The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off consecutive World Series victories, are once again making waves in the baseball world with their aggressive offseason moves. By signing top-tier free agents Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, they've demonstrated their commitment to maintaining a powerhouse roster. This strategy has pushed their luxury tax payroll beyond $400 million for the second straight year, sparking renewed debates about implementing a salary cap in MLB.
Interestingly, some of the league's biggest stars are rallying behind the Dodgers' approach. Philadelphia Phillies' standout Bryce Harper has openly praised L.A.’s willingness to spend big, suggesting that all teams should follow suit.
Echoing Harper’s sentiments, San Diego Padres' Manny Machado didn't hold back his admiration for the Dodgers’ strategy. Speaking candidly from Padres camp, Machado expressed, “I love it.
Every team should be doing it. It’s great for the game.”
Machado emphasized that every MLB team has the financial capacity to operate like the Dodgers. “I think every team has the ability to do it,” he stated. “I hope all 30 teams learn from that.”
His teammate, Fernando Tatis Jr., also respects the Dodgers’ relentless pursuit of championships. “It’s the right way to do it,” Tatis remarked.
“If you want to win it all, that’s just the right way to do it. They’re doing it right.”
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten shares this winning mentality, asserting that the organization is committed to contending every year by leveraging all available resources. The Dodgers have capitalized on a lucrative TV rights deal, robust fan support, sponsorships, and the star power of Shohei Ohtani.
Addressing critics who claim the Dodgers are harming the sport, Kasten offered a compelling perspective. He argued that the Dodgers’ approach is beneficial for baseball on multiple fronts. Competitively, he noted that despite their spending, the odds are still against them winning the World Series every year, which keeps the playing field balanced.
On the entertainment side, Kasten highlighted the dual role the Dodgers play-beloved by home fans and a major draw on the road. This dynamic enhances MLB's appeal and contributes to the sport's global reach.
In Kasten’s view, the Dodgers’ strategy is a “win-win-win” for baseball, bolstering the sport’s competitive and entertainment value while fostering its global expansion.