Billion Dollar Band-Aid? Los Angeles Dodgers’ Spending Spree After Horrific ALDS Loss to Underdog Diamondbacks

The Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming for the moon. After their last season ended in a disappointing NLDS loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Blue Crew have gone on a rampage. By acquiring the biggest free agents this winter, especially after their October dreams ended with losing to an 84-78 team, they have blown the league away. With their total spending being 50% of the entire offseason spending this year, the Dodgers have set a benchmark that will likely not be met for a long time.

So how did the Blue Crew reach this level? What turned this offseason into a tale of the Dodgers showing their might while at the same time, drawing the ire of nearly every rival fan? 

How early acquisitions were instrumental for Los Angeles Dodgers

While all the other Shohei Ohtani suitors were focused on him, the Blue Crew also looked elsewhere. The team re-signed Jason Heyward to a one-year $9 million contract, as well as RHP Joe Kelly for one year and $8 million. The club also did some minor trading, waiting until they made the offseason mega splash on December 11.

The Dodgers go all out on Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani’s contract was expected to be mind-blowing but the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 10-year $700 million was still jaw-dropping. While fans wondered if spending that much on a single player was wise, reports of the contract’s structure appeased critics. 

Suddenly everyone realized that what they thought was an over-spend was actually a well-thought-out strategy. With Ohtani choosing to defer almost $680 million, the stage was now set for the Dodgers to go on overdrive. 

The epic arrival of Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto

After making the biggest deal in sports history, the Dodgers were ready for more. Their objective had been clear from day one – the World Series. To get that the Dodgers needed pitchers, especially due to Ohtani’s inability to get on the mound in 2024. So the Blue Crew went hard after Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

But before that, the Dodgers also had their eyes on the Tampa Bay Rays’ ace Tyler Glasnow. The Blue Crew traded Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca for Glasnow, Manuel Margot, and cash. Then they extended Glasnow’s deal by giving him $136.5 million for 5 years. With their pitching lineup taking shape, the Dodgers started focusing on Yamamoto.

Watch This Story: The Japanese Sensation Shohei Ohtani Donned The Dodgers Jersey To Set Social Media On Fire

Despite strong competition from the New York franchises, the Dodgers held firm for the Samurai Japan ace. Using Shohei Ohtani as a huge selling point, the Blue Crew did everything to get Yamamoto. Even though the reports said that they were behind, the Dodgers surprised the world by signing a record 12-year $325 million deal with the 25-year-old. 

Is there more to come? Just how far will the Dodgers go?

Read more: LA Dodgers Fans Extend Warm Gesture to Shohei Ohtani After Blockbuster $700M Signing