The phrase “Evil Empire” has long been associated with baseball’s most successful franchises, particularly the New York Yankees, due to their financial dominance, history of winning, and ability to continuously reload with elite talent. However, in recent years, some have begun to ask whether the Los Angeles Dodgers are the new “Evil Empire” of Major League Baseball. This question has arisen due to the Dodgers’ blend of financial power, aggressive roster-building strategy, consistent winning, and their undeniable impact on the sport. In this essay, we will explore the factors that contribute to the Dodgers’ emergence as baseball’s new powerhouse, the reasons why they may be considered the new “Evil Empire,” and whether the label is fair or deserved.
The Historical Context of the “Evil Empire”
Before diving into the Dodgers’ current standing, it’s important to understand the historical significance of the term “Evil Empire” in the context of baseball. For decades, the New York Yankees epitomized the idea of an unfairly dominant team that had an almost mythical ability to acquire top-tier talent, often due to their vast financial resources. The Yankees won championships in 27 seasons, with their most dominant stretch coming in the late 1990s and early 2000s under the stewardship of George Steinbrenner. With their hefty payrolls, high-profile acquisitions, and ability to consistently field a competitive team, the Yankees generated as much resentment as admiration. Teams and fans who felt they were at a disadvantage due to the Yankees’ seemingly unlimited budget used the term “Evil Empire” to describe them.
It was this sense of unrelenting dominance paired with a certain disdain from the rest of baseball that made the term stick. But in recent years, particularly since the turn of the century, other teams have joined the ranks of perennial powerhouses, and the landscape of Major League Baseball has shifted. Among them, the Los Angeles Dodgers stand as one of the most formidable forces in the sport.
Financial Power and the Dodgers’ Strategy
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ rise to prominence began with the Guggenheim Baseball Management group’s purchase of the team in 2012. This new ownership group brought substantial financial resources to the table, which immediately altered the balance of power in the National League. Since then, the Dodgers have consistently been among the top spenders in Major League Baseball, regularly ranking near or at the top of payroll lists.
In 2023, the Dodgers’ payroll was over $200 million, reflecting their commitment to assembling a star-studded roster. This level of financial investment is a major reason why some consider the Dodgers to be the new “Evil Empire.” Similar to the Yankees in their heyday, the Dodgers have been able to outspend their competitors, providing them with the luxury of acquiring both elite free agents and retaining homegrown talent. The addition of players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw to a roster already stacked with talent like Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy speaks to the Dodgers’ ability to sign or trade for nearly anyone they desire.
The Dodgers have also mastered the art of player development, producing a continuous pipeline of top-tier talent through their farm system. Their ability to blend homegrown stars with high-priced acquisitions has made them nearly unbeatable. This combination of financial might and effective player development ensures that the Dodgers are constantly in contention for championships. Just like the Yankees, the Dodgers have the resources to pivot and reload their roster without missing a beat.
Consistent Success and Dominance
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ run of success over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since the arrival of the Guggenheim group in 2012, the Dodgers have won the National League West Division title every year except for 2018 and 2019. That level of sustained dominance has placed the Dodgers firmly at the top of the league. Moreover, the Dodgers have made the playoffs every year since 2013 and won the World Series in 2020, ending a 32-year championship drought.
This consistent success has helped cement their status as a team that is always in contention. Fans and critics alike see the Dodgers as the benchmark for what it takes to compete at the highest level, much like the Yankees of the late 20th century. But with success comes resentment, particularly from rival teams and fanbases who view the Dodgers’ financial resources as a competitive advantage that is difficult to overcome.
However, it’s worth noting that the Dodgers’ success is not solely based on spending money. Their front office, led by Andrew Friedman and other key executives, has been hailed as one of the most intelligent and forward-thinking in baseball. The Dodgers are known for their data-driven approach, their shrewd use of analytics, and their innovative thinking when it comes to roster construction. This blend of financial muscle and strategic foresight has allowed them to stay ahead of the curve, much like the Yankees did during their period of dominance.
The Cultural and Emotional Resentment
As the Dodgers’ success has grown, so too has the resentment from their rivals. Teams like the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and even the Chicago Cubs have been forced to reckon with the Dodgers’ financial power and their consistent ability to outspend and out-talent their competitors. For smaller-market teams, the Dodgers represent a near-impossible hurdle to overcome, as they have the resources to consistently load their roster with stars while others are forced to operate with more modest budgets.
The emotional aspect of the “Evil Empire” narrative also extends to the Dodgers’ history. While the Yankees have long been associated with their New York swagger and larger-than-life persona, the Dodgers have their own unique cultural significance in Los Angeles. As one of the most high-profile sports franchises in the country, the Dodgers represent the ideal of success in Hollywood: glitz, glamour, and an ever-expanding roster of superstars. This image often rubs other fanbases the wrong way, especially when they view the Dodgers as an example of how wealth and resources can skew competition in favor of one team.
The Dodgers’ ability to lure free agents with the promise of both financial compensation and a chance at winning a championship has added to their “Evil Empire” status. Mookie Betts’ decision to join the Dodgers in 2020, after a trade from the Boston Red Sox, was seen by many as a clear example of the Dodgers using their financial clout to secure one of the game’s brightest stars. Similarly, Freddie Freeman’s signing with the Dodgers in 2022 raised eyebrows, as the team’s already loaded roster became even more formidable. These high-profile moves only cement the narrative of the Dodgers as a team that is impossible to challenge.
Is the Label Fair?
While the comparison between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees as “Evil Empires” is valid in many respects, the label may not be entirely fair. The Dodgers, despite their financial might, have not exhibited the same level of dominance over baseball history as the Yankees. The Yankees’ 27 championships far outstrip the Dodgers’ single 2020 World Series title. The Yankees built their legacy on decades of success, while the Dodgers’ recent run of dominance is still in its relative infancy.
Moreover, the Dodgers’ willingness to embrace analytics, innovative strategies, and player development sets them apart from the more traditional, “spend-at-all-costs” approach that the Yankees were often criticized for. While they may have the resources to buy success, they have also built a strong infrastructure that has allowed them to continually reload with fresh talent.
The Dodgers’ culture is also distinct from the Yankees in that they have not embraced the same level of arrogance or bravado that the Yankees were often associated with during their heyday. The Yankees’ off-the-field antics, from their constant media presence to their “Boss” George Steinbrenner’s fiery demeanor, often rubbed people the wrong way. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have maintained a more low-key, professional demeanor. Their success feels less like a self-congratulatory victory lap and more like a product of meticulous planning.
