The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been the kings of the National League West, dominating MLB throughout the 2020s, but as the 2026 season approaches, concerns are growing over the average age of their roster, which now sits at 28.8 years old.
This figure places the Dodgers among the oldest teams in the league, trailing only the San Diego Padres at 29.1 and tying with the New York Mets at 28.8. While not the absolute oldest, the Dodgers’ position player group currently ranks as the most veteran-laden in Major League Baseball.
ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle recently analyzed the situation, noting that while Los Angeles projects to have the second-ranked offense and the top pitching staff, adding youth and athleticism could address concerns over durability and long-term sustainability during a deep postseason run.
According to Doolittle, the Dodgers may already have the answer to their age-related challenges within their organization, citing two young prospects — Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim — who both made their MLB debuts in 2025 and have the potential to carve out larger roles.
Freeland, drafted in 2022, received his first major-league opportunity in July 2025, following injuries to third baseman Max Muncy and struggles from second baseman Tommy Edman. Over 29 games, Freeland posted a modest .190/.292/.310 slash line with two home runs and six RBIs through 84 at-bats.
While the overall numbers weren’t eye-catching, Freeland showed glimpses of promise. In his first five games, he batted an impressive .353 with an OPS just shy of .800, suggesting that he can compete at the highest level when given consistent playing time.
Hyeseong Kim, meanwhile, had a strong start to his MLB career after being called up from Triple-A in May 2025. Through that month, he batted .422 with a 1.058 OPS, demonstrating a potent combination of hitting ability and offensive consistency that could make him a key contributor for the Dodgers going forward.
Doolittle emphasized that if both Freeland and Kim can recapture the form they displayed early in their MLB careers, they could become integral parts of the Dodgers’ lineup, injecting the youth and athleticism needed to support Los Angeles in its pursuit of a third consecutive championship.
The Dodgers’ front office is also reportedly considering external options to counterbalance the roster’s age. One notable target is All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, whose combination of youth, athleticism, and production could immediately address concerns about aging position players while adding versatility to the outfield.
Acquiring Tucker, however, would likely necessitate moving a veteran such as Teoscar Hernandez, creating a trade-off between experience and athletic upside. Doolittle notes that the Dodgers have plenty of avenues to explore but must make key decisions before spring training begins in just under a month.
Los Angeles’ success in recent seasons has often relied on veteran presence, with experienced players like Muncy, Justin Turner, and Cody Bellinger (if retained) providing stability and leadership. Balancing that experience with emerging talent will be critical for both short-term success and long-term sustainability.
The Dodgers also benefit from one of the strongest farm systems in MLB, providing flexibility to promote or evaluate young talent in spring training. Freeland and Kim are the most immediate examples, but others may follow if the front office prioritizes roster rejuvenation.
Financial considerations will play a role as well. The Dodgers have historically managed their payroll carefully, weighing the cost of high-profile free agents against the potential of internal development. Signing a player like Tucker could require a significant financial and prospect investment, limiting other offseason moves.
Doolittle suggests that even without major acquisitions, Los Angeles could achieve its goal of blending youth with experience simply by promoting Freeland and Kim into everyday roles and letting natural competition dictate playing time. This approach would allow the Dodgers to maintain flexibility while addressing the age concern organically.
For fans, the situation represents both excitement and uncertainty. The potential rise of young talent like Freeland and Kim offers hope for dynamic contributions, while questions remain about whether the Dodgers can maintain their championship-caliber roster with an aging core.
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ front office faces a balancing act: sustaining competitiveness in 2026, integrating youthful energy, and planning for the long-term future. Decisions made in the coming weeks will determine whether Los Angeles remains the class of the NL West or risks losing ground to younger, more athletic competitors.
