The Los Angeles Dodgers kick off the second half of the baseball season with a series in New York against the Yankees. They have a comfortable lead in the National League West, but it still feels like they have not run on all cylinders yet this year. It is likely because they are waiting for the return of some major pieces. On the other hand, certain players have underperformed expectations thus far. Here are three Dodgers that need to play better this year if the team has a chance to repeat as World Champions in 2026.
Three Dodgers Players That Need to Improve in the Second Half of 2026
First Man Out
Alex Freeland replaced Enrique Hernandez when the super utility player went down with an oblique injury. To Freeland’s credit, he has played stout defense whenever he has been inserted into the lineup. It has been the most important aspect of his responsibility. However, with the return of Tommy Edman, who is now playing with a healthy ankle for the first time in years, Freeland’s playing time has started to dwindle.
Of course, it doesn’t help that Edman is also enjoying a batting average over .300. Freeland features a .234 clip. Granted, he has shown occasional power, and he does hit at the bottom of the order. However, Kike Hernandez is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City this weekend. If all goes well, he should be activated off the Injured List at the beginning of the next home stand. Unless another injury happens, or Freeland starts tearing the cover off the ball, it appears “the long runway” the Dodgers gave the young infielder is disappearing.
What Have You Done for Me Lately?
Right-handed reliever Will Klein should never have to purchase a meal in Los Angeles again. Without his heroic effort of tossing three scoreless innings against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game Three of the 2025 World Series, the Dodgers don’t win The Fall Classic. His ascent up Manager Dave Roberts’ trust tree continued for quite some time earlier this year.
However, Klein hasn’t been as effective of late in a high-leverage role. On the surface, his 3.52 Earned Run Average doesn’t look too bad, but he hasn’t exactly been able to put out the fire when he enters the game. In the last six weeks, inherited runners have scored more often than not when he pitches. In addition, he has allowed three earned runs in his last five appearances, and he is walking more than his fair share of batters. With closer Edwin Diaz‘ imminent return from elbow surgery, the Dodgers may have an interesting decision to make in the near future.
Will the Real Kyle Tucker Please Stand Up?
Coming into 2026, Los Angeles needed an upgrade in right field. They went out and signed the best available in Kyle Tucker. It’s safe to say that the outfield defense has been improved. However, Tucker has looked like a shadow of himself at the plate, especially in the friendly confines of Dodger Stadium. The right fielder has struggled to stay above a .220 batting average at home, far from the norm of .270. Is the weight of his lucrative contract affecting him? Is he trying to be a superstar in a lineup full of them?
タッカーがセンター前ヒット💥
チーム初ヒットを放つ！
Kyle Tucker #Dodgers ©SportsNetLA pic.twitter.com/wrt2lZHF6Z
— 【MLB速報】放送地区【大谷速報】 (@MLB_comment) July 17, 2026
Whatever the reason, it has clearly been a struggle at the plate. He has made some mechanical adjustments to his batting stance and stride. For what it’s worth, there have been some reasons for optimism. Tucker’s batting average has climbed above .250 for the first time this year. Maybe the adjustments are starting to pay off, or moving down the lineup has taken some of the pressure off him.
One thing is clear: the Dodgers are going to need contributions from everyone, Tucker included, if they are going to pull off the three-peat.
Main Photo Credits: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images
