As of October 30, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers have maintained one of the highest payrolls in Major League Baseball (MLB). Their financial commitments have been a significant topic throughout the season, especially as they approach the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Opening Day Payroll: The Dodgers began the 2025 season with a payroll of approximately $354.8 million. For competitive balance tax (CBT) purposes, this figure was estimated at $393.75 million, setting a new MLB record. This substantial payroll positioned the Dodgers well above the highest CBT threshold, resulting in a luxury tax payment of around $143.4 million.
Deferred Payments: The team's strategy includes significant deferred payments. Notably, catcher Will Smith's 10-year, $140 million contract includes $50 million deferred from 2034 to 2043. This addition increased the Dodgers' total deferred compensation liability to $915.5 million, owed to five players, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernández.
While the Dodgers' payroll is substantial, the New York Mets edged them out with a present-day value of $323.1 million, compared to the Dodgers' $321.3 million. This slight difference is attributed to the Mets' signing of Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract without deferrals.
The combined payroll of the Dodgers and the Blue Jays for the 2025 World Series is approximately $560 million, marking the largest ever for a World Series matchup. This surpasses previous records, highlighting the financial investments both teams have made to reach this stage.
Shohei Ohtani: Ohtani's contract has been particularly impactful. His performance has justified the investment, leading the team to consecutive World Series appearances and significantly boosting the Dodgers' revenue through increased ticket sales and marketing deals.
Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Both pitchers have been instrumental in the Dodgers' postseason success. Snell, who signed a five-year, $182 million contract, and Yamamoto, with a 12-year, $325 million deal, have delivered strong performances, underscoring the value of their contracts.
In summary, the Dodgers' substantial payroll reflects their commitment to assembling a competitive team, a strategy that has paid dividends as they vie for back-to-back World Series titles.
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