Los Angeles Dodgers two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani rarely speaks to the media, especially when it comes to outside noise, but he made time on Wednesday to address the spending criticism that has come the Dodgers’ way.
Just like the 2025 offseason, the Dodgers have opened the checkbook in the 2026 offseason, signing outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal and Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract.
The signings have led to the Dodgers boasting the highest payroll by a margin and an even bigger luxury tax bill from the league.
MLB fans of other teams have responded by continuing the narrative that the Dodgers are “ruining baseball” and have an unfair advantage because of their willingness to go well into the luxury tax.
For Ohtani, however, he is happy with the aggressiveness that the Dodgers have taken in free agency, signaling that the team is living up to his promise.
“I think it’s very exciting,” Ohtani said to NBC News. “You know, when I did decide to sign with the Dodgers, that was a conversation I had with the ownership group.
“They promised me that they were going to put the best team out on the field. And just, you know, the goal was to, again, continue to win as many World Series as we could.
“I never forget that I go out on the field every day, kind of feeling the pressure, but at the same time having fun and knowing that this team has a chance to win and we can bring it, bring it home to the fans.”
What are Ohtani’s thoughts on the Dodgers winning a World Series?
Ohtani also gave his thoughts on the prospect of Los Angeles bringing home another title this season, and what it would mean to achieve a three-peat.
“As you look back at history, there’s only been a, you know, small group of teams that have three-peated,” Ohtani said.
“The task is going to be very difficult. However, I do hope that, you know, when I retire and I look back and I can be able to say that, hey, I was on that team that won three, three championships in a row. That would be very cool.”
With a team that is filled with talent and the front office investing in Shohei Ohtani’s prime years, the Dodgers are the favorites to win the 2026 World Series, and they are betting players like Tucker and Diaz can help them avoid a close call like 2025 with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Are the criticisms of the Dodgers’ spending warranted? Should their spending be limited? Have your say in the comments.
