Throughout the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers have found themselves in the role of baseball’s supposed villains due to their hefty spending spree. With over $1 billion committed to several players, the Dodgers have faced criticism for their financial muscle-flexing.
However, from the Dodgers’ perspective, they saw an opportunity to bolster their roster with top-tier talent from around the world. The acquisitions of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto marked a historic offseason for the franchise.
Now, as the new season approaches, the Dodgers find themselves among the top teams in baseball, and the pressure to deliver success is mounting. Veteran outfielder Chris Taylor, who has been a part of the Dodgers for a significant period, recently shared his perspective on why the team’s spending isn’t detrimental to the sport of baseball.
Taylor emphasized that bringing some of the best players in baseball to the Dodgers, one of the most popular teams in the league, is ultimately a positive development for the sport. Regardless of whether fans love or loathe the Dodgers, they remain a compelling team to watch on television. The additions of players like Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow only enhance the team’s appeal.
In Taylor’s view, the Dodgers’ commitment to assembling a high-caliber roster benefits baseball as a whole, dispelling the notion that their aggressive approach to building a powerhouse team is detrimental to the sport.
“I don’t think it’s bad for baseball by any means to get some of the best players in baseball on the Dodgers, one of the most popular teams in baseball. Whether you love us or hate us, you enjoy watching us on tv. And we’re just adding to that with guys like Ohtani and Yamamoto and Glasnow and all these high caliber players. So, no, I don’t think it’s bad for baseball at all.” – Chris Taylor to Doug McKain of dodgersnation.com
With their sights set on success, the Dodgers remain unapologetic about their pursuit of excellence and are determined to prove that their approach benefits the sport and its passionate fanbase.