Dodgers president: 'To say we don't spend enough is ludicrous'
It's been a quiet offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose lack of spending and inability to sign a big-ticket free agent is causing frustration among their fan base.
With fans wondering if ownership is satisfied with collecting division titles rather than trying to win the franchise's first World Series since 1988, team president and part-owner Stan Kasten responded to those concerns.
"Some people may think that. I think that is silly and contrary to the facts,” Kasten told Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times. "I think there were three teams in all of baseball that spent more than us last year. ... Two of them didn't make the postseason. So, to say we don't spend enough, it is ludicrous."
The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs were the three teams with higher payrolls than the Dodgers in 2019, according to Spotrac.
"It's obviously not about what you spend," Kasten continued. "It is about the moves you make, the decisions you make. I think questioning those things, criticizing those things, that's absolutely fair. But just to say there's a (payroll) number you need to hit and if you don't hit it you're not trying, that's just silly."
The Dodgers, who've won seven straight division titles, have only had a payroll below $200 million once since 2013. This offseason, they've spent just $10 million in free agency, inking veteran reliever Blake Treinen to a one-year deal.
Kasten said the Dodgers have been willing to spend and made runs at Gerrit Cole, among other prized free agents.
"There are guys that we think could be difference makers and we have pursued them. We are continuing to pursue them," Kasten said. "When there is an opportunity we will certainly jump at it. I like stars too. ... It's cool, it's fun, it's fun for the team, it's fun for the fans. But what's most important is winning. And for the Dodgers, it's winning year in and year out; that's what I'm trying to build."
Kasten said he expects the Dodgers to go "well over ... or somewhat over" the competitive balance tax threshold of $208 million at some point this year. It was reported last offseason that the Dodgers were telling investors they planned to stay below the threshold for four years.
Trade rumors have linked the Dodgers to Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts.