The Dodgers’ Financial Dominance

This offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made history by surpassing $1 billion in total deferred payments. Their financial power is evident not only in their current standings but also in their projected payrolls for the upcoming seasons. According to FanGraphs, the Dodgers are expected to have a league-leading $353 million payroll in 2026, which is nearly $60 million more than the second-place New York Mets. Even more staggering is their projected $328 million payroll for 2027, which is already over $115 million more than the Mets’ budget.

The Dodgers’ financial strength has placed them at the center of discussions about spending in Major League Baseball (MLB). However, this dominance is likely to become even more pronounced as MLB approaches an almost inevitable lockout after the 2026 season. Some teams that traditionally struggle financially have begun to increase their spending significantly. For example, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Oakland Athletics have been making headlines with their recent investments. Some fans believe these moves are aimed at avoiding a potential salary floor, but the long-term implications of such spending could lead to major disruptions in the 2027 season.

A Controversial Stance from the Manager

While the Dodgers have largely stayed out of the public debate about spending, manager Dave Roberts recently made a statement that sparked some controversy. He publicly supported the idea of a salary cap, which could be seen as a move that might anger some players. This stance has raised questions about the team’s approach to balancing financial responsibility with competitive success.

Kershaw’s Perspective on Ownership

Clayton Kershaw, now retired and free to speak openly, shared his thoughts on the issue during an appearance on Rob Lowe’s podcast. He expressed confusion over the arguments made by some owners regarding spending. Kershaw pointed out that there are numerous multi-billionaires who would be eager to own a professional baseball team. He suggested that these individuals might view owning a team as an investment similar to stocks, which can appreciate over time.

Kershaw also highlighted the significant growth in the value of the Dodgers since he first joined the team. He noted that the franchise is now worth three times what it was when he started, indicating that there is no justification for owners to “pinch pennies” when they have the means to invest more.

The Impact of Spending on Performance

The Dodgers have never been able to claim financial hardship, especially during the 21st century. Kershaw, who was part of several pre-Guggenheim teams, understands the impact of significant spending on a team’s performance. The lowest payroll the team had during his tenure was 12th in the league from 2010 to 2012, and those years were among the worst in the team’s performance since the early 1990s. The team finished fourth in the NL West in 2010 and third in 2011, highlighting the direct correlation between spending and success.

The Greed of MLB Owners

It is clear why many owners are hesitant to spend more money — often driven by greed. The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken a surprising step this offseason, but fans were outraged when reports revealed that the team was one of the most profitable in MLB, with very little of that profit being reinvested into the team itself.

Dodgers fans continue to criticize the ownership structure of MLB, emphasizing that every owner is independently wealthy and capable of investing more in their teams. However, many seem more interested in the prestige of being an MLB owner rather than being true stewards of their organizations.

Conclusion

The Dodgers’ financial dominance and the broader discussion around spending in MLB highlight the growing tension between ownership and players. As the league approaches a potential lockout, the question of how much teams are willing to invest in their rosters will remain a central topic. With figures like Kershaw speaking out, the conversation is far from over.