The Los Angeles Dodgers are at the center of the salary cap debate because of their lavish spending and the success it has helped bring the franchise, becoming the first back-to-back champion MLB has seen in 25 years.
Manager Dave Roberts recently gave his opinion on the matter, pointing to the NBA’s salary cap model as something he could get behind because it also includes a floor.
The implementation of a potential MLB salary cap will be a point of contention between the owners and Players Association (MLBPA) when the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expires on Dec. 1, 2026.
Supporting a salary cap proposal is not a popular opinion among the players, with MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark stating that the union believes it would ultimately do more harm than good for baseball.
When asked about how his comments might affect players’ opinion of him, Roberts said that he doesn’t think it will have any impact in the Dodgers clubhouse or overall.
“Here’s the thing, I’m entitled to an opinion, as we all are. Fortunately, unfortunately, I don’t have a vote. I still think the game is in a great spot and everyone is winning. It’s the greatest game and it’s a lot of fun,” Roberts began.
“For me, I’m focused on 2026. I was asked a question and I answered it honestly. But again, my opinion shouldn’t move the needle. There’s people that are going to have those conversations. For me, I love where the game is at and I love the game of baseball.”
“As far as your question about the players, each player knows how much I care about them and their well-being. I’m not concerned with that at all.”
It is well documented that Roberts one of the most-liked managers in baseball, especially among his own players. Freddie Freeman said one of his skipper’s biggest strengths is the ability to make players understand he truly cares about them.
Dodgers not worried about MLB salary cap
If MLB were ever to implement a salary cap, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten believes the team would continue to contend every season.
Kasten has strong reason to make that assertion, as the Dodgers’ drivers of success go far beyond spending money in free agency.
The Dodgers have been highly successful for more than a decade also because of their superb player development and scouting department that covers amateurs, the Minor Leagues and the Major League players as well.
By working cohesively, those areas of the organization amount to to acquiring undervalued players and reclamation projects, drafting diamonds in the rough, and much more.
The infrastructure didn’t come about by chance, but rather heavy investment in team facilities and personnel. That fact isn’t going to change in the event of an MLB salary cap.
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