The Los Angeles Dodgers have frequently come up in collective bargaining negotiations as Major League Baseball team owners push for a salary cap.
The league has leveraged Dodgers in discussions, specifically taking aim at the union’s pitch for a “competitive integrity tax” that would penalize teams that don’t spend at least $150 million on payroll.
While the narrative has been that the Dodgers’ financial resources give them an unfair advantage, the reality is they do more than just spend money on top free agents.
Miguel Rojas believes the front office deserves credit for their shrewd trades, drafting and contingency plans that have led to sustained success over the last decade, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.
“The way they constructed the roster in this organization deserves a lot of credit,” Rojas said. “It’s not just buying the players and spending money on players, it’s having Plan B’s and C’s behind them, and that’s where I feel the organization is not getting enough credit for building a full team that is capable of sustaining so many injuries throughout the season and having guys ready when they get called up.”
The Dodgers are in the midst of a historic stretch that includes 13 consecutive postseason appearances, 12 National League West titles, five pennants and three World Series championships.
While it’s true that the Dodgers have made plenty of splashy signings in recent years, they also place a strong emphasis on drafting and developing players.
L.A.’s depth has been on full display this season, with the likes of Dalton Rushing, Alex Freeland, Ryan Ward and Hyeseong Kim contributing at various points.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been ravaged by injuries as well, leading to Justin Wrobleski, Emmet Sheehan and Eric Lauer all getting starting opportunities. Edgardo Henriquez, Kyle Hurt and Jonathan Hernández are among those with spots in the bullpen.
Dave Roberts: Dodgers criticism is ‘lazy’
Manager Dave Roberts is aware of the shade being thrown at the organization, but sees it as lazy because of the sole focus on the Dodgers’ payroll.
Mounting criticism placed on the Dodgers reached a fever pitch during the offseason when they signed Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker to respective record-setting contracts. In the case of Tucker, his deal was reported as being the final straw for some team owners and painted as being the reason for a likely MLB lockout.
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