Dodgers' Quest for Three-Peat Faces Challenges

Veteran roster, rotation questions, and need for continued luck could derail Dodgers' dynasty

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:00am

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Despite the Dodgers' dominant run the past two seasons, columnist Bill Plaschke argues that the team's quest for a third straight World Series championship is unlikely to succeed. Plaschke cites the Dodgers' aging roster, concerns about the starting rotation, and the team's need for continued good fortune as potential roadblocks to a three-peat.

Why it matters

The Dodgers have been one of the most successful franchises in baseball over the past several years, winning two World Series titles in a row. Their pursuit of a historic three-peat has captivated fans in Los Angeles, but Plaschke's skepticism challenges the prevailing narrative and raises questions about whether the Dodgers can maintain their championship level of play.

The details

Plaschke points to several factors that could derail the Dodgers' three-peat bid, including an aging roster with several key players in their 30s, a starting rotation with injury and durability concerns, and the need for the team to continue experiencing the same level of good luck that propelled their recent titles. He notes that the Dodgers will need younger players like Andy Pages and Dalton Rushing to step up, and that Mookie Betts must rediscover his MVP-caliber form.

  • The Dodgers are seeking their third consecutive World Series championship in 2026.
  • Freddie Freeman, at age 36, acknowledged the Dodgers may not allow him to play every inning of every game this season.

The players

Andrew Friedman

The Dodgers' president of baseball operations who has assembled the team's talented roster.

Freddie Freeman

The 36-year-old Dodgers first baseman who is one of the team's veteran leaders.

Mookie Betts

The Dodgers' star outfielder who struggled at the plate in the 2025 World Series.

Shohei Ohtani

The Dodgers' ace starting pitcher who is now 31 years old.

Will Smith

The Dodgers' starting catcher who has played in over 125 games in four of the last five seasons, raising concerns about physical toll.

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What they’re saying

“They're not going to win again? How can you say that?”

— Barbershop patron

“For the first time, only a prediction of another championship would be acceptable.”

— Columnist Bill Plaschke

What’s next

The Dodgers will need to navigate a challenging 2026 season and postseason in order to achieve their goal of a third straight World Series title.

The takeaway

While the Dodgers have been the class of baseball the past two seasons, Plaschke's skepticism highlights the difficulty of a three-peat, even for a team as talented as Los Angeles. Factors like age, rotation questions, and the need for continued good fortune could ultimately derail the Dodgers' dynasty.