Similar to the 2025 offseason, the Dodgers opened the checkbook in the 2026 offseason, signing outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year contract worth $240 million and Edwin Diaz to a three-year contract worth $69 million.
The signings have resulted in the Dodgers having the highest payroll by a margin and an even bigger luxury tax bill in the league.
MLB fans of other teams have responded by perpetuating the narrative that the Dodgers are “ruining baseball” and have an unfair advantage because of their willingness to donate well into the luxury tax.
For Ohtani, though, he’s happy with the aggressiveness the Dodgers have shown in free agency, indicating the team is delivering on its promise.
“I find it very exciting,” Ohtani told NBC News. “You know, when I decided to sign with the Dodgers, that was a conversation I had with the ownership group.
“They promised me they were going to put the best team on the field. And you know, the goal was to win as many World Series as possible again.
“I never forget going out on the field every day and feeling the pressure, but at the same time having fun and knowing that this team has a chance to win and that we can bring it, bring it to the fans.”
What does Ohtani think about the Dodgers winning a World Series?
Ohtani also gave his thoughts on the prospect of Los Angeles taking home another title this season, and what it would mean to achieve a three-peat.
“If you look back at history, there has only been a small group of teams that have triple-peated,” Ohtani said.
“The task will be very difficult. But I do hope that when I retire and I look back and I can say, hey, I was on that team that won three, three championships in a row. That would be really cool.”
With a roster full of talent and a front office invested in Shohei Ohtani’s prime, the Dodgers are the favorites to win the 2026 World Series, and they’re betting players like Tucker and Diaz can help them avoid a close call like 2025 with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Is the criticism of the Dodgers’ spending justified? Should their expenses be limited? Have your say in the comments.
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