The Los Angeles Dodgers continued to flex their financial muscle during the offseason by signing top free agents Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz to lucrative contracts.
While the team’s aggressive spending has prompted more calls for a salary cap in MLB, several opposing players have recently come to the defense of the Dodgers.
Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Bryce Harper and San Diego Padres teammates Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. are among those who praised the club for doing everything they can to win the World Series each season.
New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger echoed a similar sentiment and said the Dodgers are making the most of their resources, via Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News:
“It’s better what they do than having all these assets and not spending. I think that’s worse,” the Yankees’ Cody Bellinger told two reporters earlier this spring.
Yankees captain Aaron Judge said every team should be spending at the level of the Dodgers:
“I wish a lot of teams found a way to do that,” Judge said of Los Angeles’ lavish ways.
Giancarlo Stanton pointed out that the Dodgers aren’t doing anything illegal and appreciates the attention they bring to MLB:
“They’re not breaking any rules,” the Yankees’ DH said. “It is a good buzz for baseball. It’s not necessarily a great buzz for opponents. It’s not like you’re hyping for other teams to get better, but if you’re not breaking any rules, then anyone can do it. That does bring attention, whether good or bad, love and hate, and that’s also what entertainment is about. That’s the business we’re in as well.”
Gerrit Cole commended the Dodgers for always striving to improve their roster even after winning back-to-back World Series titles:
“They’re maximizing their efficiency,” said Gerrit Cole, formerly a member of the MLBPA’s executive subcommittee. “They’re getting contracts that are making them a better club, so it’s within the rules.”
It’s easy to see why so many players are supporting the Dodgers on this issue as they believe a salary cap would limit their potential earnings. MLB team owners will push for one in the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA), hoping that it will improve competitive balance.
CBA negotiations are expected to begin this spring, with the Players Association (MLBPA) now being led by interim executive director Bruce Meyer in the wake of Tony Clark stepping down amid multiple scandals.
Stan Kasten expects Dodgers to contend every year
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten recently said the team expects to contend every year and will use all of their resources to their advantage.
The organization has benefited from a lucrative TV rights deal, unprecedented fan support, sponsorships and the presence of Shohei Ohtani on their roster.
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