The Dodgers and the Misunderstanding of Baseball Success

There’s a recurring complaint that the Los Angeles Dodgers are ruining baseball by leveraging a high payroll; uninformed fans, media members, and opposing owners often push for a salary cap to increase their profits. However, a few years back, the Dodgers were the sport’s laughingstock. In 2020, they claimed the World Series in Arlington, only for critics to label it a ‘Mickey Mouse ring.’

Despite winning 106 games in 2021, the Dodgers fell in the playoffs to the Atlanta Braves, a team with a regular-season record of 88-73. In 2022, they achieved 111 wins but managed only one postseason victory, losing to the San Diego Padres, who finished 22 games behind them. In 2023, after securing 100 wins, they were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks, who had a record of 84-78. As a result, many called them ‘chokers,’ noting their lack of full-season titles since 1988.

The Dodgers consistently rank at the top in team payroll. Yet, they lost playoffs to teams with fewer than 90 wins. Despite this, they’re now perceived as villains, much like the Yankees in the late 1990s. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pointed out the outdated criticisms, stating that the team’s success is rooted in the draft, player development, and acquiring international talent.

As utility player Miguel Rojas explained, spending money isn’t enough to guarantee victory. Other teams with similar payrolls haven’t achieved what the Dodgers have, which is why they aren’t criticized in the same manner. The Dodgers’ comeback in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series against the Blue Jays showcased their approach to acquiring talent. Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, and Will Smith, all acquired in cost-effective ways, played crucial roles in victory.

Reliever Will Klein, DFA’d twice last season, became a key player after LA improved his skills. Roberts emphasized that while payroll offers depth, player development and integrating younger athletes into a high-profile clubhouse bring value. The success of home-grown players earning league minimum significantly contributed to postseason rosters.

Comparisons with the Mets and Yankees highlight that money doesn’t automatically result in championships. The Mets haven’t won since 1986, and the Yankees not since 2009, despite their frequent top-three payroll ranking. The offseason acquisitions of Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz didn’t yield the expected results. Tucker is underperforming, and Diaz faced injury challenges.

Contrastingly, LA’s bullpen benefited from players like Jack Dreyer and Blake Treinen. The team’s ability to identify talent plays a central role in their continued success. Complaining about money is easy, but identifying unheralded players requires skill and insight.