LOS ANGELES, Dec. 31, 2025 — Fresh off their second consecutive World Series title, the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to chase an achievement that has eluded most teams in baseball’s long and storied history: a three-peat. Only the New York Yankees (1936-39, 1949-53, 1998-2000) and the Oakland Athletics (1972-74) have ever claimed three consecutive championships, placing the Dodgers on the cusp of joining a truly exclusive club.
The road to such historic glory is never easy, but the Dodgers have already begun laying the groundwork for success. One of the most significant offseason moves came with the signing of star closer Edwin Diaz, who agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal earlier this month, bolstering the team’s bullpen ahead of the 2026 season.
On his program Foul Territory, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal outlined several critical factors the Dodgers must consider as they aim to capture a third straight title when the season opens in late March.
Dynasties are often undone not by talent, but by complacency. Maintaining a competitive edge throughout the regular season and into the postseason is essential for any team chasing sustained success.
“It seems to me the one thing that has been of great benefit to the Dodgers over the last many years is their ability to retain a hunger,” Rosenthal said. “Now, it’s difficult during the regular season… at times, they’re not fully engaged, and sometimes the way they handle players in regards to injuries, they slow-play things.”
Fortunately for the Dodgers, a cadre of veteran leaders returns to the clubhouse. Players like Miguel Rojas not only provide guidance on the field but also play a crucial role in maintaining the competitive spirit among younger teammates. Rojas, a respected veteran, is expected to remain influential even beyond his playing days, potentially joining the Dodgers’ player development staff once his MLB career concludes.
Maintaining good health is paramount for any team aspiring to make a deep postseason run. The Dodgers benefited in 2025 from a relatively injury-free postseason, a testament to the team’s medical and training staff. However, sustaining that health over another full season, including spring training, the World Baseball Classic, and a potential extended postseason, is far from guaranteed.
Rosenthal emphasized the importance of durability: “What it will take is good health, first and foremost… it’s tough when you come off a postseason as draining as that was, especially on your pitching staff. We saw the effects of ’24 on ’25 with some of their relievers last year.”
Several key relievers — Evan Phillips, Brock Stewart, and Blake Treinen — missed significant time in 2025 due to lingering injuries after contributing to the 2024 championship. Ensuring the health of both starters and relievers will be critical as the Dodgers aim to sustain their high level of performance into another postseason.
With multiple stars over 30, including Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers rank among the oldest teams in Major League Baseball. While these veterans remain productive and capable of carrying the team in key moments, injecting youth and fresh talent into the lineup could be the difference between a championship contender and a historic dynasty.
Rosenthal highlighted this need: “But if they have good health and they get an injection of offense that’s maybe going to come from some unexpected place… maybe one of their young outfielders, maybe from a player they pick up, that would help as well.”
The Dodgers have explored options in free agency for outfielders, but no acquisition has materialized yet. Internal candidates like Andy Pages and Tommy Edman could emerge as significant contributors in 2026, providing the necessary lift offensively to complement the veteran core.
As the Dodgers prepare for spring training, the combination of maintaining hunger, managing health, and integrating younger talent will define their pursuit of a three-peat. Each element carries risk, and the margin for error in professional baseball is razor-thin.
Success would place the Dodgers alongside some of the most legendary dynasties in MLB history, an accomplishment that would resonate for decades. Yet, failure — even by a narrow margin — would serve as a stark reminder that sustaining dominance in the sport is exceedingly difficult, even for one of its most talented teams.
Fans, analysts, and insiders alike are watching closely, aware that every game, every injury, and every clutch performance could determine whether the Dodgers etch their name into baseball history or fall just short of joining the elite three-peat club.
Leave a Reply