Photo via CBS Sports

What's next for the Dodgers? Futures of Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal uncertain after elimination

The Los Angeles Dodgers' reign as baseball's dominant force has ended abruptly after a four-game sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS, halting their streak of eight straight postseason series wins since 2024. The Dodgers, now eliminated, faced a stark reality in their performance, with their aging core—including stars like Will Smith (31), Shohei Ohtani (32), Mookie Betts (34), and Freddie Freeman (37)—showing signs of fatigue and diminished production.

Ohtani, in particular, struggled late in the season and postseason, battling knee and biceps injuries that robbed him of his signature power and consistency. His slugging percentage plummeted, and his ability to pitch was sidelined after July, leaving questions about whether offseason surgery is needed and how a potential lockout could impact his recovery timeline for 2027.

Despite the setback, the Dodgers remain a team with deep talent and financial resources, positioning them to rebuild quickly and remain competitive in the near future.

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