This offseason is going to give us a lot of stories about contracts and money. We have already heard many stories about there being a lockout and the season getting a delayed start. But one fan made it clear who the problem is, and many players, including a Los Angeles Dodgers ace and his rivals, agree to that point.

In a recent post, a fan named Mike Dro said that “Cheap owners created the environment for a super team like the Dodgers to exist. Salary cap doesn’t stop those owners from being cheap.” And guess what players agree with him. In another post, he wrote, “So Blake Snell, Ivan Herrera, Josh Hader, Michael Chavis, and MATT KEMP have seen my posts and agree that the owners are being stingy. Cool.” And he posted a pic of them having liked his post.

The problem in MLB is not only big-market teams spending excessively, but also many others not investing adequately in talent. Thirteen teams had payrolls under $100 million in 2021, with five under $50 million, showing clear reluctance. Players and fans notice this imbalance, as even revenue sharing cannot compel clubs to spend responsibly.

Revenue sharing, intended to help small-market teams, often fails, with some still avoiding competitive payrolls entirely. The Marlins received $70 million, and the Rays about $50-$60 million, yet both maintain modest payrolls. Rival players like Cardinals’ Ivan Herrera and Astros’ Josh Hader openly support teams like the Rays, valuing effort over dollars.

The Milwaukee Brewers exemplify this problem, exploring trades for ace Freddy Peralta instead of investing slightly more to retain him. Peralta posted a 17-6 record with a 2.70 ERA, yet an $8 million team option might not guarantee his return. Fans see this as frustrating, observing a league where talent is sacrificed for cautious financial management rather than competitive ambition.

If owners are serious about controlling spending, they must accept a salary floor alongside any cap proposals to ensure fairness. Average player salaries declined from $4.45 million in 2015 to $4.17 million in 2019, despite MLB revenues rising over thirty percent. Without enforced minimum investment, the league perpetuates cycles of uneven competition, leaving fans emotionally invested but financially shortchanged.

Blake Snell, Ivan Herrera, and Josh Hader prove even stars notice owners’ miserly choices. Fans might buy tickets, but owners’ wallets decide whether baseball feels truly competitive or fake. Until a salary floor exists, MLB’s “fair play” is just a polite suggestion, not reality.

Dodgers manager aims to honor baseball fans by delivering their wish

If baseball had a hierarchy of bravado, the Los Angeles Dodgers would be sitting pretty near the top. Their manager, Dave Roberts, isn’t shy about stirring the pot, especially when whispers about “super teams” and bloated payrolls start flying. Roberts has a flair for turning criticism into motivation, and with the Dodgers eyeing another championship run, he’s making it clear that he’s playing both for trophies and for the fans who love to cheer loudest.

After the Dodgers’ 5-1 victory over the Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS, Dave Roberts spoke confidently to the crowd. He addressed critics of Los Angeles’ high payroll, saying, “Before the season started, they said the Dodgers are ruining baseball. Let’s get four more wins and really ruin baseball.” The statement resonated with fans, who remained roaring in the stands during the trophy presentation, fully embracing the team’s confident postseason performance.

Roberts’ message underscored both accountability and defiance, emphasizing that the team’s success honors the fans’ passion and loyalty. With a $321 million payroll, second only to the New York Mets, the Dodgers’ depth and resources remain undeniable factors in their championship run. Fans felt the excitement and pride firsthand, as the atmosphere in the stadium captured both triumph and the promise of another World Series showdown.

Dave Roberts and the Dodgers have shown critics that winning can be both loud and deliberate. Fans now expect nothing less than postseason brilliance, as Los Angeles turns resources into undeniable results. If baseball is “ruined” by success, Roberts is happily leading the league’s most enjoyable disruption.