MLB Fans Call Dodgers’ Offseason Spending ‘Unfair’ After Sasaki, Scott Contracts
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been at the center of offseason discussions for Major League Baseball (MLB) due to their high-profile moves and significant spending sprees. The 2025 offseason has seen the Dodgers make waves by adding key talent to their roster, most notably the signing of Japanese phenom Riku Sasaki and a blockbuster contract extension for rising star Jordan Scott. These moves have left many MLB fans questioning whether the Dodgers are becoming too dominant, with accusations of their spending practices being “unfair” in the context of the MLB’s competitive balance.
Sasaki’s Arrival: A Global Phenomenon
Riku Sasaki, one of the most coveted international free agents in recent memory, was signed by the Dodgers after months of speculation. The 22-year-old right-hander is widely regarded as one of the best pitching prospects to come out of Japan in years, often compared to some of the best pitchers in MLB history. Sasaki’s fastball can reach upwards of 102 mph, while his slider and splitter are considered elite offerings that could make him a game-changer in the majors.
While the Dodgers have a history of making international splashes, the acquisition of Sasaki has garnered particular attention due to the staggering amount of money involved. Reports suggest that the Dodgers offered Sasaki a deal worth over $200 million, a number that eclipses the previous records for international signings by a significant margin. Given the Dodgers’ reputation for being one of the most financially powerful teams in MLB, this move has led to concerns about the growing financial disparity between the league’s haves and have-nots.
For fans outside of Los Angeles, the signing of Sasaki has only fueled the narrative that the Dodgers are simply buying their way to success. With payrolls that consistently top the league, many argue that teams like the Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox have an unfair advantage over smaller market clubs who cannot compete with their financial resources. The sheer size of the deal for a player like Sasaki, who has yet to play a single MLB game, is seen by many as a symptom of the growing inequality in the sport.
Jordan Scott’s Extension: Locking Down Another Star
Alongside the acquisition of Sasaki, the Dodgers also extended Jordan Scott, their young and talented outfielder, to a massive contract worth over $300 million. Scott has been a key player for the Dodgers since making his MLB debut in 2023, and his ability to hit for both average and power has made him one of the league’s most exciting young stars.
Scott’s new contract is notable not only for its size but also for the timing. With Scott still in the prime of his career and under team control for several more years, the Dodgers were able to lock him down before he hit free agency. For a team that already boasts an enviable roster of talent, including perennial MVP candidates like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the move has led to frustration among fans who feel that the Dodgers are simply too deep, both in terms of talent and financial resources.
Critics argue that MLB’s current salary structure, which lacks a hard salary cap, has allowed teams like the Dodgers to accumulate an overwhelming amount of talent. By signing top-tier free agents, re-signing their own stars, and outspending nearly every other team in the league, the Dodgers have positioned themselves as the dominant force in baseball. Many fans feel that this undermines the competitive nature of the league and makes it harder for smaller-market teams to compete on a level playing field.
The Debate Over Competitive Balance in MLB
The Dodgers’ offseason moves have ignited a larger conversation about competitive balance in MLB. The league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) includes various mechanisms designed to promote fairness and prevent the richest teams from completely outspending their rivals. These include luxury tax thresholds, which penalize teams that exceed a certain payroll limit, and revenue-sharing programs aimed at redistributing wealth from high-revenue teams to those with less financial power.
However, critics argue that these mechanisms are insufficient. The Dodgers, with their massive television deal and lucrative sponsorship contracts, are able to surpass the luxury tax threshold without much financial strain. Meanwhile, teams in smaller markets, such as the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, or Pittsburgh Pirates, struggle to keep up financially, let alone add the kind of talent that the Dodgers have been able to secure.
Some have suggested that MLB should implement a salary cap, similar to the one used in the National Football League (NFL) or National Basketball Association (NBA), to level the playing field. A salary cap would set a hard limit on how much a team can spend on player salaries, preventing wealthier teams from stockpiling talent at the expense of others. While such a proposal has been met with resistance from owners of big-market teams, many fans believe that a cap would lead to a more equitable system and a more exciting, unpredictable product on the field.
In the absence of a salary cap, others have proposed changes to the luxury tax system, such as reducing the thresholds at which teams are penalized or increasing the penalties for teams that consistently exceed them. Additionally, some have suggested that MLB could implement a draft system for international free agents, similar to the one used for domestic players, in order to prevent wealthier teams from monopolizing global talent.
The Dodgers’ Dominance: A Double-Edged Sword
While the Dodgers’ offseason spending has drawn the ire of many fans, it is important to acknowledge that their success on the field is not simply a result of financial resources. The Dodgers have built a well-rounded and deep organization, with a strong player development system and a commitment to scouting and analytics. Their ability to identify and nurture talent, both domestically and internationally, is a key factor in their sustained success.
Moreover, the Dodgers have consistently been one of the most successful teams in MLB over the past decade, regularly making the playoffs and winning multiple division titles. Their commitment to excellence, both in terms of player acquisition and in-game management, has helped them remain a perennial contender in the postseason.
That being said, the perception of the Dodgers as a “super team” created by financial might is difficult to ignore. In an era where MLB’s economic structure favors the wealthiest clubs, the Dodgers’ approach to team-building has led to frustration among fans of smaller-market teams, who feel that the deck is stacked against them.
