The Los Angeles Dodgers have been big spenders under the ownership of Guggenheim Baseball Management, and charged headfirst into new territory the past two offseasons with an ultra-aggressive approach to spending in free agency.
With a bill of $476.5 million after taxes, the Dodgers entered the 2025 season with the largest payroll in the Majors this season. All the talent collected has paid off as the team has the second-best record in baseball despite some subpar stretches and rash of early injuries.
On the other hand, the Miami Marlins are in the midst of yet another rebuild after earning two circumstantial playoff appearances in the past six seasons. Not expecting to be in a position to compete this season with holes up and down the roster, the Marlins entered this season with the lowest payroll in the Majors.
They currently find themselves in last place in the National League East.
The first meeting of the season between the Dodgers and Marlins represented the largest disparity between two opponents in the modern era, according to Andy McCullough of the Athletic:
When the Dodgers host the Marlins this week, the payroll difference will be an estimated $406.5 million, which is believed to be the largest in modern history.
Sandy Alcantara is the highest-paid player on the Marlins roster with a $17.3 million salary. He is also the only player in the organization making more than $4.5 million. Of the players on the Marlins’ active roster, 21 out of 26 are making less than $1 million this season.
Alcantara would be tied with Michael Conforto as the Dodgers’ fifth-highest paid player, while Mookie Betts’ salary alone is more than the Marlins’ three highest paid players combined.
Bryce Harper praises Dodgers high payroll
The Dodgers winning the 2024 World Series and going on to spend even more in the offseason angered opposing fans and some team owners, with only a small group voicing their support.
Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper is in the minority, as he commended the Dodgers’ commitment to winning at all costs.
Harper is part of a Phillies team that has spent aggressively in free agency, including on his 13-year, $330 million contract in March 2019. He has seen firsthand how investing in players can lead an organization to success, with the Phillies making the World Series in 2022.
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