Dodgers' 2026 Season Grades: Ohtani Receives 'F', Freeman and Pages Earn Top Marks
Despite winning 100 games and the division, the Dodgers fell short in the NLCS, prompting a review of individual player performances.
The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their 2026 season with 100 wins and another National League West division title, but their World Series aspirations ended with a sweep in the National League Championship Series against the Brewers. In the aftermath of their postseason elimination, The California Post has issued report cards for the team's roster.
Offensive Assessment
The Dodgers' offense ranked among the league's top five in scoring, batting average, and OPS during the regular season. However, the unit faltered in the playoffs, ultimately being shut down in the NLCS.
Shohei Ohtani: F
Despite a season that saw him named the second-best player in the National League, hitting 30 home runs and posting a sub-2.00 ERA in 14 pitching starts, Shohei Ohtani received a failing grade. His value was significantly impacted by injuries to his right arm and left knee, which affected his performance during the crucial postseason. While acknowledging shared blame for health management between team decision-makers and Ohtani himself, the report highlights his .192 playoff batting average as insufficient. The team and Ohtani may need to re-evaluate his usage to prevent future injury crises, especially as the roster ages.
Freddie Freeman: B-
In his 17th MLB season, Freddie Freeman earned his 10th All-Star selection and remained a top hitter. However, his overall production declined for the fourth consecutive year. He hit only one regular-season home run after July 4, and his batting average dropped amid a September knee issue. Freeman went 5-for-29 in the playoffs. Entering the final year of his contract, the Dodgers face decisions about his long-term role.
Mookie Betts: B
Mookie Betts showed signs of resurgence after a slow start to the season. By August 4, he was hitting .223 with a .670 OPS, but in the following 46 games, he posted a .315/.399/.562 slash line, nearly doubling his home run total to 23. The report suggests that at 34 years old, Betts is still capable of superstar-level performance, a level the Dodgers hope to see consistently in 2027.
Max Muncy: B+
Max Muncy had a resurgent season, returning to the All-Star Game and hitting for his highest average (.252) since 2018. He played in 149 games, hitting 29 home runs, and was a Gold Glove finalist at third base. He is expected to return to third base next season, the final guaranteed year of his contract.
Andy Pages: A-
Andy Pages cemented his status as a young core piece of the roster, earning an All-Star nod. Despite a dip in his early-season hot streak, he maintained improved plate discipline and strong defense in center field. His postseason performance was an improvement from the previous year.
Teoscar Hernández: C
Teoscar Hernández finished the season with a .267 average and .759 OPS, with a late surge helping to salvage his numbers after a slump caused by a hamstring strain. His future with the club may be uncertain this winter.
Kyle Tucker: D
Kyle Tucker's debut season was largely disappointing, setting career lows in average (.233), OPS (.715), and home runs (17), despite a .333 batting average in the playoffs. The Dodgers will be looking for a significant improvement next year, especially considering his large contract.
Will Smith: C
Limited to 73 games by a neck injury, Will Smith's .260 average and .781 OPS were the second-lowest of his career. He struggled in the playoffs, going 3-for-31.
Tommy Edman: C
Tommy Edman met expectations in his utility role after recovering from ankle surgery, posting a .247 average and .714 OPS. He provided good defense and versatility.
Kiké Hernández: C
Injuries impacted Kiké Hernández's season, though he provided a notable moment in the NLDS with a home run. As a free agent, his return to the Dodgers is uncertain and could signal the extent of the team's planned offseason changes.
Dalton Rushing: B
Dalton Rushing experienced a season of highs and lows, including promising offensive stretches and a mid-season incident with Ohtani. A late-season elbow injury sidelined him for the playoffs, leaving him with more to prove in 2027.
Alex Freeland: C
Alex Freeland did not capitalize on increased playing time, hitting .234 with limited extra-base hits. At 25, he remains on the periphery of the team's long-term plans.
Alex Call: C
The backup outfielder remained with the team through the trade deadline but hit just .233, potentially jeopardizing his reserve role for next season.
Josué De Paula: B+
In his MLB debut, Josué De Paula showed promise offensively, reaching base at a .500 clip in 11 games and drawing key walks in the postseason. His outfield defense remains a significant question mark for his role in 2027.
Hyeseong Kim: D
Kim's limited playing time, split between triple-A and brief stints in the majors in April and May, suggests a dim outlook as he enters the final guaranteed year of his contract.
Hunter Feduccia: B
Acquired in a deadline day trade, Hunter Feduccia provided adequate backup catching over the final months of the season. His future role with the organization is undecided.
Miguel Rojas: A
Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas had a fittingly effective final season before his retirement. He hit .293 against left-handed pitching, provided solid defense, and was a vocal leader. His presence will be missed in the clubhouse following a 13-year career.
