The Los Angeles Dodgers have been on a roll for the last couple of years by signing top players. The Boys in Blue undoubtedly have some of the team’s best players. However, several stars have deferred payouts that might affect the team in the long run.
While it might or might not be an issue for the team, for now, they are paving the way for another World Series victory. The franchise recently signed 2024 Home Run Derby winner Teoscar Hernandez. The slugger, who initially never wanted deferred money, has agreed to a three-year contract for $66 million.
After Hernandez’s signing, MLB insider Jeff Passan shared his thoughts on the team’s approach to signing players with deferred money. Passan wrote that other teams could do the same but choose not to. MLB fans quickly responded to Passan’s post, calling out the team for taking advantage of the system.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a machine. Not only do they print cash, their willingness to spend it in pursuit of winning is unmatched. They put their money where their mouth is. Others could benefit greatly from the same approach. They choose not to.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 27, 2024
Here’s a look at some fan reactions on X.
“The Dodgers are just taking advantage of the system. It will eventually be fixed. Until then I don’t blame them at all,” one fan replied.
The Dodgers are just taking advantage of the system. It will eventually be fixed. Until then I don't blame them at all.
— BigLeeChew (@bigleechew) December 28, 2024
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“Sure, all of that is true. Also true is that the MLB is ridiculous for allowing their rules to allow such a salary differential between the top and bottom team,” wrote one fan.
Sure, all of that is true. Also true is that the MLB is ridiculous for allowing their rules to allow such a salary differential between the top and bottom team.
— scrapple sports (@scrappleSports) December 28, 2024
“So you’re implying that the Brewers, Royals, Pirates, Marlins, etc. could just spend like the Dodgers easily and just CHOOSE not to?” one fan asked.
…so you're implying that the Brewers, Royals, Pirates, Marlins, etc. could just spend like the Dodgers easily and just CHOOSE not to? 🧐
— Ryan Mackman 🟦 (@rmackman) December 28, 2024
“The chasm between large and small markets continues to grow,” wrote on fan.
One problem: “The chasm between large and small markets continues to grow…” @JeffPassan
— Dan Bartkowiak (@DanBartkowiak) December 28, 2024
“Others can’t benefit from that approach because they don’t have the luxury of spending that much,” one fan chipped in.
Others can’t benefit from that approach because they don’t have the luxury of spending that much
— Clayton Wollner (@ClayWollner) December 27, 2024
A salary cap would be beneficial for the entire league IMO.
— KJ (@kung_jook) December 28, 2024
Just set it high enough that teams can still spend if they want to, but stops them from assembling the Avengers.
Or we could put a hard cap so smaller markets can compete
— The North Remembers (@LaneAryeh) December 28, 2024
They aren’t a machine. They buy championships. The Astros are a machine.
— Alex (@htowncritic) December 27, 2024
Dodgers Are Predicted To Add More Players To Their Team
The 2024 offseason has been surprising, with multiple free agents signing with unexpected teams. Furthermore, several top free agents still remain on the market. Sluggers like Alex Bregman and Anthony Rizzo are expected to find a team soon.
Veteran pitchers like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander are waiting for an opportunity. With plenty of talent available, the Dodgers are predicted to add more players to their team. The franchise surprised MLB fans by pursuing several players this offseason.
While many thought they would miss out on Hernadez, they brought back their star player for another World Series run. The MLB free agent market has picked up the pace this holiday season. Just after Hernandez’s signing, top pitcher Corbin Burnes agreed to a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
