Dodgers News: Harper & Machado Defend Dodgers’ Free-Agent Splash, Call It a Win for Baseball

LOS ANGELES, CA—While the 2026 Major League Baseball season is offically underway with all thirty teams across the sport reporting to their respective camps in either Florida or Arizona, all eyes are on the upcoming 2027 offseason with a potential lockout looming.

The defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are at the forefront of the conversation among players, fans, and media, each taking a side and arguing whether what the team has done over the last few years is good or bad for the sport.

The Major League Players Association has been adamant about not implementing a salary cap in the sport because it would almost certainly lower player earnings, restrict market freedom, and shift leverage to owners.

As teams now report to camp, many of the game’s biggest stars have been asked for their thoughts on what the Dodgers have done in three consecutive offseasons: spending big and bringing in elite talent as they look to become the first three-peat champions since the late 90s New York Yankees.

Well, to the surprise of many, those stars have shown overwhelming support for the Dodgers and what they’ve done, including Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies and Manny Machado of the National League West rival San Diego Padres.

Despite facing criticism from other fanbases, owners, and some media, Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper has stayed one of the Dodgers’ strongest supporters.

Harper’s recent comments praised the Dodgers’ scouting and player development, but once again criticized their spending as harmful to baseball, according to Tim Kelly of OnPattison.com.

“I love what the Dodgers do, obviously. I mean, they pay the money, they spend the money. They’re a great team, they run their team like a business. They run it the right way.

“They understand where they need to put their money into but also, people don’t look at this either. Their draft and development is unbelievable. They draft and they develop, and then they trade those guys for big-name guys and then spend the money.

Harper reiterated the same sentiment he expressed last April, when he was famously quoted as saying, “only losers complain about what they’re doing.” He also mentioned that every baseball team has the same opportunity as Los Angeles.

When Machado was questioned about his rival’s recent offseason spending, he stated that he appreciates what the Dodgers are doing and hopes other teams in the sport take note.

“I (expletive) love it. I think every team should be doing it. They’re figured out a way to do it, and the (stuff) is (expletive) great for the game honestly. I think every team has the ability to do it. So, I hope all 30 teams could learn from it.”

The Dodgers are starting the season with a payroll nearly double that of the Padres, which is around $220 million, but Machado argues that a salary cap could harm the sport.

“I think our game is very good at what we’re doing. There’s a lot of money being made. Look at what’s going on with the game. The last five years, it’s been great.

“So, I think a lot of teams have the ability to do what the Dodgers are doing. We started it a few years ago with [late owner] Peter [Seidler], so everyone could do it. It’s just a matter if they want to or not.”

Over the upcoming season, these discussions are likely to not only continue but also intensify, as both sides are preparing for another lockout. The key question is whether they can reach an agreement before games are missed in 2027. Only time will tell, but for now, don’t expect many players to jump at the opportunity.

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