Machado, Harper Back Dodgers' Spending in MLB Salary Cap Debate

Two NL stars voice support for the Dodgers' high-payroll approach as the league heads toward CBA negotiations.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Major League Baseball prepares for collective bargaining agreement negotiations, two of the league's biggest stars - Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres and Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies - have voiced strong support for the Los Angeles Dodgers' high-spending approach, even though the Dodgers have eliminated both of their teams from the playoffs in recent years. The players' backing of the Dodgers' model comes as some owners push for a salary cap, putting them at odds with the players' association.

Why it matters

The divide between high-spending teams like the Dodgers and those advocating for a salary cap highlights the deep tensions in MLB as it heads into critical CBA negotiations. The players' vocal support for the Dodgers' approach could make those talks even more contentious, as the union looks to maintain the current system of no salary cap.

The details

Machado called the Dodgers' spending "f---ing great for the game" and said "every team should be doing it." Harper also praised the Dodgers, saying they "run their team like a business" and "understand where they need to put their money." Both players have faced the Dodgers in the playoffs in recent years, underscoring the high stakes involved.

  • The Dodgers' projected tax payroll was over $140 million higher than the Padres' heading into this week.
  • Harper generated headlines last summer by reportedly yelling at MLB commissioner Rob Manfred over the concept of a salary cap.

The players

Manny Machado

A star infielder for the San Diego Padres who has voiced strong support for the Dodgers' high-spending approach.

Bryce Harper

A star first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies who has also backed the Dodgers' spending model and criticized the idea of an MLB salary cap.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The high-spending MLB team that has drawn the ire of some owners for its exorbitant payroll, but the praise of star players like Machado and Harper.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I f---ing love it. I love it. I mean, honestly, I think every team should be doing it. (The Dodgers) have figured out a way to do it.”

— Manny Machado (The Athletic)

“I love what the Dodgers do, obviously. They pay the money, they spend the money. I mean, they're a great team. They understand how to run it. They run their team like a business, and they run it the right way. They understand where they need to put their money into.”

— Bryce Harper (The Athletic)

What’s next

The impending CBA negotiations between MLB owners and the players' association are expected to be contentious, with the debate over a potential salary cap at the center of the discussions.

The takeaway

The vocal support from star players like Machado and Harper for the Dodgers' high-spending approach underscores the deep divisions in MLB as it heads into critical labor negotiations. The players' union is likely to fiercely oppose any salary cap, setting the stage for a proxy war between big-spending teams and those advocating for more financial restraint.