The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, have undeniably achieved an impressive level of success in recent years. With their deep pockets, a talent-rich roster, and front-office acumen, the Dodgers have become the epitome of dominance in baseball, winning multiple division titles and claiming the 2020 World Series championship. However, as their empire grows, so too does the perception that they are becoming the “Evil Empire” of baseball. This comparison to the New York Yankees, a team synonymous with both success and perceived villainy, is not without merit. But, despite the negative connotations associated with such a label, the Dodgers’ success should be embraced for what it represents: a model for other teams to follow in terms of dedication, strategic thinking, and the pursuit of excellence. While it’s easy to point fingers at the Dodgers and decry their wealth and power, the reality is that baseball, like any other sport, thrives when teams are driven by the same ambition and zeal that the Dodgers exhibit.
The Dodgers’ Rise to Dominance
Over the past decade, the Dodgers have transformed into an MLB powerhouse. With a combination of high payrolls, sharp player development, and shrewd trades, the team has consistently been a contender. Since Andrew Friedman took over as the President of Baseball Operations in 2014, the Dodgers have been methodical in how they build their roster. They’ve made bold moves in the trade market, signed high-profile free agents, and integrated analytics into their decision-making process.
This calculated approach to team-building has paid off. The Dodgers have won eight consecutive National League West titles, made it to three World Series in five years, and secured their long-awaited championship in 2020. Their ability to blend traditional scouting with modern technology, like sabermetrics, has been pivotal in keeping them competitive year after year.
The “Evil Empire” Label
The term “Evil Empire” has been used in sports for decades to describe dominant teams that, often due to their wealth and success, are viewed with resentment by fans of other teams. The New York Yankees were the original “Evil Empire,” thanks to their vast financial resources, a legacy of championship titles, and a roster consistently stocked with some of the game’s best players. The Yankees’ 1990s dynasty, in particular, cemented their reputation as a team that could outspend and outplay the competition year after year, to the frustration of the rest of baseball.
Fast forward to the present day, and the Dodgers have taken up a similar mantle. Their enormous payroll, often hovering near the $200 million mark, places them among the richest teams in baseball. And with the arrival of marquee players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw—along with a deep farm system and advanced analytical strategies—the Dodgers’ reputation for being a juggernaut has only grown.
The perception of the Dodgers as the “Evil Empire” is tied to more than just their financial resources. It’s about their overwhelming success, the talent on their roster, and their ability to reload year after year. As the Dodgers become the standard-bearers of excellence, other teams may feel that they are playing in an unfair landscape where only the wealthiest clubs can compete. In this context, the term “Evil Empire” is a shorthand for frustration—fans of teams with fewer resources may feel that it’s impossible to challenge the Dodgers, or teams like them, because of their financial and strategic advantages.
Competing with Zeal: A Call to Arms for Every MLB Team
While it’s tempting to view the Dodgers’ success as a symbol of unfairness, the truth is that their approach should be viewed as a challenge to all other MLB teams. The Dodgers are not simply winning because of their financial power. Rather, they are succeeding because of their willingness to constantly innovate, improve, and invest in every facet of the game.
Take a closer look at how the Dodgers have built their roster. Their investment in player development has been unparalleled. They have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, regularly producing major league-caliber players. The Dodgers’ ability to develop homegrown talent is one of the key reasons they are able to sustain success year after year. Their front office also consistently finds undervalued players on the trade market, making moves that strengthen the roster without overspending.
Other teams can and should emulate this approach. While the Dodgers may have more financial flexibility than smaller-market teams, every team has the ability to focus on development, analytics, and strategic decision-making. It’s about investing time and resources in building a team that is prepared for the long haul. Competing with zeal isn’t just about spending money—it’s about making smart, informed decisions that create sustainable success over time.
For example, smaller-market teams like the Tampa Bay Rays have built competitive rosters without the same financial resources as the Dodgers. The Rays rely heavily on advanced metrics, player development, and shrewd trades to build competitive teams on a budget. While they may not have the star-studded roster of the Dodgers, the Rays are consistently in the playoff hunt, proving that success doesn’t always require a massive payroll. This is the type of creativity and drive that every MLB team should aspire to.
Additionally, the rise of analytics has allowed teams to level the playing field to some extent. The Dodgers may have the resources to employ an entire analytics department, but teams without such financial clout can still make data-driven decisions. From shifts in defensive positioning to identifying hidden gems in the minor leagues, analytics gives every team the potential to compete effectively, even against the most well-funded organizations.
The Role of Management
A key factor in the Dodgers’ dominance is their ability to build a stable and successful management team. Under Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers have flourished because of his expertise in team-building and long-term planning. His vision for a balanced approach—combining traditional scouting with cutting-edge analytics—has proven to be a model for success.
It’s no coincidence that the teams that are most successful, whether large-market or small-market, tend to have one thing in common: a front office that prioritizes a clear and cohesive strategy. The Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and even the Rays are prime examples of organizations that have employed smart management to achieve success.
Other MLB teams can certainly compete with the Dodgers’ level of zeal if they are willing to invest in leadership and structure. This is not to say that every team needs to have the same resources as the Dodgers, but rather that there is an opportunity for every organization to improve by making thoughtful decisions, fostering collaboration, and committing to a long-term vision. The Dodgers’ success is not just a result of having the money to sign big names but also their approach to management and team-building that other teams should emulate.
The Bigger Picture: MLB as a Whole
Baseball, as a sport, is at its best when teams are competing with passion and purpose. The Dodgers’ success is a reminder that excellence in baseball requires a blend of preparation, talent, and innovation. However, it should also serve as a reminder that every team, regardless of its financial situation, can compete at a high level if it embraces the same zeal.
The larger question here is not whether the Dodgers are the “Evil Empire,” but whether every MLB team can learn from their success. It’s not about creating a competitive imbalance, but about raising the overall standard of play in the league. Whether a team is a perennial contender or one still in the rebuilding phase, there is a pathway to success that can be pursued through smart investments in analytics, player development, and leadership.
In the end, the Dodgers are not an anomaly—they are a model for what can be achieved when an organization commits to the pursuit of excellence. They’ve become baseball’s “Evil Empire” not because they cheat the system or circumvent the rules, but because they have set a standard that others should strive to meet. And in a sport where every team should have a shot at glory, this spirit of competition should be the driving force behind the efforts of every franchise. Teams must learn to compete with the same zeal, whether they are the Dodgers or the underdogs, if they hope to rise to the occasion and challenge the reigning powers in baseball.
