Dodgers GM Dismisses Need for Validation From Star Players

Brandon Gomes says the Dodgers' focus is on winning championships, not seeking approval from others.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 6:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes dismissed the need for validation from star players like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, saying the team's focus is on winning championships and improving each season. Gomes said the Dodgers' success comes from the incredible support of their ownership to build a championship-caliber roster.

Why it matters

The Dodgers have become one of the most dominant teams in baseball, spending aggressively to assemble a star-studded roster. Gomes' comments show the team' confidence in their approach and unwillingness to be swayed by outside opinions, even from high-profile players.

The details

Gomes said the Dodgers' priority is putting together the best team possible each year to win a championship, not seeking validation from other players. The team has spent heavily this offseason, adding top free agents like Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker to a roster that already includes stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani.

  • The Dodgers made major offseason moves in 2026 to bolster their roster.

The players

Brandon Gomes

The general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, overseeing the team's roster construction and player personnel decisions.

Bryce Harper

An All-Star outfielder who has praised the Dodgers' spending and roster-building approach.

Manny Machado

An All-Star infielder who has also voiced his admiration for how the Dodgers operate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think, first of all, it's the incredible support from ownership, like we've always had, to go out and be in the position to address the needs that'll help us go out and try to win another championship.”

— Brandon Gomes, Dodgers General Manager

“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

“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 takeaway

The Dodgers' front office, led by GM Brandon Gomes, has shown a willingness to spend aggressively to build a championship-caliber roster, drawing praise from star players like Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. However, Gomes' comments indicate the team is focused on its own goals and not seeking external validation, confident in its approach to team-building.