the first three games of the NLCS against the Brewers.
Ohtani, the designated hitter, has not been healthy for a good portion of the 2026 season. He’s been dealing with knee inflammation and biceps discomfort. The injuries have limited his time as a pitcher; he hasn’t pitched at all since July 3 due to his injuries and he's not expected to pitch during the postseason.
The Yankees are expected to extend a one-year qualifying offer to closer David Bednar, but not infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., ahead of this winter's upcoming free agency period, according to a report from The New York Post's Jon Heyman.
Each offseason, teams are eligible to offer their impending free agents a one-year contract extension equal to the average salary of the 125 highest-paid players in MLB. This offseason, the one-year qualifying offer will be worth $23.15 million.
Bednar, 32, just wrapped up his first full season in pinstripes. He posted 35 saves in 2026, trailing only Tampa Bay's Bryan Baker, Cleveland's Cade Smith, St. Louis's Riley O'Brien, and San Diego's Mason Miller (Bednar tied with Boston's Aroldis Chapman and Toronto's Louis Varland).
His 2.47 ERA and 1.038 WHIP were the stellar marks of a true shutdown closer, punching out 76 batters across 69.1 IP.
Meanwhile, Chisholm, 28, had an up-and-down 2026 season. Jazz grades out extremely well on the basepaths (41 stolen bases) and defensively at second base, but gained a reputation for the odd baserunning gaffe and fielding error.
At the plate, Jazz followed up a 2025 season in which he hit 31 home runs (earning him the Silver Slugger award) with just 19 this time around, as his batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage all ticked downward to a .231/.312/.399 slash line.
Looking at players under team control entering 2027, a resurgent Anthony Volpe, having learned to play second base, stands out as a potential replacement for Chisholm, as well as other infielders capable of playing the position: Jose Caballero and Luis Garcia.
Last offseason, the Yankees extended the qualifying offer to Trent Grisham. The 29-year-old outfielder opted to accept the one-year, $22.025 million extension rather than test the free agent market for a multi-year contract. Grisham regressed mightily year-over-year, as his WAR plummeted from 3.5 to 0.6 and his OPS from .811 to .703.
Grisham is now expected to hit the open market this offseason, alongside 1B Paul Goldschmidt, INF Amed Rosario, and relief pitchers Paul Blackburn, Tim Hill, and Ryan Yarbrough.
The Brewers have won three straight games to push the Dodgers to the edge, and most people believe the back-to-back World Series champions are finished this October.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) stands with teammates ahead of Game 3 of baseball’s National League Championship Series. AP Photo/Ashley Landis
“The Dodgers have been a major disappointment, and I just think it’s one of those dynasties ending,” Votto said on “Foul Territory.”
"The Dodgers have been a major disappointment, and I just think it's one of those dynasties ending."@JoeyVotto questions how the Dodgers pivot if they fall to the Brewers. Could a semi-rebuild be forthcoming? pic.twitter.com/w5SM5E6O3n
If the Dodgers get swept by the Brewers in four games, several questions regarding the franchise’s future need to be addressed.
While the quest of a three-peat has largely dominated narratives surrounding the juggernaut this season, an early exit in the postseason could propel the next steps for the organization as the pinnacle focus of the offseason.
The Dodgers will have to address the direction of the organization after a disappointing 2026 season. With an aging roster, the Dodgers will likely look to get younger.
Veterans with expiring contracts may not return, and the front office will likely be active in trading or acquiring new faces if the Dodgers look to orchestrate a semi-rebuild this winter.
One thing is clear, it was always championship or bust with the Dodgers this year.
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Kiké Hernández warms up prior to Game 4 of baseball’s National League Championship Series, AP Photo/Gregory BullLos Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts speaks to the media ahead of Game 4 of baseball’s National League Championship Series. AP Photo/Gregory Bull
Oct 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Detail view of helmets in the Los Angeles Dodgers dugout before game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Milwaukee Brewers at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Dodgers have one more game to try and ensure they have at least one more game.
Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers earned NLCS MVP honors after hitting .286/.412/.571 with one homer and six RBIs against Los Angeles. Bauers hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning of Game 3 before driving in three runs in Game 4.
The Brewers now head to the Fall Classic where they await the winner of the ALCS between the No. 1 Tampa Bay Rays and No. 2 Cleveland Guardians.
Now, Jacob Misiorowski, William Contreras and Co. are four wins away from making more Brewers history. Here’s what to know about Milwaukee’s history in the Fall Classic ahead of the 2026 World Series:
When was the last time the Brewers made the World Series?
The 2026 league pennant is Milwaukee’s first since joining the NL in 1998.
How many times have the Brewers made the World Series?
The Brewers, who joined MLB in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots before relocating to Milwaukee and rebranding as the Brewers in 1970, now have two World Series appearances.
Who has home-field advantage in the 2026 World Series?
The Brewers will have home-field advantage in the Fall Classic regardless of opponent. Milwaukee, which won an MLB-best 103 games in the regular season, will host Games 1 and 2, along with the potential Games 6 and 7.
When does the 2026 World Series start?
The Fall Classic begins Friday, Oct. 23.
2026 World Series schedule
Here’s the full series schedule:
Game 1:Rays/Guardians at Brewers | Friday, Oct. 23 | time TBD | FOX
Game 2:Rays/Guardians at Brewers | Saturday, Oct. 24 | time TBD | FOX
Game 3: Brewers at Rays/Guardians | Monday, Oct. 26 | time TBD | FOX
Game 4: Brewers at Rays/Guardians | Tuesday, Oct. 27 | time TBD | FOX
Game 5 (if necessary): Brewers at Rays/Guardians | Wednesday, Oct. 28 | time TBD | FOX
Game 6 (if necessary):Rays/Guardians at Brewers | Friday, Oct. 30 | time TBD | FOX
Game 7 (if necessary):Rays/Guardians at Brewers | Saturday, Oct. 31 | time TBD | FOX
Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers earned NLCS MVP honors after hitting .286/.412/.571 with one homer and six RBIs against Los Angeles. Bauers hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning of Game 3 before driving in three runs in Game 4.
The Brewers now head to the Fall Classic where they await the winner of the ALCS between the No. 1 Tampa Bay Rays and No. 2 Cleveland Guardians.
Now, Jacob Misiorowski, William Contreras and Co. are four wins away from making more Brewers history. Here’s what to know about Milwaukee’s history in the Fall Classic ahead of the 2026 World Series:
When was the last time the Brewers made the World Series?
The 2026 league pennant is Milwaukee’s first since joining the NL in 1998.
How many times have the Brewers made the World Series?
The Brewers, who joined MLB in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots before relocating to Milwaukee and rebranding as the Brewers in 1970, now have two World Series appearances.
Who has home-field advantage in the 2026 World Series?
The Brewers will have home-field advantage in the Fall Classic regardless of opponent. Milwaukee, which won an MLB-best 103 games in the regular season, will host Games 1 and 2, along with the potential Games 6 and 7.
When does the 2026 World Series start?
The Fall Classic begins Friday, Oct. 23.
2026 World Series schedule
Here’s the full series schedule:
Game 1:Rays/Guardians at Brewers | Friday, Oct. 23 | time TBD | FOX
Game 2:Rays/Guardians at Brewers | Saturday, Oct. 24 | time TBD | FOX
Game 3: Brewers at Rays/Guardians | Monday, Oct. 26 | time TBD | FOX
Game 4: Brewers at Rays/Guardians | Tuesday, Oct. 27 | time TBD | FOX
Game 5 (if necessary): Brewers at Rays/Guardians | Wednesday, Oct. 28 | time TBD | FOX
Game 6 (if necessary):Rays/Guardians at Brewers | Friday, Oct. 30 | time TBD | FOX
Game 7 (if necessary):Rays/Guardians at Brewers | Saturday, Oct. 31 | time TBD | FOX
This game was moved up an hour from its original starting time and will begin at 7 p.m. CT (5 p.m. in Los Angeles).
As you know, only one team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a postseason MLB series. That was the 2004 Red Sox over the Yankees in the ALCS, and Boston’s game-tying ninth-inning rally in Game 4 was started by a stolen base by current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Do the Dodgers have that sort of miracle in them? Somehow, I doubt it. But that’s why they play the games.
If the Brewers do sweep this series, it would be payback of sorts for the sweep they suffered a year ago at the hands of the Dodgers.
7 p.m. CT: Brewers at Dodgers (Brewers lead series 3-0)
TV: FS1. Announcers: Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci.
But with their season on the line Thursday, and their dynasty in sudden jeopardy in the face of a three-games-to-none deficit in the National League Championship Series, it’s become harder to block out the reality.
This might be their final ride together.
Max Muncy #13, Tommy Edman #25, Mookie Betts #50, and Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on during a pitching change during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Getty Images
Before this NLCS, third baseman Max Muncy acknowledged that dynamic, saying “there’s been some talk of that” even if he didn’t “like thinking about it.”
On Thursday, first baseman Freddie Freeman also pondered the possibility, reflecting on everything this core has been through together.
“I hadn’t thought about that once until you just brought it up,” he laughed. “But when you do think about it, it is special what we have accomplished over the last couple years.”
Thus, the Dodgers entered Game 4 trying to do more than just save this season.
“We still want this to keep going,” Freeman said. “We know we have a lot left in the tank together.”
Whenever the offseason arrives, notable changes could be coming to the Dodgers’ clubhouse.
Freeman and Muncy won’t be going anywhere, nor will other core veterans such as Mookie Betts, Will Smith or Shohei Ohtani.
But Miguel Rojas is likely to retire. Kiké Hernández will be a free agent (again). And the uncertainty of a new collective-bargaining agreement could prompt other changes to the team’s tight-knit roster.
Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas (72), outfielder Kyle Tucker (23), third baseman Max Muncy (13) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) look on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Dodgers explored a trade for outfielder Teoscar Hernández last winter, and could do so again this offseason (especially with the league trying to enact stricter spending rules in a new CBA, and the Dodgers boasting a number of budding outfield prospects in their farm system).
Key relievers like Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen will all also be out of contract, as will newly-beloved trade deadline acquisition Tarik Skubal.
Longer-term, Freeman and Muncy will also be entering the final guaranteed seasons of their respective deals in 2027. And everyone else on their already aging roster will be another year older.
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That’s why this year’s run –– on top of the opportunity for a third-straight title –– has felt so precious.
Outside of the since-retired Clayton Kershaw, practically every key contributor from last year returned. The front office decided to run things back, hoping the continuity would pay dividends.
“It’s a great group of guys,” Freeman said. “Been through a lot, been all over this world together.”
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) is greeted at the dugout by second baseman Miguel Rojas (72) after hitting a two-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning in game three of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Those bonds were needed Thursday, with the club facing a stunning three-game hole to a relentless Milwaukee Brewers squad.
“Luckily it’s not a best of five, it’s a best of seven, so we’ve still got a chance tonight,” Freeman said.
“Our number one goal is not to think about the big picture of we need to win four in a row,” he added. “It’s, ‘You’ve got to win today.’ And if we win today, then you worry about tomorrow.”
Still, tomorrow was not guaranteed. As a result, there was a level of sentimentality surrounding the team.
“We know what’s at stake. We know how to handle it,” Freeman said. “There’s no panic around here. We know we have a good baseball team. We can put this thing together real fast.”
Much more than just one season was hinging on their ability to do so.
In their potential last ride together, the dynasty Dodgers were facing their most daunting test.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a Home Run during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s game 4 of the NLCS in Los Angeles as the Dodgers will try to save their season. RHP Tyler Glasnow is the starter for the Dodgers while the Brewers while LHP Shane Drohan will take the mound for them. First pitch has been moved up one hour than earlier scheduled as the first pitch will now happen at 6pm central time. Game broadcast will be available again from Fox/FS1.
The Dodgers are one loss away from their season ending.
The Brewers have handed the back-to-back World Series champions three consecutive crushing defeats in the National League Championship Series and the Dodgers have had no response for Milwaukee’s dominance. But Freddie Freeman believes the narrative that the Dodgers can’t keep up with the Brewers because of their age is false.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) speaks in a press conference before game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Milwaukee Brewers at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“That’s just people’s opinions. We do know we have an older team, that doesn’t mean we’re playing bad because we’re old. We’re just not playing that great,” Freeman said.
“I don’t feel old so hopefully when we play tonight, you can say we don’t look old and we win that game.”
The Dodgers can keep their season alive with a win over the Brewers Thursday, but after losing three straight games to Milwaukee, many have already counted LA out for NLCS Game 4.
With a sweep, the Brewers have the opportunity knock out the defending champions and effectively end the Dodgers dynasty. However, if the Dodgers muster a win Thursday the tide of the series could quickly change.
The only other team to be down 0-3 in the Championship Series and come back to win it in seven games were the 2004 Boston Red Sox. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was a member of the heroic Red Sox team that went on to win the World Series after defeating the Yankees in a thrilling ALCS.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts watches from the dugout during the seventh inning of Game 3 of baseball’s National League Championship Series. AP Photo/Ashley LandisMilwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2), shortstop Cooper Pratt (12), shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) and first baseman Jake Bauers (9) celebrate after Game 3 of baseball’s National League Championship Series. AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Now, Roberts is managing a Dodgers team that is also down 0-3.
History has a funny way of repeating itself and things could get interesting if the Dodgers manage to win NLCS Game 4.
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 14: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats during Game Three of the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Dodgers are in an unfamiliar position entering Thursday, teetering on the brink of elimination after having dropped the first three games of the NLCS to the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Dodgers managed to get some production with runners in scoring position in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead, only to have it short-lived with a pair of home runs against Blake Snell in the top of the seventh inning. The Dodgers once again are reshuffling things for Game 4, and the most prominent change was moving Shohei Ohtani back into his usual leadoff spot.
Ohtani showed some improvements at the plate on Wednesday, going 1-2 with a single and a hit-by-pitch. His flyout against left-hander Robert Gasser came off the bat at 90.3 miles per hour before roping a blistering single up the middle against DL Hall at 113.5 miles per hour, the hardest hit ball by a Dodger this postseason. The move comes as a surprise to Ohtani, as Dave Roberts didn’t communicate with the two-way superstar about his change in the lineup, per David Vassegh of AM 570.
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman continue to fill the top of the lineup, this time moving down to their no. 2 and no. 3 slots respectively. Betts has struggled at the leadoff position this postseason, slashing just .231/.355/.231 with zero extra-base hits and zero RBI. Freeman has lost himself at the plate since his heroics against his old team in the NLDS, slashing .091/.083/.091 with one RBI across 12 plate appearances.
Will Smith provided the lone bout of offense against Milwaukee in Game 3, and he goes from hitting seventh on Wednesday to moving up to the cleanup spot. Kyle Tucker remains in the middle of the lineup, hitting one slot down from Wednesday at fifth. Tucker has been one of the only consistent bats for the Dodgers this October, as after a nice showing against Atlanta, Tucker is hitting .250 with an .830 OPS. Teoscar Hernández falls down to the sixth in the lineup after two consecutive hitless games.
In what might be the final game of his big league career, Miguel Rojas gets the start at second base batting seventh. Rojas has posted the best offensive numbers for any Dodger over the past seven games, hitting .333 with a .929 OPS and a double over just seven plate appearances. Rojas once again gets the start against a left-hander— this time being Shane Drohan— over Max Muncy. Andy Pages slides down to the eight spot, and Kiké Hernández gets the start over Tommy Edman at the nine spot manning third base. Tyler Glasnow gets the ball looking to save the Dodgers’ season for at least one more game.
