World Series MVP Yamamoto Primes Dodgers for Three-Peat

Los Angeles Dodgers look poised to become first team since Yankees to win three straight World Series titles.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into the 2026 MLB season as the two-time defending World Series champions, and with the dominant spring training performance of World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, they appear primed to make a run at a historic three-peat.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are already one of the most dominant franchises in baseball, and a third straight championship would cement their status as a modern MLB dynasty. Yamamoto's continued excellence on the mound, combined with the Dodgers' stacked lineup, makes them the clear favorites to win it all again.

The details

Yamamoto, a second-year major leaguer, struck out the side in the first inning of his final spring training start, finishing with seven strikeouts over five innings. He ended the spring with an impressive 13.03 K/9 rate. Paired with Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani and a deep bullpen, the Dodgers' pitching staff is formidable. Their lineup also features multiple potential Hall of Famers, as well as new addition Kyle Tucker, a Gold Glove winner, multi-time Silver Slugger, and World Series champion.

  • The Dodgers won their second consecutive World Series in 2025, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays.
  • The last team to win three straight World Series championships was the New York Yankees from 1998-2000.

The players

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

A second-year major league pitcher who was named World Series MVP in 2025 after posting a 3-0 record, 15 strikeouts, and a 1.02 ERA.

Shohei Ohtani

A Japanese two-way player who pitches and hits for the Dodgers, adding to their formidable roster.

Kyle Tucker

A Gold Glove winner, multi-time Silver Slugger, and World Series champion who joined the Dodgers in the offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Dodgers' quest for a historic three-peat will be one of the biggest storylines of the 2026 MLB season, as they look to cement their status as a modern dynasty with a dominant pitching staff led by World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto and a stacked lineup that features multiple potential Hall of Famers.