The Los Angeles Dodgers are making it clear: they’re all in on building a dynasty.
Fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, the team has opened its checkbook in historic fashion, handing out blockbuster contracts to some of the biggest names in baseball.
This offseason alone, the Dodgers have signed:
-Blake Snell – $182 million
-Tanner Scott – $72 million
-Teoscar Hernández – $66 million
-Blake Treinen – $22 million
That spending spree follows last year’s $700 million deal for Shohei Ohtani, the richest contract in sports history.
While Dodgers fans are thrilled, smaller-market teams that lack the same financial firepower are far less enthusiastic.
With the highest payroll in MLB history, Los Angeles will owe a $142 million luxury tax – a figure that exceeds the entire payroll of nearly a dozen teams.
Despite concerns about competitive balance, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has given his stamp of approval to the Dodgers’ aggressive approach.
Manfred made it clear that Los Angeles is playing by the rules.
“[The Dodgers] have gone out and done everything possible, always within the rules that currently exist, to put the best possible team on the field,” he said. “I think that’s a great thing. That type of competitive spirit is what people want to see.”
Manfred did acknowledge concerns from fans in smaller markets about their teams competing financially with the Dodgers.
“It’s clear we have fans in some markets that are concerned about the ability of the team in their market to compete with the financial resources of the Dodgers. If we’ve been consistent on one point, we try to listen to our fans on topics like this. And I have heard people, believe me.”
Still, if there’s an issue, Manfred suggests it’s not Los Angeles’ fault.
“If I’m going to be critical of something, it’s not going to be the Dodgers. It’s going to be the system,” he said.
As the Dodgers prepare to defend their crown, their latest high-profile signing, Blake Snell, is eager to get started.
Shortly after finalizing his $182 million contract, the two-time Cy Young winner sent a message to Dodgers fans on social media.
“What up, Dodger fans? It’s Blake Snell here. Really excited to be a Dodger. Can’t wait to win more championships with you guys and see you all at Dodger Stadium!” Snell said with great excitement.
Snell, who posted a 3.12 ERA and 1.048 WHIP last season with the San Francisco Giants, will join a star-studded Dodgers rotation that already features Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, and Tyler Glasnow.
The Dodgers will kick off their title defense in Japan, facing the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series.
With a stacked roster and sky-high expectations, Los Angeles isn’t just spending big – they’re aiming to build a dynasty.
What are your thoughts on Manfred’s comments?
There is growing talk of implementing a salary cap in baseball. However, the chances of the MLBPA agreeing to that are close to zero. (Perhaps a salary “floor” would be a good first step.)
What type of changes – if any – do you think are needed to improve the competitive balance of Major League Baseball???
