TheLos Angeles Dodgers are once again the center of attention after landing another superstar, solidifying their status as the overwhelming favorites to three-peat as World Series champions in 2026. They capped off a dominant MLB offseason by signing Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract (with player opt-outs after years two and three, a record $57.1 million AAV for CBT purposes after deferrals, per Jeff Passan and others).
This move has sparked divided opinions across MLB: Dodgers fans are ecstatic, viewing it as a massive win, while supporters of the other 29 MLB teams see it as another example of how the “rich get richer”-or more accurately, how teams willing to invest heavily secure the best talent in baseball.
Do the critics have a point?
Arguably yes-the Dodgers’ spending (a projected luxury tax payroll over $400 million in 2026, with massive penalties) highlights concerns about competitive balance in MLB, fueling renewed calls for a salary cap ahead of the next CBA negotiations.
But in the eyes of many MLB insiders and analysts, it’s simply smart roster construction: the Dodgers have mastered the art of attracting elite free agents and, most importantly, winning championships.
Enter Joe Kelly, the former Dodgers reliever and World Series champion (2020), who passionately defended the organization, declaring them the best franchise in all of sports right now.
“It doesn’t surprise me… it makes a lot of people mad… you see people every single fall line up for the new iPhone. That’s what the Dodgers do. They’re going to improve their team-it’s their product. They put it on the field… They know they’re the best, but they want to keep enhancing their product, and that’s exactly what the Dodgers do,” Kelly said.
Kelly also praised the Dodgers ownership group, emphasizing their competitiveness and long-term vision:
“They don’t care about money… they want to be remembered for cementing their legacy in all of sports… at this moment, I think they’re the best franchise across football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey.”
Kelly’s argument is simple and polarizing: spending leads to winning, and winning delivers what fans truly want-titles. Ask supporters of any perennial losing franchise if they would trade places with the Dodgers, and the answer is obvious.
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