The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the talk of the offseason for the multiple splashes made in free agency, which came just months after the team won the 2024 World Series.
The Dodgers most notably re-signed Teoscar Hernández while bringing in the likes of Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott and Michael Conforto.
The Dodgers’ ability to outspend teams has drawn criticism from opposing fans and some who cover the sport. Complaints range from operating in bad faith with deferred salary to outright claims of ruining baseball.
Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer does not it see that way and praised the Dodgers for being a well-run organization, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“We’ve got two teams in the National League, obviously from a financial standpoint, are able to do things other teams can’t do,” Hoyer said. “I guess that’s the best way to say it. I think that kind of raises the stakes for everyone to a certain extent.
“Listen on the Dodgers, people focus on the size of their payroll and the deferments, and stuff like that, but it’s just a great organization that’s kind of running on all the cylinders. They do well in the draft. They do well internationally. They make smart trades. They do a good job finding value on the margins. And they also can go sign major free agents.
“So, I just think that focusing on the amount of money they spend does a disservice to an organization that’s running at a really high level.”
As Hoyer noted, the Dodgers do more than just outspend teams for elite players. They have created a positive culture that others want to be part of, which is a testament to manager Dave Roberts and the rest of the coaching staff.
The Dodgers also draft well and routinely find hidden gems on the trade market, largely due to the organization placing an emphasis on scouting and analytics in order to help sustain success rather than have sporadic peaks.
Cubs owner critical of Dodgers
While Hoyer was extremely complimentary of the Dodgers organization, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts shared some criticism of their financial resources.
Ricketts claimed the Cubs are not able to lavishly spend and merely try to break even.
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