MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has responded to criticisms surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers and their impact on the competitive landscape of baseball. According to Manfred, the claims that the Dodgers are breaking the sport or making it worse are unfounded. He stated, "I don't agree with that. The Dodgers are a really well-run, successful organization. Everything that they do and have done is consistent with our rules." His comments reflect an understanding of fans’ concerns in other markets regarding their teams' competitiveness, noting that these concerns must always be taken seriously. However, he emphasized that attributing the challenges faced by some franchises solely to the Dodgers is not justified.

The Dodgers have faced scrutiny from fans due to their aggressive approach following their recent World Series victory. With a projected payroll of $375 million, according to FanGraphs, the team has made significant acquisitions, including 2023 Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, Japanese pitcher Rōki Sasaki, and 2024 All-Star reliever Tanner Scott, among others. The discontent is not limited to fan bases. New York Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner expressed in January that it has become increasingly difficult for many owners to replicate the Dodgers' financial flexibility. Baltimore Orioles principal owner David Rubenstein has also indicated the necessity for a salary cap, a longstanding point of discussion among MLB owners.

Supporters of the Dodgers argue that the real issue lies in the lack of spending by various franchises, which compromises the competitive balance in MLB. Teams like the Cleveland Guardians, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Miami Marlins are running sub-$100 million payrolls. Notably, the Guardians, coming off an AL Championship Series appearance, have made only one significant offseason move, signing relief pitcher Paul Sewald. As spring training approaches, it is expected that discussions around these issues may dwindle as the focus shifts to actual gameplay. It is worth noting that if the Dodgers experience a slow start to the season, the narrative may quickly shift back to criticism of the team. The comments from Steinbrenner and Rubenstein hint at a division within MLB ownership that may complicate future negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement.