The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again the talk of the baseball world, but not for the reasons some might expect. With two consecutive World Series titles under their belt, the Dodgers are positioned as the favorites to clinch another championship in 2026. Their recent acquisitions of Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz only bolster an already formidable roster, making them a force to be reckoned with.
The Dodgers' strategy, involving hefty signing bonuses and innovative financial maneuvers like deferred money, has stirred discussions about the need for a salary cap. Yet, how do their peers in the league truly view their approach?
According to insights from Bob Nightengale, while some team owners might grumble about the Dodgers' financial strategies, rival executives-the ones crafting teams to compete with LA-actually admire them. It turns out, these execs don't resent the Dodgers; they aspire to emulate them.
Take J.J. Picollo, the Kansas City Royals' president of baseball operations. Despite the Royals' efforts to retain key players like Bobby Witt Jr. and their $180.9 million payroll, which pales in comparison to the Dodgers' $417.3 million, Picollo speaks highly of LA:
“They’ve done this strategically, and have done it well. They’re capitalizing on things that are perfectly within what’s permitted. What they’re doing is fascinating, and it’s really impressive.’’
Jerry Dipoto from the Seattle Mariners echoes this sentiment, praising the Dodgers' depth and superstar talent. “The Dodgers are unquestionably awesome,’’ Dipoto said.
“There are superstars all around the field. They have awesome role players.
They have depth everywhere you look. So to have a team like that, and to sustain it, is so impressive."
Even A.J. Preller of the San Diego Padres, a division rival, acknowledges the Dodgers' excellence. He notes the financial prowess of the Dodgers but also recognizes their impact on the league:
"But we understand they’re a great team. They’ve got star players that are impactful.
They just set up super high bars. If you want to get to that championship level, you’ve got to get past them.’’
This admiration isn't limited to executives. Players like Bryce Harper have defended the Dodgers' spending, dismissing critics as sore losers.
The real question is why some owners oppose the Dodgers' model. Perhaps it's because their approach highlights the potential for greater investment in rosters, which could mean slimmer profit margins for those prioritizing financial returns over competitive success.
In the end, the Dodgers' approach isn't the problem. It's the owners who focus more on profits than on building championship-caliber teams. The Dodgers are setting a standard for excellence, and the rest of the league is taking notice.