The Dodgers as a Model Franchise
The Los Angeles Dodgers exemplify a successful franchise, constructed through numerous strategic decisions. They maximize every advantage available to them to satisfy their fans, much like the famous line from an old shampoo ad advises, “don’t hate them because they’re beautiful.”
Pursuit of Championships
The Dodgers remain focused on winning championships, which is commendable. Kyle Tucker, despite never hitting more than 30 home runs or achieving a .300 batting average in a season, is now considered overpaid at an average of $57 million per year (accounting for deferrals). However, his addition enhances the Dodgers’ competitiveness, and given their financial capacity, they are justified in making this investment.
The Inevitability of Competition
It’s naïve to think any team can operate like the Dodgers. If the Dodgers decide to pursue a player and consistently outbid others, competing teams face a dilemma. For instance, the New York Mets might then target the next best player, Bo Bichette, and offer him $126 million over three years. This demonstrates how free agency functions; Tucker’s salary sets a precedent that aids other players like Bichette, contributing to an overall improvement in the sport.
The Evolution of Free Agency
Fifty years after the inception of free agency, it initially sparked outrage among owners, yet its advantages have come to benefit various teams. The New York Yankees, as well as the Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and San Diego Padres, have all seen success thanks to free agency, enabling them to win like never before.
The Case Against a Salary Cap
While fans have embraced free agency, baseball remains the only major sport without a salary cap. Each time the Dodgers excel, calls for a cap intensify. Recent collective bargaining agreements have aimed to reduce practices like tanking and service-time manipulation, but the disparity in wealth among owners persists. A better system is needed to encourage low-payroll teams to invest, but raising the spending floor may lead to a desire to implement a salary cap, which has historically been rejected by players.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The upcoming expiration of the collective bargaining agreement offers both sides an opportunity to negotiate a solution that safeguards the integrity of the game while addressing criticisms of fairness. This is particularly challenging as the notion of inequity is deeply ingrained in the sport’s culture. Although there have been occasional low to mid-payroll champions, the image of disparity remains strong.
The Dodgers’ Approach to Team Building
The Dodgers have thrived by minimizing the importance of the regular season and ensuring a robust roster that nearly guarantees playoff contention. Their ability to adjust strategies proves effective, as seen in their innovative use of matchups during critical games. They have capitalized on opportunities to sign undervalued players and consistently make smart trades, showcasing how wealth can be complemented by strategic acumen.
