Dodgers Infield 2026: Aging Stars and Potential Trades

The Dodgers' veteran-heavy infield faces questions about age, health, and the need for younger talent.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:49am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball infield scene, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the dynamic energy of the game.The Dodgers' veteran-heavy infield faces a complex future, with age, health, and the need for new talent all factors in their 2026 strategy.Philadelphia Today

The Dodgers' infield for the 2026 season features a mix of future Hall of Famers and aging stars, including Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman, and Max Muncy. While the lineup looks strong on paper, the team must consider the players' advancing ages and injury histories as they plan for the upcoming season. Free agency and trades could provide opportunities to add younger, more versatile talent to the infield.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' infield is the backbone of their team, and maintaining a competitive lineup is crucial for their World Series aspirations. However, the age and health concerns of their veteran players could become a liability if not addressed properly through strategic roster moves.

The details

By 2026, Freeman will be 37, Muncy 36, and Betts 34, with Edman as the youngest at 32. Each of these players has faced injuries, with Edman's ankle issues and Muncy's assorted injuries impacting their availability. The Dodgers may explore younger alternatives at third base, with free agents like Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto from the Nippon Professional Baseball league as potential targets. They could also trade for a younger, experienced third baseman, such as Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals.

  • In 2026, Freeman will be 37, Muncy 36, and Betts 34.
  • Edman, the youngest of the group, will be 32 in 2026.

The players

Freddie Freeman

A future Hall of Famer playing first base for the Dodgers.

Mookie Betts

A future Hall of Famer playing shortstop for the Dodgers.

Tommy Edman

The youngest of the Dodgers' infield players, playing second base.

Max Muncy

A key player for the Dodgers, playing third base.

Munetaka Murakami

A 26-year-old NPB player who could be a free agent target for the Dodgers.

Kazuma Okamoto

A 30-year-old NPB player who could be a free agent target for the Dodgers.

Brendan Donovan

A 29-year-old utility player for the St. Louis Cardinals who could be a trade target for the Dodgers.

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What’s next

The Dodgers will need to make decisions on free agent signings and potential trades to address the age and health concerns in their infield before the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' veteran-heavy infield presents both opportunities and challenges for the team as they look to build a competitive roster for the 2026 season. Balancing the experience and talent of their aging stars with the need for younger, more versatile players will be crucial to their success.