3 questions facing the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers were looking to make history in 2026.

The Dodgers were looking to become the first team since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to win three consecutive World Series titles. They finished the regular season with the second-best record in the majors at 100-62 and were favorites to win another championship despite injuries that plagued their roster. Instead, they ran into the Milwaukee Brewers' buzzsaw in the NLCS and were swept out of the postseason.

The Dodgers are likely to be one of the favorites to win the World Series again in 2027. They still have a strong roster and impressive depth in the farm system. However, some cracks may be forming.

Three questions facing the Los Angeles Dodgers

1. Can the Dodgers continue to spend as they have been?

The Dodgers' careless spending has far-reaching ramifications and is likely part of the league's push for a salary cap. However, controlling owner Mark Walter is under federal investigation for financial misconduct. Walter has already sold his stake in the Los Angeles Lakers and Chelsea FC. However, Walter has stated that he intends to keep the Dodgers despite those ongoing investigations.

Walter has not given any indication that he will decrease his payroll spending. The Dodgers have also been creative in signing players, making liberal use of deferrals. Nonetheless, the Dodgers could be entering a different financial landscape, regardless of whether or not a salary cap comes into effect. 

2. How much longer can Shohei Ohtani continue his two-way magic?

Ohtani has been a unicorn during his time in the majors - a top-of-the-rotation starter and a force in any lineup. He appeared to be on pace for one of his best seasons in the majors until left knee inflammation ended his time on the mound in July. Ohtani then battled discomfort and tightness in his right biceps and neck, resulting in a stint on the Injured List. Although he returned in time for the postseason, Ohtani was unable to make a significant impact.

The Dodgers plan to keep Ohtani as a two-way player in 2027, potentially working in additional rest days to ward off further injuries. However, Ohtani has already had a pair of surgeries on his right elbow, undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018 and an internal brace procedure in Sept. 2023. Understandably, the Dodgers want to keep Ohtani on the mound and in the lineup, but that may not be possible if the injuries continue to pile up.

3. Who takes over at the keystone?

Six players received time at second base in 2026. Three of those — Miguel Rojas, Enrique Hernandez and Santiago — are no longer under contract. Tommy Edman is most valuable when he is moved around the diamond in his super utility role. The remaining options — Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim — have yet to prove that they can consistently handle major league pitching.

Although there are several solid second basemen available in free agency, none of those players may be a strong fit for the Dodgers' style. Likewise, the Dodgers need to find a way to get more youth into the lineup. The 25-year-old Freeland would be a fit in that aspect and may have an inside track at the starting role. If he struggles, it may not be a surprise if the Dodgers give Edman more time at second.