The Los Angeles Dodgers are champions once again.
Behind a game-tying home run from Miguel Rojas in the ninth inning and a gutsy 11-inning effort from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles edged the Toronto Blue Jays 5–4 on Friday night to capture its second straight World Series title. The win not only cemented the Dodgers’ modern dynasty but also positioned them for a potential three-peat — something only the Yankees have accomplished in the last 75 years.
A Dynasty in Motion
The Dodgers’ core remains intact heading into 2026. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Yamamoto are all signed beyond the next campaign. With that kind of foundation, Los Angeles enters the offseason with as much stability as any franchise in baseball.
Still, seven players will officially hit free agency, including a few who’ve defined this era of Dodger baseball.
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Dodgers Free Agents: Kershaw’s Final Chapter
Vote For Your Favorite Dodgers Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
Clayton Kershaw, a Dodger for life, is retiring after 18 seasons and a storybook ending. The left-hander posted an 11–2 record with a 3.36 ERA, surpassing 3,000 career strikeouts in July. Though his postseason role was limited, Kershaw’s legacy remains unshakable — the beating heart of a generation of Dodger greatness.
Rojas, the Unexpected Hero
At 37, Miguel Rojas turned a reserve role into one of the most unforgettable moments in franchise history, blasting the game-tying homer in the ninth inning of Game 7. He’s already said he plans to retire after the 2026 season and hopes to return for one last run. After his heroics, it’s hard to imagine the Dodgers not giving him that chance.
Familiar Faces, Uncertain Futures
Kiké Hernández — the ultimate utility man — appeared in 92 games but struggled at the plate, batting .203 with 10 home runs. Still, his leadership and versatility could tempt Los Angeles into another short-term reunion.
Michael Conforto’s stint, by contrast, was a misfire. Signed for $17 million, he hit just .199 and was left off the postseason roster. Andrew Heaney, Kirby Yates, and Michael Kopech all dealt with injuries or inconsistency, and each faces an uphill path to return.
What’s Next
While Kershaw’s retirement marks the end of an era, the Dodgers’ window is wide open. The parade through downtown Los Angeles on Sunday will double as both celebration and transition — honoring a champion while quietly acknowledging the roster turnover ahead.
The front office will decide soon on club options for Max Muncy and Alex Vesia, along with arbitration cases that could shape the bullpen and bench depth.
If there’s a message from this World Series run, it’s that the Dodgers’ dominance is sustainable — but not static. Kershaw passes the torch to a new generation led by Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Betts. The names may shift, but the standard remains the same.
Los Angeles isn’t just defending a title anymore. They’re chasing history.
