Are the superteam Dodgers bad for baseball? The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to dominate discussions in Major League Baseball (MLB) this offseason, attracting some of the league’s most coveted players. Their recent surge in acquisitions has propelled their projected payroll for 2025 to over $370 million, a figure that far surpasses their closest competitors. This aggressive strategy has arguably crafted one of the most formidable rosters in the team’s history.
This situation prompts a broader inquiry about the implications for MLB as a whole. Are the Dodgers setting a precedent that could reshape the competitive landscape of baseball?
In a recent discussion, FOX Sports MLB analysts Deesha Thosar and Rowan Kavner shared their insights on the Dodgers’ dominance and its potential effects on the future of the league.
Moderator: The Dodgers, fresh off a commanding World Series victory, have only strengthened their roster. They appear to be on the brink of creating a dynasty, drawing comparisons to the Yankees of the late 90s and early 2000s. Is this trend ultimately beneficial or detrimental for baseball?
Rowan Kavner: The disparity in payrolls poses challenges for the league, but the absence of repeat champions since the early 2000s indicates some level of competitive balance remains. The Dodgers’ ability to outspend rivals shouldn’t be viewed negatively; their success stems from a combination of financial investment, player development, and strategic opportunities.
Deesha Thosar: Regardless of the frustration it causes among other fan bases, the Dodgers’ commitment to winning is ultimately a positive for baseball. Owners who lament financial constraints should take a cue from the Dodgers’ approach. They either need to innovate their strategies or pass their teams to someone willing to invest in player development and competitive rosters.
Why should successful teams be penalized under the current MLB framework while less competent ownership groups, often comprised of billionaires, show indifference toward winning?
Kavner: The competitive landscape could have intensified if Roki Sasaki had chosen to join the Padres instead of the Dodgers. His decision reflects a desire to maximize his potential in a winning environment. The Dodgers’ substantial investments signal to players that they are serious about long-term success.
Other teams in the National League West, such as the D-backs, Padres, and Giants, are also striving to remain competitive. They are not merely accepting the Dodgers’ supremacy but are actively seeking ways to improve.
Do you think Rōki Sasaki would have opted for an early posting if he weren’t joining the Dodgers this winter?
Sasaki’s urgency to reach MLB appears influenced by his experiences, including personal tragedies that have shaped his outlook. His desire to seize opportunities reflects a pragmatic approach to his career.
What was the Dodgers’ most strategic move this offseason?
Thosar: Their decision to bolster their pitching staff, particularly the acquisition of Blake Snell, stands out. By offering him the highest annual average value among his peers while structuring the smallest overall contract, they managed to attract him. The significant $52 million signing bonus likely played a key role in this negotiation, allowing the Dodgers to maintain flexibility for additional roster enhancements.
While the Dodgers’ roster is impressive, concerns remain about recent trends in pitching injuries. However, they have developed a robust depth chart to mitigate potential setbacks as Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki transition into their roles.
Despite the depth, the Dodgers faced uncertainties in their outfield. The return of Hernández, a beloved player known for his contagious energy, provides crucial support as the team aims to maintain its championship momentum.
Were there any decisions by the Dodgers this winter that raised eyebrows?
Kavner: The plan to position Mookie Betts at shortstop instead of second base surprised some. However, the extensions given to Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, and Hyeseong Kim provide the Dodgers with options should this strategy not pan out. Overall, their offseason moves have been commendable.
What is the potential win total for this team in the upcoming season?
Thosar: If they can maintain health and everything aligns perfectly, they could realistically aim for 105 wins. They’ve embraced the pressure that comes with their ambitions.
Kavner: Given their franchise record of 111 wins set three years ago, I would project them to reach 115 wins. The roster is undoubtedly stacked, but health remains a concern regarding their top pitchers. This is arguably the most talented group the Dodgers have assembled in recent years.
Kavner: The growing disparity in payrolls raises questions about the future of financial equity in MLB. Players are opposed to a salary cap, but a salary floor could be beneficial. However, implementing either would be challenging given the wide range of payroll figures across teams. Changes to deferral rules might be on the horizon, but a contentious negotiation seems inevitable.
Thosar: A lockout seems likely, with many anticipating a contentious negotiation process. The complexity of implementing a salary cap complicates the situation further.
The future of local TV rights will be a significant topic in the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA). There may be enough common ground among MLB owners and players to reach a mutually beneficial solution, potentially delaying discussions about a salary cap until a later CBA.
Could the players consider accepting a salary cap to avoid a prolonged lockout?
Thosar: While circumstances might evolve, the unity among all 30 owners regarding a salary cap is questionable.
Kavner: If owners take a hard stance on a salary cap, the possibility of missed games looms large. The upcoming seasons will be critical in determining how these financial dynamics will unfold, but for now, fans can look forward to another exciting season. There will still be 11 teams aside from the Dodgers vying for postseason opportunities.
Thosar: The recent expansion of playoffs has made it easier for smaller-market teams to reach October, which adds an intriguing element to the ongoing discussion about superteams. The challenge for the Dodgers and their rivals is to balance ambition with the realities of competitive baseball.
Kavner: Should the Padres defeat the Dodgers in the NLDS, the conversation about reforming the game will likely intensify.
Thosar: Regardless of the Dodgers’ potential repeat as champions, the narrative surrounding their spending and roster construction will influence future discussions about the game’s structure. The league will keep a close eye on their financial strategies moving forward.
Kavner: While the Dodgers’ payroll may be significant, it does not guarantee postseason success. The Arizona Diamondbacks reached the World Series with a payroll in the lower half of the league, demonstrating that success can come from various paths. Other teams should take note and either invest in their rosters or transition to new ownership willing to do so.
