After winning the 2024 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers took an aggressive approach in free agency that led to several high-profile signings.
The team added the likes of Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Michael Conforto, Kirby Yates, Hyeseong Kim and Roki Sasaki to an already-talented roster that features some of the biggest stars in the league.
The Dodgers’ latest spending spree has drawn the ire of opposing fans and team owners, who believe it is becoming increasingly difficult to compete with them.
However, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten believes the team’s willingness to go out all actually benefits everyone in the sport.
“I think there are two elements to answer that,” he began when asked if the Dodgers are ruining baseball. “First is competitively. As all of you know, the way our game is structured, right now we are three to one against to win a World Series; 70 to 75% someone else will win the World Series.
“Obviously, it hasn’t damaged the game competitively. And on the entertainment side, which is what we are, it’s really good when there’s one beloved team by their fans who come out in record numbers to lead all of baseball in attendance, while that same team can be hated and lead baseball in road attendance.
“That’s a win-win for baseball. And the fact that this is also really contributing to the enhanced globalization of baseball around the world, it’s a win-win-win. This is really good for baseball. I have no question about it, as I didn’t back then.”
Kasten and several other Dodgers officials have stated that they want to reward to the fanbase for their unwavering support by putting the best product on the field.
The Dodgers routinely lead MLB in home attendance and their star power has also helped them draw the most fans on the road.
Kasten also pointed out that the Dodgers’ recent signings has increased their popularity around the world. That is especially true in Japan due to the presence of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Sasaki.
Blake Snell: Dodgers not ‘villains’ of MLB
Snell, who signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason, argued that the team shouldn’t be criticized for wanting to win.
“I don’t look at us as villains,” Snell began. “I look at us as a team that wants to win. If any other teams or fanbases want to get upset, you know what to do. Follow what the Dodgers are doing. They want to win, they’re spending money.
“That’s how you have to do it.”
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