Dodgers’ Offensive Struggles Could Shape 2026 Roster Decisions

As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for Game 6 of the 2025 World Series on October 31, 2025, questions loom over their offensive capabilities. Despite entering the World Series with a dominant postseason record, the Dodgers’ bats have been largely ineffective, raising concerns about their future lineup decisions.

The Dodgers have struggled significantly at the plate throughout the postseason, recording a combined batting line of .214/.306/.360 across 13 games in the National League Division Series, Championship Series, and World Series. The situation worsens when considering their performance with runners in scoring position, where they have posted an alarming .544 OPS. This underwhelming output is surprising, especially given that the Dodgers feature a roster filled with former MVPs.

Among the notable players, Shohei Ohtani has delivered some offensive spark with a batting average of .316 and three home runs in the World Series. Nevertheless, his contributions have been overshadowed by a lack of consistent support from his teammates. For instance, Freddie Freeman has gone 3-for-13 outside of his clutch Game 3 walk-off home run, while Mookie Betts has struggled significantly, hitting just 3-for-23 in the World Series.

The Toronto Blue Jays have capitalized on the Dodgers’ offensive woes, and as they lead the series, they are just one victory away from clinching their first championship in 32 years. The Dodgers’ inability to score runs, managing only nine across 36 innings in the last three games, highlights the stark contrast in performance between their pitching staff and their hitters.

Future Roster Implications for the Dodgers

If the Dodgers fall short in their quest for a second consecutive title, they are expected to take aggressive steps to enhance their roster ahead of the 2026 season. Speculation is already circulating about the team pursuing top free agents, with Kyle Tucker emerging as a primary target. Tucker’s impressive OPS+ of 143 this season would have ranked third among Dodgers players, providing a potential boost to an offense that has struggled under pressure.

The offseason is fast approaching, and the Dodgers’ recent failures at the plate may serve as a strong motivation for management to reevaluate their approach. The team’s leadership will likely seek any opportunity to strengthen their lineup, especially if they are disappointed by their offensive performance in the World Series.

As the Dodgers reflect on their playoff shortcomings, they could enter the offseason with the determination to avoid a repeat of this year’s struggles. The urgency to improve will be palpable, as the team seeks to regain its status at the pinnacle of Major League Baseball.

In the high-stakes world of sports, where championship aspirations are often dashed by a single poor performance, the Dodgers may find that their plans for 2026 hinge on addressing their current offensive deficiencies. As they look to the future, the pain of their World Series offensive failures could prompt significant changes in their roster construction strategy.