Dodgers' Pitching Staff Falls Short of World Series Three-Peat in 2026 Season
Despite additions like Tarik Skubal, the team's pitching struggled with injuries and underperformance, leading to an NLCS elimination.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' quest for a third consecutive World Series title in 2026 was ultimately derailed by their pitching staff, which faced adversity through injuries and inconsistent performance throughout the season, culminating in an National League Championship Series exit.
While the Dodgers' bullpen was the driving force behind their 2024 World Series victory and their rotation achieved near-superhuman levels in 2025, the 2026 iteration of the pitching staff could not replicate that success. Despite finishing with the fourth-lowest team ERA in the majors, the group struggled during an injury-plagued regular season and ultimately faltered against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the reigning World Series MVP, continued to be a top performer, logging 185 innings with a 14-9 record and a 2.53 ERA. However, his postseason was cut short by a pivotal Game 2 loss in the NLCS. Yamamoto remains one of the league's elite pitchers.
The acquisition of Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline aimed to bolster the staff, and he largely met expectations, posting a 5-2 record with a 2.61 ERA in 10 regular-season starts for the Dodgers. He also performed well in his two postseason starts, though he took the loss in his NLCS appearance. The team now faces the question of whether they will aggressively pursue re-signing him as a free agent.
Other key pitchers experienced mixed results. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow were limited by injuries, making fewer than 15 regular-season starts each. While Snell posted a low ERA in the regular season, both pitchers struggled in the playoffs, failing to deliver sustained performances when the team needed them most. The Dodgers will expect more from them in the upcoming season.
Justin Wrobleski emerged as a breakout star, transitioning from a swingman to a rotation centerpiece with an 11-2 record and 2.62 ERA through his first 17 outings. However, home run struggles later in the season led to a shift back to the bullpen, and he faces the challenge of proving his durability over a full year.
Roki Sasaki showed significant progress in his second year, particularly in the latter half of the season where his ERA dropped considerably. A blister sidelined him late, leading to a bullpen role in the playoffs, but there is optimism for his continued development in 2027.
Emmet Sheehan's season was largely hampered by his return from Tommy John surgery, marked by inconsistent velocity and mechanics. Despite a promising stretch in September, he spent significant time in Triple-A and faces a critical offseason to re-establish his role in the rotation.
Edwin Díaz, a significant offseason acquisition, endured a difficult debut season marred by injuries and a career-worst ERA. Despite nearly being left off the postseason roster, he rediscovered his closer form in October, providing the only positive note to an otherwise disappointing year.
Tanner Scott had an improved second year on his contract, recording 25 saves and a 2.69 ERA, but gave up crucial postseason home runs that impacted the team's playoff run.
Edgardo Henriquez was a revelation in his first full MLB season, showcasing a powerful fastball and a 2.85 ERA. While his postseason was forgettable, he is expected to be a key long-term piece in the Dodgers' bullpen.
Alex Vesia, a pending free agent, continued his trend of sub-3.00 ERAs and expressed a desire to return to Los Angeles, though he is expected to attract interest from other teams.
Evan Phillips showed signs of returning to form after Tommy John surgery, with his fastball velocity increasing by the end of the season. He will again be a free agent this offseason.
Brock Stewart and Blake Treinen were both hampered by injuries. Stewart battled his long-term injury issues, making limited appearances, while Treinen's season-ending shoulder injury raises questions about his future with the team after a seven-year tenure.
Will Klein, a hero from the previous year's World Series, finished with a 3.67 ERA and elbow problems. Jack Dreyer had a solid season but a September slump cost him a postseason spot. Eric Lauer provided reliable innings during an injury crisis but is likely to seek starting opportunities elsewhere as a free agent. Kyle Hurt had an up-and-down campaign in 44 appearances and will be competing for a major league job in spring training.