The Blue Jays need to save baseball

"This is a common phrase that has been said by fans since the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to that absurd contract. In December 2023, the best player to ever play signed a 10-year deal worth $70 million annually. However, most of that money is deferred, as Ohtani will make $68 million a year from 2034 until 2043, with just over $28.2 million going towards the Dodgers' luxury payroll."

"By adding those two players to an already stacked team, the Dodgers' payroll sits over $350 million. Only two other teams have a payroll above $300 million: the New York Mets ($341.8 million) and the New York Yankees ($304 million). Bigger market teams tend to spend more money, aside from maybe the Chicago White Sox. The Jays are no different; they aren't quite the Cinderella team as the media has portrayed."

"Still, they've been forced into this underdog position because, for the foreseeable future, the Dodgers will be the World Series favourites. There is a legitimate chance the Dodgers could end up being a dynasty. On top of spending boatloads on free agents, the Dodgers tend to draft well and make savvy trades. This has been going on long before the Dodgers signed Ohtani, as they've finished first in the National League West division in 12 of the last 13 seasons."

The Dodgers' payroll exceeds $350 million after adding Shohei Ohtani and another high-profile signing, with most of Ohtani's salary deferred so only about $28.2 million counts toward luxury payroll. Only the Mets and Yankees also surpass $300 million in payroll. Big-market teams generally spend more, and the Blue Jays spent just over $255.2 million this season, producing a top-five offense. The Dodgers have finished first in the NL West 12 of the last 13 seasons and combine heavy spending, strong drafting, and savvy trades, creating a realistic chance of a dynasty while the Blue Jays remain a credible underdog challenger.

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