The Los Angeles Dodgers’ offseason spending spree has sent shockwaves through the MLB, with their projected 2025 payroll now exceeding $370 million. This unprecedented spending has led to a superteam, making them the favorites to repeat as champions. However, the Dodgers’ dominance has sparked concerns about the balance in the league and the financial sustainability of other teams.
In a recent discussion, FOX Sports’ Deesha Thosar and Rowan Kavner weighed in on the situation. Kavner believes that the payroll discrepancy is a problem, but he also believes that the Dodgers’ success goes beyond just their spending. “The Dodgers have built a machine through spending, development, and opportunism,” he said. “What the Dodgers are doing is good for baseball, even if it’s irritating 29 other fan bases – because they are prioritizing winning.”
Thosar argued that the focus should be on the lower payroll teams, rather than penalizing successful teams like the Dodgers. “What’s the point of punishing teams that are successful within the existing MLB rule book, while rewarding incompetent ownership groups who are apathetic to winning?” she asked.
The duo also discussed the impact of the Dodgers’ moves on the rest of the league. Kavner suggested that the NL West could become an even more competitive division, with the Padres, D-backs, and Giants all looking to challenge the Dodgers. Thosar predicted that the Dodgers’ rotation, bolstered by the additions of Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and others, will be the strength of the team.
In their final thoughts, Kavner and Thosar touched on the potential for a salary cap or lockout after the 2026 season. Kavner believes that a lockout is more likely, while Thosar thinks that a salary cap could be on the table if it means avoiding a lockout.
Overall, the Dodgers’ offseason moves have sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they are serious about repeating as champions. But the question remains – what’s next for the rest of the league, and how will the Dodgers’ dominance be addressed in the years to come?
