The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2026 season predicted in some circles to win at least 104 games after significant talent additions in free agency.
During an appearance on “Foul Territory,” Max Muncy reflected on the season the Dodgers have had so far and why they have not been as dominant as people expected.
“A lot of mileage on this team right now,” he began. “You think about the last two seasons that we’ve played, obviously we won, but they were also two of the longest seasons in history in terms of when we started and when we finished. Starting overseas, so it’s a lot of mileage on everybody.
“To show up and try to win 110 games, that would’ve been almost impossible to do. Just not realistic.”
The team is on pace to finish short of that mark despite adding even more star power at the trade deadline by acquiring Tarik Skubal. L.A. enters play Friday with an 89-57 record and on pace to finish with 99 wins. The all-time MLB record for most wins in a single season is 116, shared by the 1906 Chicago Cubs and 2001 Seattle Mariners.
The lack of production the team has received from Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz this season has also played a role in the Dodgers falling short of expectations thus far.
Having a great regular-season record is important for playoff seeding, especially when taking into account the potential of earning a first-round bye. It is also a worthy goal to pursue in and of itself. After all, the point of competition is to try to win.
However, it does not always guarantee postseason success. The 2022 Dodgers set a franchise record with 111 wins, but lost to the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.
It is highly likely the Dodgers could have scrounged together another six to eight wins this season if they had been more single-minded in their pursuit of winning as many regular-season games as possible. Getting more than 16 starts from Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow by being less cautious with their recoveries from injuries certainly could have gone a long way.
But the Dodgers have made it clear over the years that is not how they operate. Setting up the team for postseason success takes precedence over everything.
While the Dodgers might not reach 104 wins this season, they are sitting comfortably atop the division and have built a nice cushion as the No. 2 seed in the NL thanks to their seven-game winning streak.
Hyperbaric chamber is a hit in Dodgers clubhouse
To further their pursuit of of October success, the organization has also made investments to help facilitate players’ well-being. The Dodgers have brought in a sleep specialist in the past and are always on the lookout for anything new that can help with recovery.
The recent addition of a hyperbaric chamber has been all the rage in the clubhouse.
“The thing that everyone has been crushing lately is the hyperbaric chamber. I know it’s not a new thing, but we got a pretty fancy one, and guys have really been crushing that lately,” Muncy said. Guys are starting to swear by that, so there’s a pretty long signup sheet to get into that thing every single day.
“Reclining seat, you get in there and relax for about 45 minutes, and then you get out, you feel good and go about your day.”
If you love our reporting, choose DodgerBlue.com as a preferred source on Google.
