Since buying All-star outfielder Mookie Betts in 2020 in trade with the Boston Red Sox, the have continued to add superstars to their roster.
First baseman Freddie Freeman, starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and two-way player Yoshinobu Otani have joined the within the past four seasons.
The ‘ high spending has encouraged their ability to sign almost every free agent on the market. In the last two offseasons, Los Angeles agreed to sign and extend the free agent for over $1.8 billion.
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Kenkendrick, who owns the Arizona Diamondbacks, has won front row seats in the ‘ domination as both franchises are part of the National League West Division. Kendricks believes that Los Angeles’ high spending contributed to the uneven playing field for division titles.
“Are their baseball people and their owners smarter than everyone else? I don’t think so,” Kendrick told Nick Peero of Arizona Central. “Our game avoids the arena in playoffs somewhat evenly depending on how the playoffs work, but the regular season isn’t even a playing field.
Diamondback earned a $189 million salary in 2025 compared to the ‘ $330 million payroll per spot rack.
Arizona was able to sign top talent, including starting pitcher Corbin Burnes this offseason. However, Kendrick said additional financial support would benefit Los Angeles.
“I believe in someone who is brighter than the next guy is more successful than the next guy,” Kendrick said. “But when you see a team with five times the salary of its competitors, the chances that come with that team over time are five times higher than teams that are not financially supported. They win.”
While the controversy surrounds the ‘ spending habits, there is no doubt that Los Angeles has built a dynasty in recent years. The have won 11 NL West titles in the last 12 years and two World Series titles in the last five years.
It appears that Los Angeles will not be slowing down spending anytime soon, and the NL West team will rely on baseball’s unpredictability to counter the ‘ economic advantage.
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Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Usa Today Sports
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