The Dodgers’ trophy case just got a little heavier - and so did the players’ wallets.
Major League Baseball released its postseason share breakdown this week, and after a dominant October run, the Dodgers are walking away with a hefty reward. Players and managers who were on the roster or injured list from June 1 onward will receive a full postseason share worth $484,748. That’s their cut from a total playoff pool of $128.2 million, plus an additional $340,000 from another $46.1 million pot.
All told, the Dodgers handed out $129.1 million in shares, a staggering total that sets a new record. And while the focus is always on the hardware, no one in that clubhouse is going to turn down nearly half a million dollars as a cherry on top.
The Blue Jays, who came up just short in the World Series, didn’t leave empty-handed either. Their full shares came in at $354,118 - a significant payout for a deep postseason run, even if it didn’t end in champagne.
Dodgers’ Díaz Deal Caught Even Insiders Off Guard
In a move that sent ripples through the baseball world - and apparently through their own front office - the Dodgers’ signing of Edwin Díaz wasn’t just a surprise for fans. According to reporting from within the organization, even people close to the team didn’t see it coming.
Initially, the Dodgers weren’t interested in meeting Díaz’s demand for a five-year deal. But when Devin Williams signed a shorter three-year contract elsewhere, the landscape shifted.
The Dodgers saw an opening. The Mets, Díaz’s former team, weren’t willing to match LA’s revised offer, and the Dodgers moved quickly to get their guy.
Of course, there’s a price to pay. The Dodgers will forfeit their second- and fifth-round draft picks to the Mets, along with $1 million in international bonus pool money.
But let’s be honest - that’s not going to stop a front office that’s made it clear they’re all-in on winning now. If they believe a move makes them better, they’re going to make it, draft picks and bonus money be damned.
Mookie Betts to Skip WBC for a Bigger Role at Home
Mookie Betts has always brought energy and leadership wherever he plays - whether it’s in Dodger blue or representing Team USA on the international stage. But this time around, the star outfielder will be sitting out the World Baseball Classic.
Betts made the announcement during a livestream with content creator Adin Ross, saying he won’t participate in the upcoming WBC because of a major family milestone: his wife, Brianna, is expecting their child during the tournament. As Betts put it with a smile, “She’d divorce me if I wasn’t there.”
It’s a tough loss for Team USA, especially given Betts’ impact during the 2023 WBC. But it’s hard to argue with the decision - some things are just bigger than baseball.
Even without Betts, Team USA is rolling into the tournament with a loaded roster. The rotation is shaping up nicely with Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, and Paul Skenes leading the charge.
And the lineup? It’s got Aaron Judge anchoring the offense as “Captain America.”
This squad is built to contend.
Meanwhile, on the international side, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are expected to suit up for Team Japan again, though Ohtani isn’t expected to pitch. Roki Sasaki, another key arm for Japan, has been ruled out.
Hyeseong Kim has expressed a strong desire to play for Team Korea, though nothing official has been announced. And for Team Canada, Freddie Freeman is likely to sit out as he tends to some minor health concerns.
The WBC is shaping up to be another high-octane showcase of global talent - and while Betts will be missed, there’s no shortage of star power ready to take the field.