Dynasty Dodgers trying to keep last ride together going: ‘We have a lot left in the tank.’

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Dynasty Dodgers trying to keep last ride together going: ‘We have a lot left in the tank.’

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Dodgers players Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman gather on the field during a game, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is greeted in the dugout by second baseman Miguel Rojas after hitting a home run, Image 3 shows Los Angeles Dodgers players Miguel Rojas, Kyle Tucker, Max Muncy, and Freddie Freeman watch from the dugout during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers

Jack Harris · NY Post Sports

Thu, Oct 15, 2026 ·

4 min read

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The Dodgers have been trying not to think about the future.

They've been focused on their World Series three-peat pursuit in the present.

But with their season on the line Thursday, and their dynasty in sudden jeopardy in the face of a three-games-to-none deficit in the National League Championship Series , it's become harder to block out the reality.

This might be their final ride together.

Max Muncy #13, Tommy Edman #25, Mookie Betts #50, and Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on during a pitching change during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Getty Images

Before this NLCS , third baseman Max Muncy acknowledged that dynamic, saying "there's been some talk of that" even if he didn't "like thinking about it."

On Thursday, first baseman Freddie Freeman also pondered the possibility, reflecting on everything this core has been through together.

"I hadn't thought about that once until you just brought it up," he laughed. "But when you do think about it, it is special what we have accomplished over the last couple years."

Thus, the Dodgers entered Game 4 trying to do more than just save this season.

"We still want this to keep going," Freeman said. "We know we have a lot left in the tank together."

Whenever the offseason arrives, notable changes could be coming to the Dodgers' clubhouse.

Freeman and Muncy won't be going anywhere, nor will other core veterans such as Mookie Betts, Will Smith or Shohei Ohtani.

But Miguel Rojas is likely to retire. Kiké Hernández will be a free agent (again). And the uncertainty of a new collective-bargaining agreement could prompt other changes to the team's tight-knit roster.

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas (72), outfielder Kyle Tucker (23), third baseman Max Muncy (13) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) look on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Dodgers explored a trade for outfielder Teoscar Hernández last winter, and could do so again this offseason (especially with the league trying to enact stricter spending rules in a new CBA, and the Dodgers boasting a number of budding outfield prospects in their farm system).

Key relievers like Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen will all also be out of contract, as will newly-beloved trade deadline acquisition Tarik Skubal.

Longer-term, Freeman and Muncy will also be entering the final guaranteed seasons of their respective deals in 2027. And everyone else on their already aging roster will be another year older.

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That's why this year's run –– on top of the opportunity for a third-straight title –– has felt so precious.

Outside of the since-retired Clayton Kershaw, practically every key contributor from last year returned. The front office decided to run things back, hoping the continuity would pay dividends.

"It's a great group of guys," Freeman said. "Been through a lot, been all over this world together."

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) is greeted at the dugout by second baseman Miguel Rojas (72) after hitting a two-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning in game three of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Those bonds were needed Thursday, with the club facing a stunning three-game hole to a relentless Milwaukee Brewers squad.

"Luckily it's not a best of five, it's a best of seven, so we've still got a chance tonight," Freeman said.

"Our number one goal is not to think about the big picture of we need to win four in a row," he added. "It's, 'You've got to win today.' And if we win today, then you worry about tomorrow."

Still, tomorrow was not guaranteed. As a result, there was a level of sentimentality surrounding the team.

"We know what's at stake. We know how to handle it," Freeman said. "There's no panic around here. We know we have a good baseball team. We can put this thing together real fast."

Much more than just one season was hinging on their ability to do so.

In their potential last ride together, the dynasty Dodgers were facing their most daunting test.

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