The Los Angeles Dodgers head into the offseason with a clear theme: somehow get younger, bigger bats into the lineup.
The Dodgers weren’t just eliminated in the postseason; the Milwaukee Brewers, a very good team, swept them.
How the Dodgers’ offense and age failed them in the postseason
Their offense struggled to produce with runners in scoring position and get key hits, and it felt inevitable at every turn.
The team did not execute as expected on multiple fronts, with the starting rotation giving up runs they weren’t expected to and the bullpen showing some weak moments.
However, even with more runs allowed than expected, the Dodgers totaled just 11 runs against the Brewers, going 1-for-9 with two outs and runners in scoring position and 4-for-27 with runners in scoring position overall.
The offensive struggles didn’t come from a lack of experience, since the entire lineup has a wealth of experience that dwarfs that of any other lineup in the league.
The Dodgers fought hard at each at-bat, worked counts well, and used their savvy to good effect, but when it came time to deliver the crushing, or critical, hit, it never came.
Why it was not ‘small-ball’
Many have long blamed the Dodgers’ loss on a lack of small ball, not shortening up, laying down bunts, or winning with speed, but the real cause was the Dodgers’ lack of hard contact.
In fact, most of the offense came on sacrifice flyouts and contact that led to defensive mistakes. The Dodgers hit just one home run and slugged just .250, compared to Milwaukee’s .445.
The Brewers scored runs thanks to their slugging, hitting balls hard for extra bases often, while, yes, mixing in their speed on the bases.
The Dodgers were among the slowest teams in the league, and that is a notable weakness and part of their age, but the best way to overcome it is with timely hard hits or home runs, neither of which came.
How they can address their biggest need
Looking forward, the solution to the Dodgers’ current problem is to take advantage of their newfound window to rebuild their lineup.
There is no title to defend or need to “run things back.” They can make palpable changes by adding high-bat-speed, hard-hitting batters while keeping some of their veteran core.
Miguel Rojas is retiring, opening a slot, while Teoscar Hernandez is in the last year of his deal, making him available to be dealt.
Tommy Edman at second base is another spot where the Dodgers can meaningfully improve offensively by adding speed, power, or both.
Kike Hernandez, a known playoff riser, didn’t step up this postseason, and his departure as a free agent could open the door for another impact hitter.
Josue De Paula, James Tibbs, and Mike Sirota are young bats who can add to the youth movement without spending or trading for an established player.
The Dodgers will have opportunities to get younger and turn the roster over a bit while keeping their locker-room leaders, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Max Muncy.
The time is now for the Dodgers to strike, and this past postseason showed that a reckoning was coming.
One Response
Very much disagree that not playing small ball hurts this team. Game 3 twice Rojas led off with a hit and instead of Edman bunting him over he swung at the first pitch and flew out. That is terrible baseball! Betts was their best hitter coming up next and you do not advance the runner into scoring position? Brewers do that 10 out of 10 times and that is one reason they will sweep the Rays and win the world series. They play team ball. Dodgers played selfishly at the plate. And that starts with the manager Roberts. This is the playoffs – you push runners over and put pressure on the d every chance you can.
Perfect off season would be trade Teo and Glasnow and look for a young right handed 3b to platoon with Muncy and plan to take over in ’28. Either that or even better is Smith should start to take reps at 3b to take over for Muncy in ’28. He is a liability behind the plate. Watching Contreras showed just how much Smith lacks in commanding the plate and throwing runners out. Edman, Kim, and Freeland battle for 2b and if none are good enough then you need to get rid of them. De Paula and another young OF join the club and battle for LF. This is the year they need to not only add youth to LF but also the infield. One last thing – love Freddie but you CAN’T extend him. He is getting too old and starting to break down. You have Tibbs waiting so let him play 1b next year in AAA and if he does well 1b is his in ’28.