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Dodgers News: Rival General Manager Doesn’t Expect L.A. To Reduce Payroll

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers last season carried a $300 million payroll, which lent to criticism writing itself whenever the team struggled.

However, while the Dodgers were technically on the hook for the exorbitant figure, it included salaries paid to players no longer on the team.

All told, the Dodgers’ payroll for those who remained in the organization was closer to $200 million.

There has long been talk from Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten and team president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman of moving toward a roster built on prospects, which invariably would reduce payroll.

Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly recently spoke of moving toward a payroll that is more “sustainable.” He did not specifically state what amount that would be, adding roughly the “league-average” figure was more desirable.

While the Dodgers have implied a slash in payroll is forthcoming, one rival general manager doesn’t believe it to hold true, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:

“They’re not reducing their payroll,” one skeptical GM from a rival team whose payroll is dwarfed by that of the Dodgers.

A significant reduction may not come this offseason, with the Dodgers said to have free agent Zack Greinke as their top target, plus a need at second base, and a desire to upgrade the bullpen.

Despite no longer being responsible for the salaries of Dee Gordon, Dan Haren, Brandon League and Brian Wilson, the Dodgers’ expected spending on MLB free agents and arbitration-eligible players should again run their payroll north of $200 million.

They’ve already committed more than $80 million on international signings (penalties included) during the current signing period. Moreover, there’s always the possibility Los Angeles will take on salary if it means greasing the wheels in order to complete a trade.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com