# Dodgers' Offseason Pivot After NLCS Loss

> Dodgers must decide if Shohei Ohtani stays a two-way player in 2027.
- Title: Dodgers' Offseason Pivot After NLCS Loss | Shortify
- Summary: Dodgers must decide if Shohei Ohtani stays a two-way player in 2027. Dodgers need to address Shohei Ohtani's health and two-way role for 2027 to avoid…
- Keywords: lakers, mlb, dodgers, shohei ohtani, nlcs, 2027, two-way player, injury, contract, sports, Dodgers', Offseason
- Source: Los Angeles Dodgers On SI — https://si.com/mlb/dodgers/onsi/most-important-offseason-decision-facing-dodgers-nlcs-elimination
- Published: 2026-10-19T20:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: lakers, mlb, dodgers, shohei ohtani, nlcs, 2027, two-way player, injury, contract, sports
## Dodgers Eliminated in NLCS
The Los Angeles Dodgers were swept out of the National League Championship Series by the Milwaukee Brewers.
## Early Offseason Challenges
The Dodgers face an early offseason where they need to retool ahead of the 2027 season.
## Ohtani's 2026 Performance
Ohtani was coming off his worst year as a Dodger, where he was a shell of himself over the final two months of the season.
## Ohtani's Injuries
The 32-year-old was dealing with injuries to his knee, biceps and neck that ultimately hampered his play into October.
## Ohtani's First Half Success
In the first half of the season, Ohtani was looking like the clear NL MVP, hitting .293 with 22 home runs, 58 RBIs and an OPS of .
## Ohtani's Second Half Decline
In the second half of the year, Ohtani hit .245 with eight home runs, 23 RBIs and an OPS of .772.
## Ohtani's Injured List Stint
Ohtani also had his first stint on the injured list in September and then struggled mightily come the postseason outside of his three-run home run in NLCS Game 4.
## Ohtani's 2027 Contract
Ohtani turns 33 next year and will be in the fourth season of his 10-year, $700 million contract with LA.
## Ohtani's Two-Way Question
The Dodgers must decide if Shohei Ohtani should remain a two-way player in 2027.
## Ohtani's 2027 Plan
Ohtani clearly stated he plans to continue his two-way play in 2027, saying, 'Yes, definitely, and looking forward to having a better season next year.'

> "Yes, definitely," Ohtani said through an interpreter when asked if he planned to pitch next season. "And looking forward to having a better season next year."
## Ohtani's 2025 Pitching Debut
In 2025, the Dodgers slow-played Ohtani the pitcher, having him make his pitching debut in June with one-inning outings before he pitched five innings by year's end.
## Ohtani's 2026 Season
Ohtani's 2026 season felt like his best chance to win a Cy Young award until injuries took over.
## Ohtani's 2027 Health Concerns
The Dodgers need to determine if Ohtani's body can handle a full two-way season in 2027 without repeating 2026's injury issues.
## Key takeaway

Dodgers need to address Shohei Ohtani's health and two-way role for 2027 to avoid repeating 2026's injury issues.