The Los Angeles Dodgers just won their second straight World Series championship. Now they are chasing history.
A third consecutive title would be extraordinary. Few teams ever accomplish that feat. But the Dodgers have the roster to do it. They dominated again this year, proving their power runs deep. Fresh off back-to-back championships, though, the team faces a challenge that could derail their three-peat bid.
Their pitchers threw heavy innings in October. Yoshinobu Yamamoto logged 37⅓ innings across multiple appearances, including complete games in both Game 6 and Game 7 of the World Series. Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani each pitched more than 20 innings. They worked on short rest and came out of the bullpen when needed. That kind of workload takes a toll.
General Manager Brandon Gomes is aware that the roster is aging. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts will be another year older. The team played 33 extra games over the past two seasons compared to most clubs. That wear and tear adds up fast, which is why Gomes plans to actively manage physical fitness and rest for his veterans heading into 2026.
Yet the Dodgers continue to win, and that keeps California fans locked in. Fans interested in learning more about California’s growing sports scene, including betting markets surrounding teams like the Dodgers, can explore various ways to stay connected throughout the year. This interest is evident everywhere, from packed stadiums to viewing parties across Los Angeles, and a fan base that follows every twist and turn of the season. That growing interest was reflected in the numbers as well. Going into the World Series, the Dodgers were already treated like heavy favorites, opening at around +350 at major sportsbooks to win the next World Series, basically parked right near the top of the odds board.
Meanwhile, the front office is already thinking way ahead. The Los Angeles Times noted that the Dodgers are planning 11 months in advance, even though the offseason has just started. They met with other MLB general managers in Las Vegas to talk roster moves, but their absolute priority for 2026 is managing player health. Tommy Edman is set for ankle surgery soon, and Gomes is more focused on having him ready for October than rushing him into spring training.
On top of that, the World Baseball Classic lands in March. Japan’s national team is targeting Yamamoto, Ohtani, and possibly new signing Roki Sasaki as they attempt to defend their 2023 title. And the tournament isn’t a small thing. Japan’s game against Korea in 2023 garnered a massive 44.4 TV rating, underscoring the country’s serious approach to the WBC.
Here’s where it gets tricky for the Dodgers. These guys just powered through the postseason, and now holding them back from the WBC could create severe backlash, as the tournament means so much more in Japanese baseball culture. Gomes still hasn’t brought up the WBC with his squad, but he expects the next batch of asks to hit his inbox shortly.
Having just secured the National League MVP title, Ohtani also took a moment to discuss the issue that had been raising eyebrows. He said that, since he couldn’t take part in the discussion, he was waiting for any word. The way he answers points to a careful weighing of what the team wants versus what the country expects.
The Dodgers usually plan and rotate players to keep everyone fresh. But 2026 is going to be different. They’ve got older players, guys who just threw a ton of innings in the playoffs, and maybe the WBC on top of that. It all adds up. Yamamoto’s 37⅓ postseason innings? That’s a lot, especially when they’re counting on him all next year.
Gomes isn’t worried, though. “Our players are really good at self-management,” he said. “They may not age as quickly as average players.” He noted, however, that young players need to step up and fill gaps, while strategic rest days during the season might become necessary.
