In the world of Major League Baseball, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers are two iconic franchises, both with deep histories and passionate fanbases. The Cubs have long been known for their lovable losers narrative, as they endured a century-long championship drought before breaking through to win the 2016 World Series. The Dodgers, on the other hand, are considered one of the most successful and consistently competitive teams in recent decades, known for their storied legacy and deep roster.
In an unexpected yet insightful statement amidst the ongoing uneven competition in the league, Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer, publicly expressed his admiration for the Dodgers organization. His comments have raised eyebrows across the baseball world, especially given the traditional rivalry between the two teams in the National League. Hoyer’s support underscores a broader appreciation for what the Dodgers have built: a well-oiled machine that has consistently operated at a high level of excellence on and off the field.
“A Great Organization Running on All Cylinders”
Hoyer’s comment—“A great organization running on all cylinders”—was a reflection of the Dodgers’ extraordinary ability to sustain success across various facets of their operations. This phrase highlights several key elements that set the Dodgers apart as one of the preeminent franchises in Major League Baseball.
1. Player Development and Scouting:
The Dodgers have long been lauded for their elite scouting and player development systems. They consistently produce top-tier talent, both through the draft and international signings. Whether it’s homegrown stars like Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager, and Cody Bellinger, or impactful prospects like Gavin Lux and Julio Urías, the Dodgers have established a pipeline that consistently delivers players who contribute at the highest level. Their ability to draft, develop, and retain talent has created a roster that remains competitive year after year, despite significant player turnover.
The Cubs, in contrast, have also made strides in their player development system in recent years, but they still face challenges in consistently bringing top talent through their farm system. The Dodgers’ dominance in this area is a testament to their forward-thinking approach, including embracing analytics, advanced scouting technologies, and an expansive global network to find hidden gems.
2. Front Office Structure and Decision-Making:
At the core of the Dodgers’ sustained success is an innovative front office structure. Under the leadership of President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, the team has embraced modern analytics and data-driven decision-making. The Dodgers are at the forefront of blending traditional baseball knowledge with cutting-edge technology, allowing them to make informed choices in terms of player acquisitions, roster construction, and in-game strategies.
Jed Hoyer and his front office team with the Cubs have adopted a similar approach, though they are still finding their rhythm in terms of consistency and execution. The Cubs have made significant strides in embracing analytics, especially after their 2016 World Series championship, but the Dodgers remain ahead in terms of seamless integration of data and baseball decision-making.
The Dodgers’ ability to execute their strategies flawlessly—whether in terms of managing payroll flexibility, maximizing player potential, or executing blockbuster trades—has been a hallmark of their success in recent years. This success is evidenced by their regular division titles, deep playoff runs, and recent World Series championships, with their front office consistently pulling the right strings to build a championship-caliber roster year in and year out.
3. Financial Strength and Flexibility:
While financial resources are not the sole determinant of a team’s success, they certainly provide a significant advantage. The Dodgers, with their massive television deals, deep-pocketed ownership group, and robust revenue streams from the LA market, are one of the wealthiest teams in Major League Baseball. This financial power allows them to make bold moves in free agency and trade markets, all while maintaining a stable and competitive roster.
Hoyer’s comments about the Dodgers running “on all cylinders” may have been in part a recognition of their financial flexibility, which allows them to sign high-impact players, maintain a deep roster, and outspend many other teams in the league. While the Cubs, particularly in recent years, have focused more on building through the draft and international markets, the Dodgers have consistently made aggressive moves to acquire elite talent through free agency, most notably with high-profile signings like Mookie Betts and Trevor Bauer (although the latter’s tenure was short-lived).
4. Sustainability and Long-Term Vision:
The Dodgers are not just focused on the present, but also on long-term sustainability. Their ability to reload with talent, develop new stars, and remain competitive in the face of an ever-changing landscape in Major League Baseball speaks to their organizational depth. The Dodgers’ success isn’t just about signing big-name players or winning a single championship; they have built a system where they are regularly in the playoff hunt, year after year.
For Hoyer, this is an important element to recognize, particularly as the Cubs are in the midst of their own rebuilding efforts. The Cubs have made progress in their rebuilding project, with an improved farm system and a young, talented core emerging in players like Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, and Justin Steele. However, the Cubs are still striving for the consistency and sustainability that the Dodgers have mastered. The Cubs have yet to find a way to maintain a high level of performance over multiple seasons without significant downturns, something the Dodgers have done with remarkable precision.
5. Impact on the Community and Fanbase:
In addition to their success on the field, the Dodgers have consistently built a strong bond with their fanbase. The team’s ability to connect with the diverse Los Angeles community, from the Latinx population to die-hard baseball fans, has allowed them to become an integral part of the fabric of the city. The Dodgers’ outreach initiatives, charitable foundations, and community programs have made them a beloved institution in LA.
While the Cubs have a similarly devoted fanbase, especially with the loyalty exhibited by their fans at Wrigley Field, the Dodgers have achieved a more widespread national and international appeal. This level of engagement with fans and the community is an important aspect of a team’s overall identity, and it’s an area where the Dodgers excel.
Why Hoyer’s Support Matters
Jed Hoyer’s public endorsement of the Dodgers organization is significant not only because it acknowledges the excellence of a rival team but also because it reflects a deep understanding of what makes a successful baseball franchise. Hoyer’s words suggest a recognition of the Dodgers’ ability to execute all aspects of baseball management—be it player development, scouting, analytics, financial management, or long-term sustainability.
For the Cubs, Hoyer’s praise serves as both a compliment and a roadmap. By recognizing the Dodgers’ success in these areas, Hoyer highlights what his own organization must continue to focus on in order to return to championship contention. The Cubs are currently in a stage of retooling, looking to bounce back from a few years of mediocrity since their 2016 World Series win. To get back to the promised land, Hoyer and the Cubs front office will need to adopt and adapt the best practices that have made the Dodgers a perennial contender.
