The Los Angeles Dodgers were relatively quieter at the start of the off-season. But the way they have managed to turn the off-season dynamics around is commendable. They have a lineup stacked with superstars. If the New York Yankees wore that crown of ‘evil empire’ decades back, right now it is their subway rivals. MLB fans are questioning if one team spending so massively, with several deferred payments, which is now standing on a billion, is even fair.

Apart from the Dodgers, the team that has shown a rich appetite to spend this offseason is the New York Mets. Owner Steve Cohen has that drive to make the Mets into baseball’s ultimate Goliath. They signed the season’s gem, Juan Soto, right from under the NY Yankees’ nose. Even if that meant them giving him a massive $765 million deal, a signing bonus, premium tickets, and even a suite.

It’s clear Steve Cohen wants to be the Goliath in New York or even Major League Baseball. However, what’s surprising is the Mets batting coach is hinting that the Dodgers are the real Goliath, not them.

Eric Chavez compared the Dodgers to the New York Yankees of the past. The time where they were known as the evil empire, that dominated baseball and won every championship. As a former player of Oakland A’s, he recalled what it was to face such a juggernaut. “Back in the early 90s, 2000s, the Evil Empire, came to the Oakland Coliseum. The A’s versus the New York Yankees. We competed. They obviously beat us in the playoffs a couple of times…I accepted the challenge, I loved it. Didn’t feel like an underdog, and didn’t care that they were making more money than we were. David and Goliath, that’s the way I felt. Let’s go.”

This narrative coming through from Chavez highlights that he isn’t scared of competition. But the underlying fact is he is deeming the Dodgers as the evil empire, as the Goliath, not the New York Mets, even though Steve Cohen is spending huge to attract top talent. Chavez did add, “I’m just glad I’m with an owner now that is willing to compete in the current climate.”

As far as facing the Goliath, which for him is the Dodgers, he is excited. In fact, he said he has even seen the schedule to check when they are facing them. “Can’t wait,” gushed Chavez. As far as LA’s spending spree, he questioned whether it was a sustainable business plan. So far, there is still time to sign maybe some other key players to take on the Goliath and become one, it seems, for the New York Mets.

LA Dodgers vs. New York Mets: a story of two strategies

The LA Dodgers have spent a lot. They have spent more money in two seasons than what other teams can imagine. It all, of course, started with Shohei Ohtani’s massive contract of $700 million, even if it was deferred. Then, of course, they snagged Yoshinobu Yamamoto for $325 million. This season they snagged Blake Snell for $182 million and they also got Tanner Scott, Tommy Edman, re-signed Teoscar Hernandez – all expensive deals. All in all, the LA Dodgers have spent over $1.5 billion in just two off seasons. Now the Mets are also deep-pocketed but there is a difference in their spending spree.

The New York Mets sure did make a big splurge with Juan Soto. However, after that they have held back. Fans are wondering why they are not willing to go above and beyond like the Dodgers. After all, Steve Cohen is the richest individual owner in MLB. Well, some analysts think that Cohen is maybe playing the long game. MLB insider Danny Abriano mentioned on social media, “You don’t make a bad business deal just because you can easily absorb it, as Steve Cohen obviously can.”

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Basically, Cohen isn’t looking to throw money around just for the sake of it. He is being strategic about the money spent. There is a difference in strategy between the Mets and the Dodgers.

Do you think that Cohen’s restraint approach will pay off in the long run? Especially when he wants to be a Goliath in MLB? Let us know!