wsls
LOS ANGELES – Following their quickest postseason departure in three years, the Los Angeles Dodgers are bracing for an offseason riddled with uncertainty. At the center of it all is two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, whose left knee and right biceps injuries hampered him throughout the second half and into the playoffs, severely diminishing his effectiveness at the plate. The superstar also did not pitch after the All-Star break.
Whether Ohtani will require offseason surgery remains unclear, though he admitted it's a possibility after Thursday's loss to the Brewers, which completed Milwaukee's sweep of the NL Championship Series. If he does undergo a procedure, could his recovery extend into the start of next season? That question is compounded by a potential MLB lockout, as the current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on Dec. 1. Team owners have proposed a salary cap—something the sport has never had—which the players' union has firmly rejected.
A work stoppage would afford Ohtani extra time to heal, but it would also prevent the Dodgers from communicating with any player, leaving Ohtani to rehab on his own, whether from surgery or his current injuries. Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, acknowledged last month that communication with Ohtani regarding his health during the season was 'awesome,' but added, 'The fully sharing exactly how he's feeling, maybe not so awesome.'
Ohtani intends to resume pitching next year, when he will turn 33 in July. He has already undergone two Tommy John surgeries. 'What he's doing is unprecedented, and it takes a real toll,' Friedman said. 'And as you get older, I think us just being very dialed is going to be really important.'
Roster Turnover and Free Agency
Significant roster changes are likely, even without major shifts in MLB spending rules. The Dodgers had baseball's second-highest opening day payroll this year at $323.3 million, trailing only the New York Mets at $358.4 million. If a salary cap were implemented, the Dodgers' spending would be restricted when play resumes. Several key players are set to become free agents after the World Series, led by two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, who is expected to command a massive contract. The Dodgers acquired Skubal from Detroit just before the trade deadline in August. The left-hander posted a 5-2 record with a 2.61 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 10 regular-season starts for his new team. In the postseason, he was 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA and 14 strikeouts. Skubal declined to discuss his future on Thursday but expressed enthusiasm for the organization, his teammates, and the fans.
Other impending free agents include infielder Miguel Rojas, utility player Kiké Hernández, and relievers Kris Bubic, Brusdar Graterol, Eric Lauer, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, and Alex Vesia. As expected, Rojas announced his retirement on Thursday, stating, 'This is it, guys. That was my last game played.' He will remain with the organization in a player development role.
Glimpse of the Future: Josue De Paula
The Dodgers caught a preview of their future when they promoted Josue De Paula directly from Double-A to the majors in September. His energy and at-bats at designated hitter while Ohtani was on the injured list left an impression, and the 21-year-old was added to the postseason roster as a pinch-hitter. The team hopes De Paula will continue to develop as an outfielder in 2027, though finding playing time will be tough with veteran starters Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker occupying the outfield. De Paula is also blocked at DH by Ohtani. 'I think the experience he got being up here and watching what our guys do on a daily basis just helped connect some dots for him,' Friedman said. 'And so, physically, he is capable of being a good corner outfielder, and we're going to continue to tap into that.'
Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Ohtani, Tucker, Max Muncy, and Will Smith will remain the Dodgers' veteran core. However, some supporting players could be moved, such as Kiké Hernández. Playing on a one-year deal, the 35-year-old was limited to 41 games while recovering from injuries and failed to provide his usual postseason punch. Manager Dave Roberts refused to blame an aging lineup for the sweep by the Brewers, who won 103 regular-season games—three more than the Dodgers. 'We got beat,' he said. 'There's no because we're too old or whatever. Every facet of the game, if you kind of unpack it, we were bested.'
Off-Field Drama
There is also drama away from the diamond. Owner Mark Walter was noticeably absent from the team's playoff games. He is facing multiple federal investigations into his business empire for possible financial improprieties involving insurance companies he controls. Walter has denied any wrongdoing. Since August, he sold his controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers, and last month he divested his share in Chelsea of the Premier League.
Originally reported by wsls.