The Dodgers’ signing spree is yet to end and the latest to fuel the rumors of joining them is Kirby Yates. Yes, Kirby Yates, whom the Mets fans had long rallied for could end up with the Dodgers. Well, big names joining the LA Dodgers are no longer a piece of shocking news for MLB fans. Rather, it is the discussion of blaming the Dodgers for ruining the game’s beauty. But how come a team improving their roster ruins the game?

The critics are pointing out the valuation difference between the top 2-3 teams and other teams in the MLB. Fans often consider the Yankees and the Dodgers as the top two teams in valuation for the unversed. So, who should they get the blame if the big names are lining up for the top teams, especially for the Dodgers? Did the team’s signing of them cause this, or did other teams fail to act first?

Is it the Dodgers vs. the other teams?

With the current trends, the Dodgers will be the benchmark for all other teams in fielding a contending squad. However, they are the force and all the other teams will look to beat them. Why so?

Well, the star-studded roster of the LA Dodgers this year is something a team can only dream of. Plus, it’s not ending here with Kirby Yates reportedly joining them. However, contrary to the general mood, former World Series champion A.J. Pierzynski is loving it, rather he is putting the onus on other clubs for this disparity in the MLB. His reaction?

“I don’t care it’s not fair!” So yes, the Dodgers are all going by the rules and nothing’s unfair.

“He was sitting since November and no other teams had made a move till now”, said Pierzynski, referring to why no other teams have tried to land Yates. Quite a rational take! It’s not that the free agents are not available to all other teams, but it’s how the Dodgers always make the first move. For the unversed, the Mets fans have long rallied to land Kirby Yates, but no concrete response from the club yet. So who is to blame here? Reacting to this, Pierzynski said, “It’s the 21st today, and that dude was sitting since November and any other team would have signed in“.

Ultimately, the player will make the final decision on where to play. Yes, irrespective of any player getting multiple offers, it is his choice. We can only sit and respect his decision. Reportedly, Roki Sasaki joined the LA Dodgers, despite receiving offers from the Blue Jays and Padres, but he chose to play for the Dodgers.

So again, why is the blame pinned on the Dodgers for the players’ personal choices? Also, what about the other teams waiting to make the first move? 

Ensuring the League competitiveness 

Majorly, it’s the stark valuation difference between the teams that might create a challenge here. Reportedly, the $765 million and $700 million contract value for Soto and Ohtani respectively is more than the net worth of a few bottom-tier teams out there! Yes, that’s the difference between the teams. So quite expectedly, all teams cannot make a similar move like the Dodgers. But here’s a catch! 

The Yankees are valued more than the LA Dodgers. The Red Sox and the Cubs are just behind them. So why don’t they make the first move? Let’s be very honest here, even though the Dodgers are doing fine in strengthening their roster, it is also the responsibility of MLB to ensure competitiveness between the teams. Ways forward? The salary cap!

A salary cap would give all teams a fair chance to sign top players, preventing a few teams from dominating the talent pool, but it would also limit player salaries. While many argue that if the talent’s there, why can’t they earn more?

While it is true that capital disparity should not be there between the teams, it is also true one team can surely do everything for their chances. It’s just the competitiveness of the LA Dodgers that is evident here. The other teams must show the same intent. 

Let’s hope we get an even playing field in MLB!