Over the last two offseasons, the Dodgers have shelled out more than $2 billion in future player salaries. This reignited the long-running debate about whether MLB needs a salary cap to even the playing field. While talk of a cap isn’t anything new, the Dodgers’ massive spending spree has many fans wondering if they’re turning the league into their own monopoly.

And guess what, the discussion has been simmering all year, but now that L.A. holds the upper hand in the NLCS against the Brewers, fans are starting to ask: if the Dodgers go on to win back-to-back World Series titles, does that prove that money really does buy success in MLB? Expectedly, the demand for the salary cap is again taking the front page!

“MLB needs a salary cap and a floor. The Dodgers have ruined baseball.” One of the few remarks of baseball fans flooding social media.

Well, here’s long long-pending accusation against MLB that the lack of a salary cap has fueled financial imbalance across the league, allowing big-market teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets to outspend smaller clubs by hundreds of millions. This creates a competitive gap where wealth often translates directly to success, leaving smaller-market fans frustrated.

By contrast, the NBA operates under a soft salary cap, which sets a spending threshold but allows teams to exceed it under certain exceptions (like re-signing their own players). As per the popular belief, a similar structure could bring more fairness and excitement to MLB, ensuring that deep pockets don’t always dictate the standings.

Now, this year, the Dodgers are leading the MLB payroll list with $240 million. And the team they’re playing against in the NLCS? The Brewers are ranked 14th wth $121 million! Check the stark difference, and it’s easily understandable how the low-tier teams find it difficult to shop during the offseason. The Dodgers are now leading the NLCS 2-0, and for obvious reasons, fans are questioning how the Dodgers are steamrolling due to their financial muscle.

Fans are calling for MLB’s long-overdue salary cap

How could MLB be more enjoyable and engaging? When all the teams would have equal strengths and capabilities. However, one fan thinks, “I hope the MLB has a full lockout in 2027. The Dodgers are so unfair, and a reason why a salary floor/cap is needed.” Notably, MLB’s CBA is going to expire by 2026. And once a new contract is not signed by then, we could have a lockout. However, it should be noted that previously, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred was vocal about implementing a salary cap, which was countered by the MLBPA. If you remember Bryce Harper’s encounter with Manfred this year, owing to the salary cap discussion.

“The Dodgers are literally proof that MLB desperately needs a salary cap…like every other major sport,” another fan added. Well, with the salary cap in place, all teams in MLB would have an equal upper limit of payroll. So, be it Brewers or Dodgers, or Mets, each one will have an equal pocket limit. But in that case, we might miss seeing the types of Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani’s contracts. The reason why the players are majorly against the salary cap.

But without a cap, it would be difficult to compete with teams like the Dodgers because with every season, big names would stay within the 2-3 cash-rich teams. “How about a salary floor first?” a fan countered. Yes, a salary floor might be an effective way out, considering here the teams need to secure a minimum amount to invest. For instance, an accusation against the Pirates’ owner, Bob Nutting, of not investing enough could be resolved. But will the MLB team owners agree?

Well, not everyone seems to be on the same page…”The Brewers swept the Dodgers in the regular season, not the Dodgers are putting belt to ass in the playoffs, y’all want to scream about Salary Caps,” one fan countered. Notably, the Dodgers got swept by the Brewers this regular season. So, if money guarantees success, the Dodgers shouldn’t get swept. “Why tho? Isn’t Milwaukee just being here equal to the Dodgers tell us everything we need to know about if a salary cap is necessary?” added another.

So, it looks like the debate around the salary cap is here to stay. But if the Dodgers win the World Series this year, this debate would just get amplified to the next level.