‘Good for the fans that loathe us’: The Los Angeles Dodgers’ superteam

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been a dominant force in Major League Baseball (MLB), but in 2025, they have constructed a roster that is drawing comparisons to some of the greatest teams in the sport’s history. With a blend of homegrown talent, blockbuster acquisitions, and international signings, the Dodgers have cemented their place as the premier superteam of this generation. However, their dominance has also fueled debates about competitive balance in MLB, drawing admiration from some fans and resentment from others.

Building the Superteam

The Dodgers’ front office has never shied away from spending big to secure top-tier talent. Their 2025 payroll has shattered records, reaching an estimated $400 million, an amount that has sparked discussions about the sustainability of such financial strategies in the league.

Key Acquisitions

Shohei Ohtani: The Japanese two-way superstar remains the centerpiece of the Dodgers’ lineup. After a historic 2024 campaign where he contributed exclusively as a hitter due to elbow surgery, Ohtani is expected to return to the mound later this season, making him a dual-threat asset once again.
Roki Sasaki: The young Japanese pitcher, known for his triple-digit fastball and dominant performances in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), joined the Dodgers in a highly anticipated signing. His presence adds depth to an already formidable pitching rotation.
Blake Snell: The two-time Cy Young Award winner signed a lucrative five-year, $182 million contract to solidify the Dodgers’ rotation. His ability to perform in high-pressure games makes him a crucial piece in their championship aspirations.
Michael Conforto: The veteran outfielder inked a one-year, $17 million deal, bringing experience and power to the Dodgers’ offense.
Hyeseong Kim: The South Korean infield specialist joined on a three-year deal worth up to $22 million, further diversifying the team’s international talent base.

These acquisitions join an already star-studded lineup featuring perennial All-Stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and Walker Buehler, making the Dodgers a seemingly unstoppable force in the National League.

The Financial Debate: Is It Good for Baseball?

The Dodgers’ spending spree has once again reignited the discussion about financial disparities in MLB. Unlike the NFL and NBA, which have salary caps, MLB operates under a luxury tax system that some argue still allows wealthier teams to outspend their competition significantly.

Smaller-market teams, such as the Oakland Athletics and Pittsburgh Pirates, struggle to compete financially, often losing top talent to teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, or Mets. This reality has led to growing calls for a more equitable salary cap to level the playing field.

Despite these criticisms, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has defended the team’s approach, emphasizing their focus on player development and strategic spending rather than reckless financial dominance.

Performance on the Field

The Dodgers’ 2025 season started with a strong showing in the Tokyo Series, where they secured back-to-back wins against the Chicago Cubs. Notably, these victories came despite missing key players like Freeman and Betts, highlighting the team’s depth.

Projected Season Outlook

Analysts predict that the Dodgers will comfortably surpass the 100-win mark, with projections hovering around 103-105 wins. Their closest division competitors, such as the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, have made moves to improve but still appear outmatched.

Moreover, the Dodgers’ depth is so extensive that some analysts speculate they could field two separate lineups, both of which could be playoff contenders. This level of roster strength is nearly unprecedented in modern MLB history.

The Challenge of Managing a Superteam

While assembling a roster packed with talent is an advantage, managing player egos, roles, and expectations presents a unique challenge. Manager Dave Roberts has emphasized the importance of maintaining clubhouse chemistry, ensuring that all players, regardless of their superstar status, remain committed to the team-first mentality.

One of the key storylines this season will be how Roberts distributes playing time, particularly with so many high-caliber players. The ability to balance rotations and prevent internal friction will be crucial to the Dodgers’ long-term success.

The Dodgers as Baseball’s Villains?

For fans of the Dodgers, this era represents a golden age of baseball. However, for fans of rival teams, particularly those in smaller markets, the Dodgers have become an easy target for criticism. The phrase “Good for the fans that loathe us” has emerged as a sentiment echoed by both the team and its detractors.

Some argue that their dominance makes the sport predictable and diminishes competitive excitement. Others counter that teams like the Dodgers are simply playing within the rules of MLB’s system and that other franchises could emulate their approach through better scouting, player development, and strategic investments.

Upcoming Schedule and Playoff Implications

The Dodgers’ early-season schedule features key matchups against playoff-caliber teams, including series against the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers. These games will serve as a litmus test for just how dominant this team can be against other elite opponents.

Barring major injuries or unforeseen collapses, the Dodgers are expected to be the favorites for the 2025 World Series. However, baseball’s unpredictable nature ensures that no championship is guaranteed.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have built a juggernaut that will be remembered for years to come. Whether they are embraced as a dynasty or vilified as a team that tilts MLB’s competitive balance, one thing is clear: they are the team to beat in 2025.

For their fans, this season promises exhilarating moments, star-studded performances, and, hopefully, another World Series championship. For their detractors, the Dodgers’ dominance serves as a challenge to the rest of the league—either adapt and compete or be left behind.