Machado Praises Dodgers' Spending: 'I Love It'

MLB star says every team should emulate Los Angeles' big-budget approach

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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San Diego Padres All-Star third baseman Manny Machado praised the Los Angeles Dodgers' big-spending approach, saying he "(expletive) loves it" and that every team should emulate the Dodgers' willingness to invest heavily in their roster.

Why it matters

Machado's comments highlight the ongoing debate in baseball over competitive balance and whether large-market teams with deep pockets should be able to outspend smaller-market clubs. His remarks also come as the Dodgers continue to dominate the sport with their star-studded, high-payroll roster.

The details

In an interview, Machado said he admires the Dodgers' willingness to spend big on top talent, even if it means leaving less for other teams to compete. "I (expletive) love it," Machado said. "I wish every team could do that." The Dodgers have the highest payroll in baseball at over $300 million, allowing them to field a roster of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers.

  • Machado made the comments on February 15, 2026 during Spring Training in Peoria, Arizona.

The players

Manny Machado

All-Star third baseman for the San Diego Padres.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Major League Baseball team with the highest payroll in the league, allowing them to field a roster of elite talent.

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What they’re saying

“I (expletive) love it. I wish every team could do that.”

— Manny Machado, All-Star third baseman (wn.com)

The takeaway

Machado's comments underscore the ongoing debate in baseball over whether large-market teams should be able to outspend smaller-market clubs, and whether that is good or bad for the sport's overall competitiveness and parity.