As soon as an MLB team bows out of the postseason, fans immediately want answers.
What went wrong this season? What are the team’s biggest needs? Which free agents might leave? Are there any prospects on the way to help get this team over the hump next year?
Below, we’ll attempt to answer those questions for the Dodgers, who were eliminated from the 2026 playoffs in a 4-0 Championship Series loss to the Brewers.
You can find 2027 outlooks for every other eliminated playoff team here.
What Went Wrong For The 2026 Dodgers?
It is quite hard to repeat as World Series champs. It is even harder to make it back to the World Series three years in a row. The Dodgers had another dominant season, but in the NLCS their bats got cold, and they ran into a younger and better team. The Dodgers remain a very good team, but they are also quite old with a lineup filled with players who are past their peak.
So how will Los Angeles turn the page? Below are the prospects most likely to bolster the Dodgers’ 2027 roster.
2027 Prospect Who Could Help The Dodgers The Most
Josue De Paula, OF: De Paula showed his ability at the plate in his brief big-league debut in 2026, hitting .323/.500/.581 with more than twice as many walks as strikeouts in 11 games. He’s the best offensive prospect in the minor leagues and could immediately slot into a premium spot in the Dodgers’ lineup if they can find a spot for him to play. As good as De Paula’s offensive game is, he has a lot of work to do defensively. As a result, the Dodgers will have to get creative to find him a full-time role in 2027 since they have Shohei Ohtani locked in as designated hitter and their entire outfield is under contract for the foreseeable future.
Other 2027 Dodgers Prospect ETAs
Mike Sirota, OF: Sirota reached Triple-A in his second professional season after hitting .307/.461/.526 in 108 games. Sirota doesn’t have the offensive upside of De Paula, but he has a well-rounded game with the potential for average-to-better tools across the board. His ascension could be delayed to start next season given the Dodgers’ outfield depth, but once he comes up, he has everyday potential.
James Tibbs III, OF: Tibbs broke out in his first full season with the Dodgers, hitting .287/.409/.532 with 30 home runs in Triple-A. He hits the ball hard, but questions remain about his contact ability and long-term defensive home.
Zach Ehrhard, OF: Ehrhard hit .291/.400/.472 with 20 home runs and 28 steals this season. He doesn’t have a standout tool, but he doesn’t have any real weakness, and he does all the little things well. He can play any outfield spot and hits lefthanded pitching very well. He looks like a prototypical fourth outfielder and could debut whenever the Dodgers have a need in 2027.
Jackson Ferris, LHP: Ferris has always had intriguing stuff but has struggled with consistency. This year was more of the same until August, when he turned the corner, and he was excellent for the rest of the season. In September, he struck out 28 in 19 innings and only allowed five hits and five walks. His fastball velocity was up, and he was missing bats with both his breaking balls. It’s unclear whether he can stick as a starter long-term, especially with the Dodgers’ depth there, but he could be an intriguing option in relief.
Jacob Kmatz, RHP: The Dodgers acquired Kmatz at the deadline from the Rays, with whom he was in the midst of a breakout season. He continued his breakout season with his new organization, striking out 25 in 18.2 innings. Overall, he had a 2.76 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 99 strikeouts and 13 walks in 71.2 innings. It’s easy to envision his combination of strike-throwing and bat-missing ability slotting into a major league bullpen in 2027.
Dodgers Prospect To Dream On
Cam Leiter, RHP: Leiter struggled with multiple arm injuries in college, and the Dodgers drafted him while he was rehabbing Tommy John surgery. He made his professional debut this season and impressed, putting up a 2.45 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 55 innings with 80 strikeouts. When healthy, he’s one of the most electric arms in the system. Leiter features a mid-to-high-90s fastball and two bat-missing breaking balls. He has the chance for three pitches that are at least above average, and he could see his stock soar in 2027 if he can stay healthy and build on his debut.
Pending Dodgers Free Agents
- Tarik Skubal, SP
- Blake Treinen, RP
- Evan Phillips, RP
- Kris Bubic, SP
- Miguel Rojas, SS
- Enrique Hernández, OF
- Eric Lauer, SP
- Brusdar Graterol, RP
- Alex Vesia, RP
Biggest Dodgers Roster Needs
Athleticism & Youth: The Dodgers are poor defensively in both corner outfield spots. Max Muncy is nearing the end of the line at third base. The vast majority of Dodgers position players starters in 2027 are 31 years old or older. The farm system has plenty of youth available… but can it crack this veteran lineup?
Projected 2027 Dodgers Lineup
Note: As Of Oct. 1
C: Will Smith
1B: Freddie Freeman
2B: Tommy Edman
3B: Max Muncy
SS: Mookie Betts
LF: Teoscar Hernández
CF: Andy Pages
RF: Kyle Tucker
DH: Shohei Ohtani
No. 1 Starter: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
No. 2 Starter: Blake Snell
No. 3 Starter: Tyler Glasnow
No. 4 Starter: Shohei Ohtani
No. 5 Starter: Roki Sasaki
Closer: Edwin Díaz
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