From SI · · 3m
Dodgers' Historic Pursuit Ends in Failure
Dodgers' historic pursuit of baseball's first three-peat collapses in NLCS sweep.
In brief
Dodgers' historic pursuit of baseball's first three-peat collapses in NLCS sweep. Los Angeles Dodgers' record-breaking 2026 NLCS campaign ends in four-game sweep by Milwaukee Brewers. Originally reported by SI.
Dodgers' historic pursuit ends
The Dodgers spent the last several years building what was supposed to be a roster so loaded it couldn't possibly lose in the postseason.
NLCS sweep by Brewers
As the Brewers poured onto the field to celebrate their triumph in the National League championship series, Los Angeles’s star-studded squad stood in the dugout and watched in stunned silence.
Dodgers' World Series history
Los Angeles won its second World Series in a row last October in a thrilling seven-game series against the Blue Jays.
Roster construction
The Dodgers returned their core intact, then went out and signed the top position player and reliever on the market to bolster an already formidable roster.
Kyle Tucker deal
Outfielder Kyle Tucker received a massive four-year, $240 million deal.
Edwin Diaz contract
Closer Edwin Díaz inked a three-year, $69 million contract with a record $23 million annual salary for a relief pitcher.
Tarik Skubal trade
When the trade deadline rolled around, Los Angeles ponied up a solid prospect haul to land Tarik Skubal, arguably the best pitcher on the planet over the past three years.
Roster achievements
The result was a roster that had won six MVPs, four Cy Youngs, 19 Silver Sluggers and three Reliever of the Year awards.
Spending records
The Dodgers’ spending also broke records.When factoring in the team’s CBT payroll and luxury tax payments, the roster cost more than $616 million this season, nearly $150 million more than the second-place Mets ($468.9 million).
Brewers' dominance
The Brewers didn’t just sweep the Dodgers. They humiliated them. Los Angeles led in all four games and blew those advantages.
Starting rotation collapse
A vaunted starting rotation that featured Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow only managed to pitch 18 innings over four games.
Pitching stats
They went 0, 2, combined for a 6.50 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP, and surrendered four home runs.
Game 4 breakdown
On Thursday night in Game 4, Glasnow was staked to a 4, 0 lead after two innings and retired the first nine batters he faced in order.
Brewers' pitching impact
The Brewers’ pitchers, particularly their loaded bullpen, carved their way through L.A.’s lineup all series.
Dodgers' batting collapse
As a team, the Dodgers slashed .185/.270/.250, with a single home run and 33 strikeouts over the four games.
Key players silent
While Shohei Ohtani hit a monster home run in Game 4, he finished the series 3-for-13. Mookie Betts went 3-for-15, while Freddie Freeman managed one hit in 14 at-bats.
Historic failure
The Dodgers weren’t constructed just to reach the NLCS. They were built to make baseball history. Instead, they’ll be remembered as one of the biggest disappointments the sport has ever seen.
The headline
Los Angeles Dodgers' record-breaking 2026 NLCS campaign ends in four-game sweep by Milwaukee Brewers.
