The Los Angeles Dodgers’ spending in free agency over the past two years has sparked conversations about the increasing disparity in payroll between the perceived haves and have-nots in MLB.
Such debates will continue well into the future, with an increasing likelihood that MLB owners will push for the addition of a salary cap when the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is up for renewal in 2026.
The Dodgers’ stance on their spending and maintaining the status quo is clear, with president and CEO Stan Kasten calling it a “win-win-win” for MLB.
The Grand Canyon-sized gap in payroll between the biggest spenders and the stingiest teams in the Majors is a concern for MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, but he doesn’t see the Dodgers as the problem.
“I think disparity should be—and certainly is—at the top of my list of concerns about what’s going on in this sport,” Manfred said. “When I say I can’t be critical of the Dodgers, it’s because they’re doing what the system allows. If I’m going to be critical of something, it’s not going to be the Dodgers. It’s going to be the system.”
In fact, Manfred has previously pushed back on the notion that the Dodgers are ruining the sport and has praised the team for being a well-run organization.
Manfred has also suggested exploring other solutions instead of a salary cap. If MLB owners push for one, there will almost certainly be a lengthy lockout after the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires, as the Players Association is expected to push back against that idea.
Rob Manfred: Dodgers’ competitive sprit is ‘a great thing’
The Dodgers’ commitment to putting the best possible product on the field—regardless of cost—sets a strong example for other organizations to follow. More teams showing the same dedication to winning as the Dodgers can only benefit the sport.
Manfred believes MLB fans appreciate the Dodgers’ “competitive spirit” but also wants to address the concerns of smaller-market fan bases.
“I think the Dodgers have gone out and done everything possible, always within the rules that currently exist, to put the best possible team on the field. I think that’s a great thing for the game. That type of competitive spirit is what people want to see,” Manfred said.
“By the same token, I said this at the owners’ meetings, and I’ll say it again—it’s clear we have fans in some markets who are concerned about their team’s ability to compete financially with the Dodgers. If we’ve been consistent on one point, it’s that we try to listen to our fans on topics like this. I’ve heard them. Believe me, I’ve gotten a lot of emails about it.”
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