The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a top-10 payroll in each full season since they were purchased by the Guggenheim ownership group in May 2012, and held the highest payroll in baseball in seven of those years.
A sustained financial commitment has translated to plenty of success, with 12 consecutive postseason appearances, 11 National League West titles, four pennants and two World Series championships. It seems as if they are just getting started, as the Dodgers remain World Series favorites this season and appear primed for more success in the future.
The Dodgers’ high payroll has drawn comparisons to the Yankees strategies under former owner George Steinbrenner, whose tenure was marked by lavish spending in free agency and high payrolls from 1973-2010.
“The dollars are obviously bigger. I think the interesting fun fact that no one tells about the Dodgers, whatever they spend, they’re probably more profitable on a percentage basis than the old Yankees were. Meaning, it could be more sustainable, so it is more of a problem,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred recently said.
“Look, it is the core of the issues in our economic system is that disparity-driven difference in terms of the ability to compete. So in a sense, it is sort of the same.”
Steinbrenner’s commitment to winning by any means resulted in the Yankees claiming seven World Series tiles and having prolonged stretches of dominance during his time as owner. Included in that was four championships in the span of five seasons from 1996-2000.
The Dodgers are certainly trying to replicate that level of success going forward with the moves they have made in the past two years, which would be excellent for the organization, players and fans. But it also has angered other teams and caused Manfred to express concern even if he isn’t faulting the Dodgers.
Rob Manfred: criticize ‘the system’ not Dodgers for MLB payroll disparity
The current payroll disparity in MLB is something that is a big emphasis for Manfred before he retires as commissioner at the end of his term in 2029.
Manfred previously stated he believes the current system is to blame for MLB payroll disparity and not the Dodgers, who are operating within the rules of what is allowed.
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