Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Backs Team's Lavish Spending Spree Amid Criticism
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has broken his silence on the team's massive spending spree during the offseason, saying that he believes it's good for baseball. In an interview with NBC News, Ohtani expressed his support for the ownership group's decision to spend heavily on talent, citing the benefits of attracting top players and putting out a winning product on the field.
Ohtani specifically praised the signings of All-Stars Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz, calling them "exciting" moves. He also acknowledged that he had discussed these plans with the ownership group before signing his own massive $700 million deal in 2023. According to Ohtani, the team's goal is to win as many World Series championships as possible, and he feels a sense of pressure but also enjoyment knowing that the team has the potential to bring home a title.
While some opposing fans have claimed that the Dodgers' spending spree is ruining baseball, Ohtani disagrees. He believes that the money invested by the ownership group is being used wisely to sign top players and put out a competitive product on the field.
In fact, the Dodgers' spending spree has been notable for its sheer scale. During the 2023-24 offseason alone, they spent over $1.2 billion, with Ohtani's deal being one of the largest in MLB history. Their projected tax payroll for 2026 is expected to be around $396 million.
Ohtani's comments have been seen as a tacit endorsement of the team's spending strategy, and it remains to be seen how fans and critics will respond to his assessment. However, one thing is clear: Shohei Ohtani is committed to helping the Dodgers succeed on the field, even if that means supporting a team that has become known for its lavish spending spree.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has broken his silence on the team's massive spending spree during the offseason, saying that he believes it's good for baseball. In an interview with NBC News, Ohtani expressed his support for the ownership group's decision to spend heavily on talent, citing the benefits of attracting top players and putting out a winning product on the field.
Ohtani specifically praised the signings of All-Stars Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz, calling them "exciting" moves. He also acknowledged that he had discussed these plans with the ownership group before signing his own massive $700 million deal in 2023. According to Ohtani, the team's goal is to win as many World Series championships as possible, and he feels a sense of pressure but also enjoyment knowing that the team has the potential to bring home a title.
While some opposing fans have claimed that the Dodgers' spending spree is ruining baseball, Ohtani disagrees. He believes that the money invested by the ownership group is being used wisely to sign top players and put out a competitive product on the field.
In fact, the Dodgers' spending spree has been notable for its sheer scale. During the 2023-24 offseason alone, they spent over $1.2 billion, with Ohtani's deal being one of the largest in MLB history. Their projected tax payroll for 2026 is expected to be around $396 million.
Ohtani's comments have been seen as a tacit endorsement of the team's spending strategy, and it remains to be seen how fans and critics will respond to his assessment. However, one thing is clear: Shohei Ohtani is committed to helping the Dodgers succeed on the field, even if that means supporting a team that has become known for its lavish spending spree.
Ohtani's right btw they're gonna win championships and the $$$ is worth it even if its a bit sus lol I mean who wouldn't wanna be part of a winning team 
He says they're signing good players like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz, which is cool I guess... The thing is, some people don't like how much money they're spending but Ohtani doesn't care, he's all about winning 
. He even talked to the ownership group before his own huge deal last year, so he knows what's going on. Maybe it'll work out for them, maybe not 
, but at least Ohtani is supporting their plan, right?
he's so supportive of his team and it's awesome to see him backing their big spending plans 
he's like the ultimate team player 
and i'm sure he'll do everything in his power to help the dodgers succeed on the field 
, and now they're projecting a tax payroll of $396 million... that's crazy 
. It's gonna be tough for other teams to compete with this kind of spending power 
. I guess it's good for fans who want to see exciting games, but at what cost? The financial burden on these players is huge 
.
he knew the team was going all-in and decided to join them anyway. And at $700 million, dude's gonna get paid 
but as long as Ohtani's out there throwing 100+ mph and hitting home runs like they're going outta style 
️ then I say bring on the spending spree 
And now they're projecting over $396 million in taxes alone? That's crazy talk 
. It's just gonna be interesting to see how fans and critics react to his comments 
then im all for it! 
. Can't we just have a more balanced approach to building a winning team without breaking the bank 
I mean, I love Shohei Ohtani and all, but come on $700 million?! That's like, insane! 
I get that Ohtani thinks it's worth it, but some of us see the bigger picture here... teams losing their identity and becoming just another luxury spending spree. Ugh, I need to take a deep breath... 
. Of course, some fans might say it's ruining the game or making it too expensive, but at the end of the day, baseball is about entertainment and competition, and if that means shelling out some big bucks for top talent, so be it 
.