The Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-game matchup against the New York Mets earlier this season marked the most expensive series in MLB history with a combined competitive balance tax payroll of more than $1.07 billion.
Both teams are routinely among the league’s biggest spenders and that continues to be the case this season. But while the Dodgers have drawn the ire of opposing fans and team owners, they were slightly overshadowed financially.
The Mets had the highest Opening Day payroll at $352.2 million, which was just below the record they set in 2023, via Ronald Blum of the Associated Press.
The Mets’ payroll of $352.2 million was just below the record $355.4 million they set in 2023 and up from $322.6 million last year.
The Dodgers were right behind the Mets with an Opening Day payroll of $316.6 million, which is slightly down from a year ago. However, they would easily lead the league if not for deferrals in 10 players’ contracts.
The two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers were second at $316.6 million, down from $319.5 million last year. The Dodgers’ total would be $395.2 million if deals for nine players with deferred money had not been discounted to present-day value. The Mets have deals with deferred money with just three players and their total would be $360 million without discounting.
While many teams defer salary to future years, the strategy has become synonymous to the Dodgers’ recent stretch of success. By reducing their short-term cash obligations, L.A. is able to maximize their resources and build the best roster possible.
Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season, which at the time was the largest deal in professional sports history. That stood until the Mets signed Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract before the 2025 season.
However, Ohtani will only earn $20 million over the lifetime of the deal, with the remaining $680 million to be paid out from 2034-43.
Mookie Betts ($120 million), Blake Snell ($66 million), Freddie Freeman ($57 million), Will Smith ($50 million), Kyle Tucker ($30 million), Tommy Edman ($25 million), Teoscar Hernández ($23.5 million), Tanner Scott ($21 million) and Edwin Díaz ($13.5 million) also have deferred salary due to be paid by the Dodgers.
Dodgers broke Mets’ MLB spending record
In 2025, the Dodgers spent a combined $514.7 million in payroll and luxury tax as they cruised to their second consecutive World Series title. That ended a three-year run of financial dominance by the Mets, who led MLB in that category from 2022-2024.
The Dodgers’ total of nearly $515 million was the highest figure ever recorded by an MLB franchise, surpassing the previous record of $430.4 million set by the Mets in 2024.
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