Despite NLCS loss, Dodgers dynasty is far from over

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Despite NLCS loss, Dodgers dynasty is far from over

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 16, 2026 1:10 PM ET

There is no denying that the Los Angeles Dodgers just wrapped up one of the most dominant three-year stretches by any team in MLB history.

Three straight 100-plus win seasons, three straight NLCS appearances and most importantly, back-to-back World Series Championships in 2024 and 2025.

Los Angeles' quest for a third straight World Series came to a screeching halt Thursday when it was swept in the NLCS by the Milwaukee Brewers, and while many believe that marks the end of the Dodgers dynasty, that is not at all the case.

Los Angeles Dodgers will still have an incredible roster in 2026

In all likelihood, Los Angeles will take the field on Opening Day next season with at least 90% of the same players that helped it reach 100 wins this season. The only offensive option that will be gone is Miguel Rojas after he announced his retirement.

The team has an option on Enrique Hernandez, and with his clubhouse presence and leadership, that option will likely be picked up. There are no other offensive pieces that will be free agents and walking away from a lineup that was one of the best in baseball throughout the season.

"This is it as a player, that was my last game played, that was the last time I put these cleats on and this uniform on as a player..."

Miguel Rojas shares his thoughts on playing the final game of his career. pic.twitter.com/Ig0HcUHS7O
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 16, 2026

We haven't even talked about pitching yet

Los Angeles does have a few solid bullpen pieces that are set to hit free agency, some of which they'll likely try and bring back. From a starting-pitching perspective, though, the rotation isn't losing that much.

Yes, left-hander Tarik Skubal is set to hit free agency, but he was only with the Dodgers for half a season, and the starting pitching was perfectly okay before he arrived. Los Angeles will still have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Justin Wrobleski and plenty of other starting pitching depth to turn to.

It's also possible and maybe even considered likely by some that Skubal will sign a lucrative free-agency contract to return to the Dodgers for 2027 and beyond.

The dynasty is not yet over in Los Angeles

There is one true point to drive home. The Dodgers dynasty is not yet over. Think about the Houston Astros from 2017-2024. Houston was considered a dynasty, yet its two World Series Championships came five years apart.

Los Angeles regroups and reloads better than any team in the league. It will do the same thing ahead of 2027 and it will be no surprise at all to see the Dodgers back at the top of the list as World Series favorites next season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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