Does the Dodgers' heavy spending to win harm baseball? The real issue lies with unrealistic management.

Following the Dodgers' consecutive World Series victories with the highest league payroll of $350 million, the global baseball world has been abuzz. This thrilling championship captured attention in Japan and also stirred controversy domestically in the U.S. Recently, discussions about the Dodgers' "big-money championship" have intensified. While many label them as the "villains," some American journalists argue differently, saying the Dodgers are not the problem; instead, the real issue is with management that is unwilling to invest in winning and is out of touch with reality.

The topic of the Dodgers' heavy spending to chase the championship began heating up during the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. At that time, media compared the Dodgers, with a $350 million team payroll (the highest in the league), to the Brewers, whose payroll was $122 million (ranked 17th), describing the matchup—marked by nearly a threefold payroll difference—as "commoners versus Hollywood stars."

The Dodgers have continuously strengthened their roster through massive investments. Although the New York Mets also represent "big-money baseball" by exceeding the luxury tax threshold, the Dodgers, having won consecutive titles, are currently seen as the "villains" in American baseball and even accused of "destroying the sport."

In response, Noah Hiles, a reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, sarcastically commented on social media: "My social feeds are filled with the scent of losers."

Hiles dismisses the criticism of "big-money baseball," stating: "The Dodgers are not the problem; the real problem lies with management that refuses to commit to winning and is disconnected from reality. The championship team performed brilliantly and delivered an outstanding show for us."

He bluntly said: "The Dodgers are strong—they make money and reinvest their earnings to pursue victory. If you disagree with that, then that’s a loser’s mindset." He further emphasized: "I’m not a Dodgers fan, but their dedication to winning deserves respect. A salary cap might change things, but the mentality of owners who only think about making money won’t."