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“MVPs collectively were null and void” – Braves legend points finger at Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts after Dodgers’ NLCS sweep

John Smoltz believes Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts had few options in the 2026 National League Championship Series.

By Safeer M S · Sportskeeda

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 9:44 PM

Key Things to Know

John Smoltz argued that Dodgers stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman failed to produce in the NLCS.
Smoltz stated manager Dave Roberts had limited options as Los Angeles suffered an NLCS sweep against Milwaukee.
Shohei Ohtani hit .192 in the postseason, while Freddie Freeman went 1-for-11 throughout the NLCS.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Hall of Famer John Smoltz argued that Dodgers stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman were collectively ineffective during the NLCS. Speaking on the Flippin' Bats podcast following the Milwaukee Brewers' sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Smoltz defended manager Dave Roberts' lineup adjustments by stating that the team's top hitters stopped producing when it mattered most.

Smoltz highlighted situational hitting struggles and strong Milwaukee pitching as decisive factors in the sweep. Ohtani batted .192 across eight postseason games, while Freeman went 1-for-11 in the series. The Brewers secured their first World Series appearance since 1982, with Jake Bauers earning NLCS MVP honors.

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