Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking $700 million contract always gets highlighted when the Dodgers’ financial flexing gets discussed. But they are far more than that. A deeper analysis would show the Dodgers are leaving the small-market teams by miles, and how this continuing trend would only end the competitiveness in MLB. But who is to be blamed?

For NBA legend Earvin Magic Johnson, the Dodgers players need not take note of this chaos. Rather, they should be well-prepared for the World Series. “To my Dodgers, it’s time to get back to work, block out the noise, remember no distractions, and focus on having a good week of practice and preparation for Game 1 of the World Series!”

According to Johnson, the constant chatter of “Dodgers are ruining baseball” could affect the clubhouse, but the players should not pay any heed to those.

Magic Johnson isn’t just a fan of the Dodgers, but actually part of the team’s ownership group! Back in 2012, Magic became one of the key investors in Guggenheim Baseball Management that bought the Dodgers. While he’s not involved in the day-to-day baseball decisions, Magic is often seen at games, celebrating with the team. He is also seen supporting players publicly, especially during big playoff runs.

But what’s behind this viral chatter around the Dodgers?

The answer lies in the Dodgers’ payroll!

As LA swept the Brewers in the NLCS, their stark difference in budget posed a greater threat. Reportedly, there are 6 players in the Dodgers fetching more than $20 million AAV, while the Brewers got two such players. Christian Yelich has the highest AAV in the Brewers with $24 million. And for the Dodgers, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Blake Snell all fetch higher AAV than Yelich.

Other than the record-breaking amount on Ohtani, the Dodgers’ other high-ticket contracts include $325 million for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, $136.5 million for Tyler Glasnow, and $182 million for Blake Snell. And except for Juan Soto’s contract with the Mets and Aaron Judge’s with the Yankees, no small-market teams like the Pirates, A’s, Brewers, or Marlins could be seen in this zone!

Riding on this scene, the biggest accusation against the Dodgers is that they are trying to create a monopoly by financially sidelining the small-market teams. Ruining baseball. But according to Dave Roberts, the Dodgers actually put money into baseball operations and do not keep them for profits.

“Our ownership puts it (revenue) back into players, a big chunk of it.”

And if other team owners are not investing the same way, Roberts thinks it’s their choice and not compulsion. And amidst the chatter, the skipper might’ve heightened the energy a bit more with his reaction of “let’s ruin baseball” after the NLCS win.

And the 5x NBA champion knows what it takes to be focused at the most critical time. With no one able to stop the narratives around the team, it’s the on-field result that could be the biggest weapon for the players. Now, as the Dodgers got a good one-week break before entering the World Series, the first game would prove if Johnson’s pep talk actually made a mark.

A distinctive World Series awaits the Dodgers

Last year’s World Series gave us a familiar matchup, but this time around, things are set to look completely different. Whether it’s the Mariners or the Blue Jays representing the American League, we’re guaranteed a first-time World Series pairing.

The Blue Jays haven’t played for the title since they went back-to-back in 1993. And the Mariners have never made it to the big stage at all. So whoever the Dodgers face, history will be made. And even if the Dodgers win the World Series this year, that could also bring historical changes in MLB.

It might push MLB closer to finally introducing a salary cap. With their massive $240 million payroll this year, the Dodgers have already sparked plenty of debate about competitive balance. A championship could add more fuel to the argument that big-spending teams have too much of an edge.

So, no matter how it plays out, this World Series is shaping up to be something special — historic, controversial, and unique.