Padres' Manny Machado Embraces Dodgers' Spending Spree

Star player says rival team's big-money moves are "great for the game"

Feb. 16, 2026 at 12:15am

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San Diego Padres star Manny Machado has no issue with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers continuing to spend heavily on players, even as his own team and others take a more conservative approach in free agency. Machado said he "f---ing loves" the Dodgers' spending spree, which has pushed their payroll to around $400 million this offseason.

Why it matters

Machado's comments come as players and owners prepare for labor negotiations, with a salary cap likely to be a key topic of discussion. While some have criticized the Dodgers' dominance, Machado believes every team should emulate their big-spending approach rather than trying to rein them in.

The details

The Dodgers have continued their offseason spending, signing outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract. Meanwhile, the Padres have brought in lower-cost players like pitchers German Marquez and Griffin Canning. Machado believes all 30 MLB teams should have the ability to spend like the Dodgers if they choose to.

  • Machado made his comments on Sunday from Padres spring training camp in Arizona.

The players

Manny Machado

A star player for the San Diego Padres who has no issue with the rival Dodgers' big-spending approach.

Brandon Gomes

The general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who says the team's focus is on winning championships rather than worrying about outside perceptions.

Bryce Harper

A star player for the Philadelphia Phillies who also praised the Dodgers' business model and believes other teams can emulate their approach.

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What they’re saying

“I f---ing love it. Every team should be doing it. That s--- is f---ing great for the game.”

— Manny Machado, Padres Star

“I think every team has the ability to do it. I hope all 30 teams learn from that.”

— Manny Machado, Padres Star

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

— Bryce Harper, Phillies Star

“The validation is winning championships and putting out as good a team as you can each and every year. All we're trying to do is get a little bit better each and every season with the goal of winning a championship.”

— Brandon Gomes, Dodgers General Manager

What’s next

As players and owners prepare for labor negotiations next month, the issue of a potential salary cap is likely to be a key topic of discussion.

The takeaway

Machado's embrace of the Dodgers' big-spending approach highlights the growing divide in MLB between teams willing to invest heavily in talent and those taking a more conservative approach. This debate over financial parity is set to be a central focus of the upcoming labor talks.